Want to know what motherhood is really like before even having a baby? Try putting together a list of products and baby registry services.
The Baby Registry is one of the earliest rabbit holes of parenthood. There is no better way to get a sense of the maternal mental load than to find out that what you don’t know is so abundant it can be categorized, labeled, and linked to corresponding shopping lists.
In this maze of future needs and desires, are there some truly beneficial baby registry services you should be adding to your list? Absolutely, but they require us to reimagine what we will truly need as new parents – not the latest stroller or most advanced baby monitor but the continuous support of our village.
But how exactly do you turn support into part of your baby registry? Include these 3 requests in your registry:
1. Support us with specialized baby registry services that will lighten our load
Hate cooking? The house is always a mess? Overwhelmed by new experiences? Motherhood has a way of amplifying who we are to the extreme, and asking for everyday services rather than products can help better manage this unique time.
Here is a list of Baby Registry Services to choose from:
Here are some examples of specialized services you can ask your loved ones to contribute to
Use this list for inspiration and then choose one or two services you know will provide the specific support that is most beneficial to you.
2. Support us by joining these apps and becoming part of our support system
Next, consider asking your loved ones to join community-centered apps. You might not think of apps as a Baby Registry Service but they can be. These free apps will help friends and family stay in touch and support you from afar.
Here are two great options:
Mothership Rising App. This free app, developed by a local LA mom, enables friends and family to create a 100-day nurturing circle around a new mother. The app includes a Support Wish List (that allows mothers to share what type of support they need and notes regarding visits), a Self Care Registry (with items the mom requested for herself), a Circle Calendar (for members to sign up for support) and daily text messages with words of encouragement.
WhatsApp. This free messaging app is another easy way to connect with your circle of care. Friends and family can opt into the group texting feature to receive photos, updates, and requests for help from you and your partner. Having people on a specialized app separates your messages from their regular texts and allows them to engage as much or as little as they wish.
Use these simple yet effective apps to help take the guesswork out of when and how to help. They will also give you a lifeline to the outside world when you need it.
3. Support us by being our “One Thing” Person
Lastly, when you’re compiling your list of baby registry services, it’s worth remembering that not all our loved ones are going to get on the baby bandwagon. Some might not necessarily want to hold the baby, hang out at the playground, or admire endless newborn pictures. Others might be too busy with their own families to help or support you in person.
While they might not be able to physically be there, they can provide much-needed services and support, especially if you know what to ask for.
Here are some examples:
l. Be our designated researcher
One of the things that became abundantly clear to new moms is that pregnancy and motherhood come with a shockingly large amount of research and coordination. But not everything will be directly baby related – you will still need to get a smog check, schedule a handyman, or find a new meal service, just to name a few.
Ask people to help to lighten this mental load by becoming your designated researcher. You might find that friends that aren’t 100% comfortable with direct interactions with a newborn might love taking on a less hands-on task
ll. Be our “Can I pick anything up person”
Some of us do all our shopping online, some do the rounds. If you have someone who lives nearby or visits regularly, get them into the habit of calling or texting to see if there is anything you need. This small act of kindness will go a long way.
III. Be our ”Can I drop off anything person”
People will come to visit. They won’t always know how to be helpful. Get in the habit of leaving Post-it notes on your front door with small things you need help with – “drop off a letter in the mailbox, deposit books in the library, return an item to Amazon…” No help is too small when your plate is full.
The most important thing about this type of help? Make sure you’re volunteering the right person for the right task. If it doesn’t end up being helpful- take it off your list!
At the end of the day, we need our people, not just our things when we welcome a new baby into our lives. Let’s make it easier for them to help, support, and celebrate this special time in meaningful and impactful ways.
Want to learn more ways to build a community around you and your family? Read 11 Ways to Build a Strong Support Network for some easy-to-implement ideas. =