What to Register for.

I just compiled this list for a good friend of mine who is pregnant with her first. I spent so long on it, I thought others could use it. It's all just my opinion of what you should put on a registry, not something I think should be an overall rule

Note: Forgive misspellings and typos. I just don't have it in me to proofread this whole thing!

Using the Baby Registry list from BRU located here: http://www.toysrus.com/shop/index.jsp?categoryId=2964381, the following is my opinion on their list:

car seats
I personally love Graco brand. Watch the super expensive ones, as although nice, some are just huge. Britax are good but they are bigger. Before you pick the one you want, try it out and see how easy it is to adjust how tight it is, etc. I've seen some that are a bitch to tighten and this is something you have to do every time you drive. You want EASE.
~ infant car seat (1)
~ Car seat base (one for each car. I even had one for my mom's car.)
~ car seat positioner (1) http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3247580
~ shopping cart seat (1) http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3237211 or something. I liked using one, not just for germs, but for baby comfort.

Strollers
Just go with a travel system if you can. If not, make sure your car seat is compatible. And the Registry list has a lot of totally unnecessary stuff like stroller diaper bags and special toys. ~shrug~.
~ Travel System (1) - Mine is this one, but different color: http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3224013
~ Umbrella stroller (1) - You won't be using this until baby is 6ish months though. I bought a chep one like this: http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3311025 because I really used the graco travel system's stroller ALL the time. Graco's stroller fit in all my cars and was very easy to use.
~ Jogging Stroller (1) - I bought one, never used it.

Backpacks and carries
~ Framed Carrier (1) - Only if you are hikers or campers. I never got one.
~ Front Carrier (1) - This baby bjorn was my favorite: http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2267522 because it allows you to have both hands free. The hip carries makes you stabilize baby with your arm. Dumb.
~ Sling (1) - Nice to have for fussy baby. I put Karl in it during fussy time when he just wants to be held. But I don't use it when out at all - I use baby bjorn for that. Mine is: http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2663262 There are TONS of slings out there though, so get what you think you'll like if the sling is your thing. I'm not into this "baby wearing" thing, so I just got a quick and easy sling for quick use.

Activity
Most of these things aren't for a newborn and you won't be using them for months and months and months, but why not throw it on a registry and get someone else to pay for it?
~ Stationary Entertainers (1) - and I do suggest one. When it comes to something entertaining your baby, it's priceless.
~ Walkers (1)
~ Gyms & Playsets (2) One for laying on their back like this: (not mine, but these are the best) http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3243095 and one for tummy time, whichmost babies hate, so getting one that helps with it is worth it, in my opinion. This one is like the ones I used for the girls http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2504245 and this is the one I have for Karl, but haven't used it yet, so can't really tell you if it's good or not: http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3374929
~ Infant Positioner (1)
~ Bouncer (1) - Some babies like these, some don't. I have two, one "comfort" one which is this one: http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2861767 which none of my babies liked and one "entertaining" one which is like this one http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2265002 - mine has lights and Karl ~loves~ looking at it. Gives me 10-15 minutes of time here and there.
~ Swing (1) - WORTH IT'S WEIGHT IN GOLD. Holy shit, get a GOOD swing. Get whatever one you like, but make sure it has this one feature: - it swings both front to back and side to side. Sometimes the baby doesn't like a certain way to swing. Karl can be freaking out swinging front to back, but I turn it so it goes side to side and he immediately sleeps. This is the one I have now (I'd of kept the old one, but Ella broke it): http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3090973 I love the seat too, as it's super comfie like a papasan chair. This is where my babies first learn to sleep too. You don't want one like a chair or one that sits up too high or one that has leg holes the baby has to get in. Get a swing the baby can lay in. Believe me, the swing is where it's at.
~ Door Jumper (1) - My girls loved theirs, but not a necessity.

Feeding & Nursing
Bottle warmers - NEVER needed one
Sterlizers - NEVER needed one. Um hello? Dishwasher. Or hand wash in hot water.
~ Lap pads (aka burp cloth)s (6) - I just used cloth diapers though.
~ Bibs (6-8) - You won't need this for months though

