Must-haves for the 1st baby?

[gris gris]

Congrats on your new baby!!! Since the baby will be a winter baby I highly recommend the infant seat cover (by jj cole). You can get it at Babies R Us for $39.99. It's impossible to put a jacket on babies and this helps keep them warm.

I should go back and see where you live Maybe you don't need it!

I'm on baby #2 and interestingly enough the same things I did not use with #1 I don't use with #2: changing table, swing (both hated it), diaper genie (easier just to toss the diapers outside in the garbage), wipe warmer & monitor.

We use every day - the bouncy seat, floor activity gym, Playtex bottles with drop ins (if using formula get the baby used to room temp water so you don't have to worry about warming bottles!).

Good luck!

 

[luckymommy]

Along with all the stuff mentioned by OP's I would have to add:

* vibrating bouncy seat...my son LOVED it!

* Baby Phazyme, Mylicon ( gas drops)- Whew, theres nothing worse than a cranky infant with a rumbly, uncomfortable belly!

 

[kfeuer]

I agree with the poster who said that one person's don't need is another person's must have! Here's my thoughts:

You will likely get more 0-3 and 3-6 month outfits then you can possibly use. If you're like me, you'll quickly discover that alot of those cute outfits are a pain when it comes to changing diapers, and aren't worth the effort if you're just staying home. Keep the cutest ones and return what you can. One of my babies was born in December and he spent many days in the flannel gown/sleepers (hard to describe, but basically you put the baby inside and zip it up, and there's no separation for the legs, so it's very easy to change diapers).

Personally, I found our changing table indispensable. We have a 2-story house, and in the nursery we put a changing pad on top of his dresser. However, it was a pain to go upstairs for every diaper change. It killed my back to try and change diapers on the floor, so I eventually got a changing table for the downstairs and it was a lifesaver. Again, YMMV.

If you formula feed, another vote for Dr. Brown's bottles. They're a bit of a pain to keep clean, but worth it because it made my babies so much happier.

Slings or some kind of baby carrier can be quite useful. Most babies are perfectly content if they're near you, so the sling allows you to get things done even when the baby is awake. I liked my Maya Wrap because the fabric is very breathable. We went to DW when our youngest was 6 months old and I carried him all over the park in the Maya Wrap. He napped when he wanted to, and it was much easier then constantly putting him in and out of the stroller. DH used the Baby Bjorn some, but they do not breathe and it made both of them miserably hot.

I wouldn't stock up on any one size of diaper. Depending on how big your baby is at birth, they may not even need newborn diapers. I know both my kids were only in size 1 a week or two. On the other hand, some kids are in the smaller sizes for awhile. You just never know.

Congratulations on your upcoming arrival!

 

[crisi]

Borrow what you can - because someone else's must can easily turn into your "I spent $40 and never use it" - and because that cool play mat thing you have to have to stimulate their little mind lasts about three months and then they crawl off it and don't care and are chasing the cat.

i.e. The Maya Wrap. I SO wanted to be a sling Mom. And my girlfriends were sling moms. My first is from Korea - and they wear their babies there, so I was told I SHOULD be a sling mom for adjustment. I couldn't do it. We bought or borrowed slings, we bought and borrowed harnesses, and I never felt like my kids were safe. Getting them in and out was frightening to me. So evenutally I passed on a hundred dollars worth of slings and such I'd bought.

i.e. Infant toys - so much of this stuff was used so rarely, and for such a brief period in our household, that the dollar per minute of baby entertainment was really high.

There are some things I'd get NOW. Stock up on the baby meds - if you don't have a peditrician yet, call and get one. Ask them (you can just talk to their nurse) for the baby med shopping list. It will probably be infant tylenol, infant cold medicine, maybe cough. The first time the little one gets sick, you want to have that stuff in the house. Have a humidifier in the house for the same reason.

You want practical easy to change clothes - sleepers and onesies - rather than a closet of really cute outfits. I agree - return most of the shower gifts - adorable as they are, you won't use them much (or return them for a bigger size - they look adorable on them at eighteen months and people won't have given you many bigger clothes).

