Baby Shower Registry

Updated on March 19, 2011
B.D. asks from Olathe, KS
16 answers

Hi ladies. I'm due with my 4th child in May and my first little boy. I have a friend who wants to throw me a baby shower along with my sisters in law. I only had a shower with my first daughter and it was a surprise so I didn't register. My question to you is should I register at a baby registry or not? I'm feel to thoughtful that my friend is doing this for me and it was very much unexpected that I feel that if I was to register that it would seem like I was expecting her (or someone else) to do this for me. I don't want so seem like I'm begging for anything so I'm asking the experts (you!) what I should do. Thanks for all your help in advance.

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L.M.

answers from Dover on

I would register because with you having three girls and now having a boy, they won't know what you truly need or want. Select a few things that you do need new because you either got rid of or is just too girly for a baby boy. Add a few other things like diapers, lotion, etc so they know which kind you prefer.

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M.R.

answers from Chicago on

Don't register. You have 4 kids and although you may need new things it isn't like you're starting from scratch. It will seem like you're soliciting gifts.

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V.T.

answers from Dallas on

I tell everyone to register with all babies. Not to solicit gifts, but to get all the coupons and deals that come with registering. My sister registered with her 3rd and didn't have a shower, but she got some great coupons and deals to use towards her registry. If you feel ackward about it, just tell your friend that you registered, but to not announce it in the invitation and only tell people if they ask.

3 moms found this helpful

C.A.

answers from New York on

Well if you feel that you should register so that you don't get things that you don't need, go with the friend and SIL's and make a day of it. They would have a blast picking out little boy things with you. Talk to your friend and SIL's and see what they say. If they are dead set for giving this to you then welcome it with open arms. Congrats on your little boy and have fun!

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D.P.

answers from Pittsburgh on

I wouldn't register for a 4th child, but if your friend wants to throw a shower--enjoy!

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L.R.

answers from Washington DC on

Go ahead and register, and ask the hostess if she can let folks know you registered -- but that you're fine with guests not using the registry either. If you and the hostess are good friends and you express to her exactly what you wrote here -- that you're concerned folks will see this as begging -- I bet she'll say, don't worry about that!

Sure, you have three other kids, but I don't know their ages, and you may need things that you had with them but have gotten rid of already -- stroller, diaper bag, "diaper genie," feeding necessities, etc., and of course there are always diapers and more diapers you can put on registry. I don't see registries as begging or asking for frills. I would rather know what the parents really do need so I can be sure my gift will be used. And anyone who wants to go "off registry" can do so, and you'll smile and love those gifts too. Enjoy your shower!

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J.L.

answers from Chicago on

I wouldn't register.....What would you need to register for anyway if this is your 4th child??? If they want to throw you a shower great! I think those who would attend would realize that you are having a boy and would shop accordingly to the change in gender :) Other than bedding, blankets, clothes, what do you need that you don't have already??? I am sure you have a car seat, stroller, pack n' play, infant bath tub????

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M.C.

answers from Washington DC on

I would go ahead and register for things you need. A new carseat, boy clothes, wipes that you prefer, diapers that you prefer, gift cards. Keep it simple. Just because you register for things doesn't mean that people have to buy off of it, but it will give them an idea of your likes/dislikes/needs as well as what baby store you like if they want to give gift cards.

M.

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K.P.

answers from New York on

I would create a conservative registry of items that you really need, not just "want". Honestly, people will want to buy you something to celebrate the baby and if you don't give them some ideas you will find yourself under a mountain of clothing!

I find baby registries to be very helpful b/c everyone has different priorities, taste, decor, etc. If you really feel uncomfortable about this, then see if your hostess would be willing to have people contribute to one or two "large" items rather than a gift list. I attended a shower for a third child (1st boy though) and we all contributed to the bedding and a much-needed glider. People brought little things if they wanted to, but there was no pressure (and no "hours of presents")!

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A.D.

answers from Dallas on

Go ahead and let your friend host a baby shower for you. That is kind of her. I'm sure she wouldn't offer if she really didn't want to do it. There is nothing wrong in having a baby registry. Many people appreciate it (like me) when there is a registry. Guests can purchase what you really need and not buy you nononsense gifts. Take advantage in registering for diapers and wipes too. Also, it's your 4th child you know that most of your childrens clothing is probably worn out or stained. Sippey cups/baby bottles may be chewed on or old. Toys may be broken too. It's always nice to get new things for your new little one. So don't feel bad, feel blessed that you have a sweet friend that would do something like that for you. Go for it!!!

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J.B.

answers from Atlanta on

I think you should. I'm normally not for showers after the first unless it's been a really long time since you've had a baby, but in your case it HAS been a long time since you had a shower! Plus, it's for a different gender, and after 3 other kids, a lot of your original baby gear is probably done for, AND a shower is being thrown for you anyway. I always like having the registry of someone I'm buying a gift for because I know I can get them something they really want or need. Just register for a few things at one place and enjoy!

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B.S.

answers from Springfield on

Register.. It makes it easier on the guests. Plus it is your first boy...!!! If someone is going to give you things off the register they will anyway. Also, if a few people want to go together and get something they will know exactly what you want. And if they don't want to bother to shop they will at least know what stores that you are interested in shopping at for gift cards. Pick 2-3 stores so it is convenient when guests are doing their own shopping (or if they are like me and don't shop at certain stores) it gives more flexability.

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T.L.

answers from St. Louis on

I wouldn't register either, but if there is something that you need since I'm sure something has worn out after the first three kids I would maybe just hint around to a family member about it. How exciting a boy after three girls!

I LOVE Victoria's idea though about registering just for the coupons. Coupons can help save a ton of money with a new baby.

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K.K.

answers from Chicago on

I wouldn't register, but if there is something you really need or want, like a new infant car seat, then I would tell you friend, so if people want to chip in and buy something you need you will have it.

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A.C.

answers from Houston on

I am split on this issue. For me, it depends a bit on the guest list. Most of my friends would want to know what to buy...they are mostly single and/or without children.

As for it being your 4th, that is again, really depending on the guest list. If I didn't agree with a party, I just wouldn't go. But" I'd be willing to bet that this is the first baby that some of your friends have experienced with YOU.

I like the idea of registering, but just giving the information to those that request it.

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F.B.

answers from Kansas City on

Speaking as both someone who threw one of these showers and now as a 2nd time mom, register. When I threw my cousin a shower for her first boy (after girls) she didn't register at first and I had to make her, everyone called me, where is she registered, what does she need/want. People wanted to know if she had a pink travel system, they wanted to get a blue or neutral (so the boy wouldn't always be in a pink car seat), etc, but didn't know. Then I, finally, got pregnant with my 2nd (5.5yrs later) most of my big stuff was out of date (car seats had to be replaced, stroller had broken during multiple moves, swing and high chair had been recalled). They decided to throw me a shower and everyone ask me where I registered and wanted online registries to be able to send things they didn't want to have to carry (travel system from my boss). If they are throwing you a shower, they want to get you something and they most likely want to know what you want. Congrats!!

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