Breast Feeding
This is something I would never register for. Just seemed weird to me.
~ Breast Pump (1) - I ~highly~ recommend the Medela Pump In Style. I pumped everyday at work from 12 weeks until 1 year old with both girls and will for this baby too. This electric pump is awesome. Do NOT buy used, get a new one. 1) only hospital grade pumps are for multiple users, even with new parts, milk vapor can still go into pump part and "infects" the next user 2) They do get old and less powerful. Mine died before Allie reached 1, so I needed to buy a new one - you have no idea how long a used one is going to last.
~ Containers/Bags (many) - I freeze my breast milk for future use. I start pumping at only a week old to get a supply in the freezer, I'm big on breastfeeding and only use formula when I have no other choice. I use: http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2967914~ Breast Milk Storage - How is this different from the bags? I don't get it.
~ Breat Pads (many) - My favorite is Johnston & Johnston which I don't think BabiesRUs carry, I get it in the grocery store. They aren't expensive and are shaped with a little divet for your nipple. Very comfortable. I've tried many and like this one.
~ Creams - A small tube of Lanisoh is all you need, as you'll only use it for first few weeks and then later on if you get a cracked/sore nipple. The hospital gives you one when you give birth, so I never needed to buy more.
~ Nursing pillow (1) - The boppy is TOTALLY NECESSARY! I'm using one right now, as baby lays on it and nurses and I'm hands free. Get a slip cover or one that has a removable cover to begin with - makes it easy to clean.
~ Nursing wrap - Bah. Unnecessary. I think it's unfair to make your baby eat underneath a blanket when it can be stifling hot. I nurse in public - anywhere - and I've never showed anything. I'm discreet, sure, but I don't hide. Here is the secret: Wear a tank top under all your shirts. Before you breastfeed, get ready by pulling tank top down underneath your breast and undo your nursing bra. Then lift shirt up as you bring the baby to your breast. Baby will latch on while still under your shirt and then you can lift it up above their face. Voila! Tank top covers your belly and your shirt is over their face and baby gets to eat without having to be under anything.

Bottle Feeding
I start bottle feeding every now and again (with breasmilk) at the very beginning to get baby used to bottle too. If you don't do this, baby may not take a bottle and only want the breast, which screws you because you are stuck ALWAYS having to breastfeed. So if you plan to breastfeed and actually want to get away from baby every now and again, get bottles.
~ Bottles/Nipples (1-3) - Babies are particular to bottles/nipples. I got the fancy expensive ones with Ella and she would NOT take most - settling on some cheap ass gerber ones that I hated because they were ghetto. So just get one of a few brands and only open one at a time. If she likes it, go buy more. But don't invest in anything quite yet.
~ Bottle Drying Rack (1) - It's a nice to have
~ Insulated Tote (1) - But one comes in the diaper bag the hospital gives you
~ Bottle Brush (1)
~ Dishwasher Caddy (1)

Solid Feeding
~ Get some bowls and infant spoons
~ Food Processor (I use my quisinart) to make your own baby food
~ Baby food cookbook "Super Food"
~ Baby food freezer trays (1 set) - http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2721830
~ Snack bowls (2) - http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2404578
~ Placemat (1) - http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2908461
Play yards / travel yardsI put in my suggestions under the "cradle/bassinets" section below.

High chairs
~ high chair (1) - whatever one you want. These get dirty - make sure they are all wipable. You don't want to have to launder anything. Another plus is being on rollers. I have this kind: http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3251254
~ Mats/covers/toys - All unnecessary

Booster seats
~ travel booster seat (1) - VERY nice to have. http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2265745 or http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2861762 The problem with the first is it doesn't work on all tables.

Bath and Potty
~ Bath tub (1) - I have small house and the baby bathtubs were always too bulky. I use this instead: http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2574102 but it pisses me off because it floats and baby isn't in the water as much as I would like. This is what has always worked nicely: http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3332084
~ washcloths (8-12)
~ hooded bath towels (4)
~ robe (1) Cute, but not practical.
~ shampoo/body wash/lotion/etc - Something you'll always need
~ bath toys - whatever you like.
All the other stuff isn't needed until baby is older (like potties) which seems silly to think about now when you won't need it for 2 years.

cradles/bassinets
This is really your choice. I suggest getting a pack-n-play which can be used as a bassinet in another room or for travel. It's quite large, so it's not for plane travel, but packing it in the car to take somewhere is good. You can find portable cribs for air travel (http://www.onestepahead.com/catalog/product.jsp?productId=534620&cmSource=Search) but it's not a necessity.
~ Pack-n-play (1)
~ Fitted sheets for pack-n-play (2)

nursery furniture
~ Crib (1) - Don't pay more for the 3-in-1 cribs which turn into toddler beds and the as a frame for a twin bed. They simply aren't good as toddler beds because they are so high from ground and most don't come with a railing for toddler bed. If they do, it's another $150 for the kit, which is stupid.
~ Changing Table (1) - I REALLY liked the changing table. Many dressers come with a changing table as part of the dresser, but it sucks because 1) you can't put anything on the dresser and 2) there are no drawers. Open shelves are the way to go so you can put baskets full of diapers, wipes, baby essentials - and all easy to reach.
~ Glider or Upholstered Rocker (1) - Awesome to have. Late nights spent nursing, you'll be happy you have one.
~ other furnitue stuff - whatever you want to put in your babies room.

