We live in a consumer culture. Every day, the media whispers in our ears: buy-buy-buy. This message is particularly loud when a woman becomes pregnant. Retailers would have us believe that we need to spend big in order to successfully care for our babies. In fact, the opposite is true.

I am pleased to offer you a free printable – the “Less is More” Baby Registry Checklist. Here are 4 things that set the checklist apart from conventional lists:

The checklist includes brand names. As a product reviewer, I’ve experienced hundreds of baby brands firsthand [baby carriers, strollers, sippy cups, etc.]. Not all products are alike. When there are stand-out products in a particular category, I list them for your convenience.

The checklist assumes that you will be breastfeeding. Most checklists from baby stores assume the opposite – with a whole line-up of bottles, bottle warmers, formula, etc. The subtle message is, “If breastfeeding doesn’t work out for you…” I’d prefer that the message to new moms be, “You can breastfeed. Your body and your baby were designed for it. It might be hard. It might take time and determination. But it will be worth it.“

The checklist errors on the side of simplicity. The BabiesRUs checklist has 169 products. The Target checklist has 91. The “Less Is More” checklist has 40.

The checklist is NOT a must-have list. What your baby “must-have” is you and your love.

It’s important to note that all babies are different, all moms are different, and all of our stories are unique. Use the baby registry as a guide, but let your heart and situation lead the way.

DOWNLOAD YOUR FREE COPY NOW: “Less Is More” Baby Registry Checklist.

Feel free to pass on this free resource to pregnant women that you know!