I recently put together my baby registry, and as cute as the cozy sleepers and baby blankets are, along with necessities like diapers and nursing pads, I found the things I really need after baby is born is lacking.
Baby registry essentials are always about the newborn (and sometimes a little about mom’s physical recovery). But apparently you can’t “add to registry” when it comes to a house cleaner or a massage therapist!
After a few babies, I’ve come to realize how absolutely essential these non-baby registry items are. So much so that I’m willing to give up that ritzy new play mat and high-chair upgrade. Bring on the services and buy me some time — after all, babies really don’t need too much stuff.
If I could truly add anything to my baby registry, here’s what I would want.
Meals — any and all
When I’m snuggled up with baby while recovering from their arrival, I need food. My family needs food. And I don’t want to be driving to the grocery store and then shuffling around the kitchen. At least not for the first while! Meals — frozen, takeout, convenient snacks, you name it — are so appreciated after birth. Asking friends and family to set up a meal train is a great option for new parents.
A house cleaner
Need I say more? Whether they stop in for an hour to vacuum and scrub a toilet or visit for the whole day and clear out every dust bunny that ever existed, I would be eternally grateful.
A therapy session (or five)
Having a baby is a process. Everyone acknowledges the physical aspects, but the mental aspects are huge too. As I adjust to my growing family and new baby, I can’t help but imagine that a therapist’s support — even virtually — would help immensely.
Time to exercise
Obviously not right away, but eventually it is such a gift to be given time to help my body transition into its post-baby self. Offer to watch my other kids for an hour or two and I’d be so grateful.
Playdates for my big kids
With the addition of a new sibling, it’s always my fear that my older kids will get lost in the shuffle. Newborns take a lot of care. Add in less sleep overall, and I’m just not the mom I want to be to my older kids for a season. I would absolutely LOVE for someone to help fill in that gap so my big kids have some extra-special time and attention.
A massage
Shortly after one of my births, I was in a car accident. Because of it, I was required to get a weekly massage as I healed. What a gift! Not only was it an hour to myself, but it was a healing opportunity that every postpartum mom should be blessed with. Adding a single postpartum massage to the registry is more doable because you can request a gift card to your favorite spa.
Time with my baby
Life doesn’t stop when you give birth. So, when someone else picks up the mail, does the dishes, or decorates for Christmas, it releases me to spend time with my baby. And my, are those moments precious and fleeting — especially when it’s not the first time around. To be given time with my baby while my regular responsibilities are covered would be the greatest gift of all.
