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@mediagirl: I also bought Baby Bargains and relied on it (and Amazon reviews) heavily for creating my registry.

I've researched: tests during pregnancy, round ligament pain, stretching & exercises, natural child birth, what to bring with you to hospital/birth center, must haves & don't needs for baby registry, vaccination schedules, best breast pumps, breastfeeding, hypnosis for childbirth, baby wearing, best lightweight stroller for city dwellers, I've watched over 30 natural births and read hundreds of birth stories.

There's probably more I'm forgetting...I like to be prepared

I read a lot about birth, the history of it, how it has changed, that kind of thing. I didn't focus too much on a specific method.

I also read Baby Bargains, even though we're in Europe and didn't use the majority of the products as they're different. I did a ton of research on car seats and strollers but still made some mistakes, it's inevitable.

I wish I would have spent more time reading about baby sleep habits...I was very unprepared and really thought all babies sleep all of the time...umm, mine didn't, and remains a challenging sleeper.

I have just begun researching products. Its seriously overwhelming (every product has someone who thinks its “the best” or “the safest” etc.) and wading through the options is difficult and time consuming. Amazon reviews make it easier, somewhat.

Once you are pregnant and have your OB, they should be able to tell you which hospital(s) they partner/work with, and then you can start seeing what classes and options the hospitals offer.

Daycare: several of the daycares I’ve called (at 21 weeks pregnant) already have waiting lists past when our LO is due, so start the search early. One resource I’ve used for researching daycares is to contact your state’s licensing board and see what state licenses and accreditations they offer. That department should also be able to tell you how many (if any) and the substance of complaints filed with specific daycares. Our state has a certain state specific accreditation program, and you qualify for an additional state tax break/credit if you send your child to one of the highest rated daycares. Additionally, the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) has a super accreditation program, where all the caregivers in NAEYC approved daycares must have early childhood education backgrounds and other children specific education and training, instead of just whomever the daycare wants to hire. You can find NAEYC accredited daycares in your area on their website.

Oh my! I am not even PG yet but just hearing different topics and what not on here from all you wonderful ladies gets me so interested I have researched soooo much it seems already! I always have another window open when I am on here to look something up if I dont know.

so far, i only did extensive research on baby registry items. i need to get going on other items! eek!

I was in denial that in the end id have a baby. So I researched things that had to do with pregnancy and laborious and delivery. Also fun things like stuff for the registry and baby gear.

I wish I would have focused more on the actual baby and parenting, because now I don't have time to.