Now I am a big fan of any kind of party where you get free stuff. Unfortunately, too many first time moms end up getting burned.
When the big day comes, you get all dressed up, you open presents, and you go home with:

48 outfits of pink or blue all in size 0-3 months (we will talk about this in the book)

2-3 pairs of baby booties

A diaper pail system (that will end up costing you hundreds of dollars in refills over the course of a few months)

Various baby toys

A pack of bottles (usually not the ones you registered for)

A needlepoint picture of a teddy bear to hang on your wall (very ugly)

26 receiving blankets

A kit to make a plaster handprint of your baby

And if you are lucky, a couple of gift cards or money.

Think I am joking? I just typed up the list of items out of my son's baby book.

So, how do you prevent this? Here are some tips:

1. If at all possible, do not tell anyone the sex of your baby. Keep it between you and your husband, and maybe grandma. But swear them to secrecy! Once everyone gets word that's it a boy or a girl, they can't stop themselves from buying little frilly pink things or little blue things with puppy dogs on them. It's impossible.

2. Don't put a single stitch of clothing on your registry. You are going to get clothes regardless, but don't put the idea in their head.

3. Do include things on your registry like cases of diapers, baby soaps, wipes, diaper rash ointments, baby medicines and gift certificates. Take the scanner out of the baby department and head towards the diapers and formula. Baby Tylenol® is $8 dollars a bottle- and you will go through it like water when your baby is teething.

4. Most registries give you a place to include a note for shoppers: use this space to repeat the fact that you would like diapers and wipes.

5. On the same note, put items on your registry that you will need when baby is 6 months old or a year old, etc. Feeding spoons, sippy cups, teething toys- you will be happy that you did.

6. Use your registry as your own personal shopping list- when you buy something off the list make sure that the cashier marks it off your registry. That way your shower attendees know that you already have whatever baby gadgets you registered for, and you won't have any surprises.

Read the book to find out more!

What's Inside?

» The List-To-End All Lists! What to buy for baby and what not to.
» The Truth About Baby Showers. Mistakes that can cost you $100's in last minute shopping.
» Dirty Diaper Awards. The worst baby buys ever.
» Decorating on a Dime. What you need and what you will NEVER use.
» Buying Baby Clothes. The truth about sizes, and much more.
» Bottles, Binkies, and Diapers 'oh My! Things that you should never buy before the baby comes.
» Baby Budget Facts & Figures- I show you how to set a REALISTIC baby budget.
» Overcoming FTMS- you can be a great mommy without that baby widget!

Tip# 1 Cut the feet off of your child's sleepers and then do a simple hem to make them last a few months longer! You can even make them into shorts to give them a little bit more life.

Tip#2 Onesie extenders are an easy way to make your child's onesies last longer. They add a couple more inches in height instantly! No sewing required.