Also, stock up on stuff for you - have maxi pads in the house - you'll need them! Make sure to have things that help you relax and recover (chocolate, bath stuff, things that make you feel human - simple stuff though, like good smelling shampoo or candles for by your bath - not the time consuming things - like nail polish - it won't have time to dry). If you are planning to try breastfeeding, you'll want lanolin in the house.

 

[Hannathy]

Every baby is different , one of mine loved the swing, the other the vibrating bouncy seat! luckily neither is a high priced item. Get the infant bathtub it is cheap and as a new Mom you will be scared to death with the first bath and at least with the little tub you won't feel as overwhelmed.

I say get the wipe warmer! nothing wakes a baby more completely in the middle of the night than a cold wet wipe on its warm bottom.

You are being smart, babies really don't need a lot and it has turned into such a big money making and marketing business.

 

[Mono~rail]

Shop garage sales, thrift shops, and consignment shops for baby equipment and other baby care items. Most of the stuff is like brand new -- bought it and the baby didn't like it. I could have bought 5 wipe warmers this morning if I had wanted one of them. Seriously, a baby's nursery could be outfitted in just a few weekends of garage sale buying for probably less than $100.

 

[MATTERHORN]

LOTS of Baby wipes! (for his cute little bottom along with wiping off spit-up from your clothes when you are out )

Bottles and nipples if you plan to use them
Bath tub or bath sponge. IMO I loved the sponges. They are a few inches thick and you put them in the bottom of a regular tub.(only about $5.00) It absorbs enough water to keep them warm, and you don't have to worry about baby slipping out of your arms or slouching down like they can in the baby tubs. Also, you can throw them right in the washer!

Dreft or ivory snow for all that laundry

Another vote for the bath sponge!!! I love it, I hated the tub we got when DD#1 was small. Got a bath sponge at about 3 months old and never looked back. It is cheap enough that I bought a new one for each kid, and it doesn't take up a lot of room!!

Andrea

 

[ardig123]

Personally I think the Diaper Genie is a waste of money... I had two and neither worked well (1 actually broke the 1st week) and the inserts are expensive. I have had so many mothers tell me the same thing... I just wish they would have told me before I wasted my money! I would just buy a nice stainless steel trash can with a lid that lifts with a "foot pedal" and change the bags every couple of days.

I loved the wipes warmer as well! Very nice on cold nights in the winter. Even if my daughter didn't appreciate it, I sure did when I reached for one! lol!

Pack and play is priceless in the early months... especially if you buy one with a basinette on the top. We live in a house with two floors and I kept the pack and play downstairs for quick naps when i wanted to keep an eye on my daughter and not have her all the way upstairs. Great for travel too! Took ours on a cruise and it fit perfect in the room. Better than using the cribs hotels give you.

I used Avent bottles and hand pump! LOVED them! That was the only bottle my daughter would take when i had to go back to work. I used the handpump twice a day every day for a year once i went back to work!

Sling and snugli was nice but only used limited times... like the previous poster I always worried that she may fall out.

My last thought is this baby bouncer...http://www.onestepahead.com/product/117/365760/117.html
I personally never used it because it just came out on the market, BUT i wish I had it when my daughter was an infant... she had terrible colic and the only way to calm her down and get her to sleep was to hold her in our arms and bounce... rocking didn't cut it and I got tired of bouncing up and down on the bed.... I would have paid double the price for one of these! Plus the one step ahead company that sells it is AWESOME... I love all of their products... especially their safety products... def. check the website out! Congratulations!!!!!

 

[Va-bear]

Lots of great lists here - and , as for everyojne , there iwll be "stand-outs" that you come to value the most over time...

For us two standouts....
1.PACIFIERS (newborn types...)

2. a bottle warmer - I didnt have this with the first, that's why its a standout...everytime I used it, I'd think "MAN, I wish I'd had this the first time!!!!"(If you nurse exclusively, skip it...which is why I didnt have it the first time - planned to only nurse.... But, I HAD to supplement with formula since I dont produce sufficiant quantities of milk.)

So, if you decide to use formula, or pump a bottle and have dad feed it to the baby in the night then this device is AMAZING!!!!! Keep it set on your bedside talbe, then you can just activate it as baby wakes up hungry - by the time you've quickly changed its diaper you have a warm bottle without even leaving your bed!