Clothing
Personally, I don't register for clothing. I'm very particular in clothing and I don't like babiesRus clothes nor most target clothes (where most registries are) because of the material they use - they use such shitty material, not soft at all. I really like old navy and baby gap and even gymboree. If you do register, be sure you feel the fabric first, don't do this part online. For sizes, I buy all the first stuff in 0-3 months, although it will all be too big for the baby. If you buy newborn size, it will fit better but will only fit for about a month, depending if you have a small baby or not. It's nice to have a handful of things in newborn size, just so you have something that freaking fits. If you can afford it, why not?
~ Homecoming outfit. (1 or 2) - Buy this in newborn size.
~ T-shirts (4-6)
~ Socks (4 to start with) - fyi - rarely do socks stay on. I have found the ~only~ socks to ever fit are old navy newborn socks. So don't buy a lot until you find what actually stays on your baby.
~ wearable blankets (1-2) - I didn't use this with the girls but got some this time and I love them. There is one that is 'swaddle me" which is a wearable blanket AND an extra piece that you can wrap tightly around and velcros. Awesome. (http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2870659)
~ cap & booties - Only buy if it will be cold when the baby is newborn. I never used these with girls, but do use caps w/ karl.
~ onesies (12+) - Your baby will LIVE in these. Get a few in newborn size, but rest can be 0-3 months.
~ footed jammies (6+) - Even if its warm, just get it in light cotton material. All my babies lived in these (at night) too.
~ Gowns (6) - I pretty much swap footed jammies and gowns all the time. Great thing about gowns is it makes late night diaper changes easy. Since it's cold, I pair these with the wearable blankets.** Note - People over wrap their babies. Rule of thumb - dress the baby as you are dressed. If you are warm, the baby will be warm. I see so many babies wrapped in blankets in their carseats while mom is wearing jeans and t-shirt. Poor babies swelter. Plus, overly warm baby increases SIDS risk.
~ Other clothes, just buy what you think is cute. It's super easy to get caught up in buying clothes though. I suggest not buying ahead in other sizes until 1) you see what/how you dress your baby and 2) how your baby fits on the size thing. Not all babies follow the 0-3, 3-6, 6-9, etc sizing scale.

Toys
~ Mobile (1) - Don't just buy the one that matches crib. I had different ones for Ella and Allison - they never looked at it. But this one is the one I got for Karl. Doens't match a damned thing, but he likes it! From about 3 weeks on, he is actually entertained and will hang out and stare. http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2331939
~ Other toys - whatever you like. The crib aquarium http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2265070 is something I bought for all 3 kids. Ella and Allison STILL use it every single night. Literally. Every night for almost 5 years.

Miscellaneous I didn't see on list
~ Wipes warmer - I like this for when the babies are newborn, but then I don't use it again. If you get one, be careful, as you need to keep the pad inside wet, which means wetting it every few days. the instructions say every 2 weeks, but the thing will burn up and dry before then.
~ Crib sheets (4-6) - Get a few cotton and a few knit. The cotton is good in summer and knit good in winter. I like Koala brand.
~ Bedding set (1) - I personally don't like most of the ones at Babies R Us. Instead, I highly recommend the sets from Pottery Barn Kids. The set I got for Karl was: http://www.potterybarnkids.com/products/nb180/index.cfm?pkey=cboys%2Dnursery%2Dbedding%7Cb The sets come with bumper pads (controversial, but I use them), quilt which can't be used, but I hang on quilt rack as decoration and bed skirt. I bought the matching fitted sheet too, but bought the other sheets from BabiesRUs
~ Mattress Pad (2-4) The mattress is plastic, of course, but breathable - so a water proof or resistant is smart as it saves your mattress and won't allow liquid to flow further down the sheets. It keeps it more where it was "spilled". You'd think 2 was enough, but there are nights when the kid is sick and you go through many changes. It's nice to have enough to make it through these times.
~ Sheet Saver (2) - Nice to have so when baby spits up in bed, you don't have to change sheets. http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2403293
~ Diaper Racks - unnecessary to me because I use baskets on the changing table shelves.