Good luck you'll do great !!!!! (In a pinch Target has almost everything a baby needs til its off to college!!!)

 

[puddleduck]

I have 3 boys and found that with each one I needed less and less "stuff".

My must haves:

If breastfeeding:
1. A good pump- rent one for the first couple of weeks to see if you will keep at it. If you will then buy a good one. I can not emphasize this enough-buy a good one. I had a Medela and it is the single best investment I made for my babies.

2. Lanolin- works great for breastfeeding moms and diaper rash.

3. Nursing pads-I liked the washable cloth pads the best.

4. Rocker or glider that you can comfortably feed in.

If bottlefeeding do not go out and buy a lot of one type of bottle. I spent I don't know how much on the playtex system and the baby sitter couldn't get my ds to take it. What would he take? The cheap wal-mart brand run of the mill bottle. Buy a few different types of bottles and nipples and see what the baby likes best, then stock up on the type the baby will actually use.

For the baby:
1. Lots of sleepers. Cute outfits are nice, but the first few months are just so much easier using sleepers and gowns. Buy good quality, they feel better and hold up to multiple washings better.

2. Do not spend money on hooded towels. They are thin and not very practical. Go spend some extra money on thick soft regular towels for the baby. Much more absorbent and warm and comfy for baby.

3. Make sure the carseat you are getting is a good one. This is what keeps your baby safe. I have never understood people spending hours deciding what theme the nursery should be and what color to paint it, then spend thousands decorating it and then go buy a carseat w/out any research.

The book Baby Bargains is a wonderful resource. It lists must haves and brands that offer the best quality for the price. They rank the safety of cribs and carseats and rank all the big price items. It offers the best and worst choices in 3 price categories for almost everything. I found it to be the single best resource on what to buy for baby.

 

[Gillian]

-gas drops!
-depending on the weather where you live, a Bundle me zip cover for the car seat is great
-also depending on the weather, a Halo SleepSack or similar, to use at night instead of a blanket.
-gown style outfit for sleeping, as others have said
-baby bjorn
-Gerber disposable nursing pads (personal preference tho)
-divided powder formula container
-a set of small bowls with lids
-plastic pocket bibs
-A portable diaper changing kit (great for the car or dads who just throw it in a backpack)
-Boppy &/or a nursing pillow is nice

If you are registering for gifts, consider adding some things for older babies such as sippy cups, utensils, plates.

Congratulations!

 

[GoofItUp]

Wow! Thanks for all the suggestions. My mom, SIL, sister, etc., have already started buying outfits for the baby, but fortunately most of them are bigger sizes. I know I will get a TON of tiny baby clothes and I'm not cutting the tags off of any yet. When DH was born his mom had bought a newborn gown to bring him home from the hospital. He was a big baby and she couldn't button it around his neck! So much for all the cute newborn outfits she had received!

I'm going to make a list off of this thread and take it when I go to register -- lots of good ideas!

When a friend asked not long ago where I'd be registering at, I told her a local spa and my favorite cruiseline! This is going to be a major - and exciting - life change!

 

[emh1129]

A baby sling would be at the top of the list. It's so nice to be able to have your baby close and still get things done. I never liked taking those baby carseats out of the car if I could help it- they're so awkward and heavy. My children were much happier being held anyway.
Another benefit of using a sling? It will keep nosy people from touching your baby people are a lot less likely to invade your space than that of a baby (just my experience).

There are tons of great slings and carriers out there, so it's just about finding the one that you like the best. My favorite is the kangaroo korner adjustable fleece pouch. So easy and cozy!

Another important thing.. lots of nursing pads

There were so many things we never ended up using.. bouncer, swing, travel swing.. even the crib. I wasted so much money on gadgets we thought we would need.
Babies don't need too many material objects..

 

[Tiggerrn2]

On the subject of bibs, my favorites were the ones that were made from towels and had a hole in the center to just pull over the head. Throw in the washer and go.
A boppy is great for breastfeeding and can be used later to help infant learning to sit up.
Also, be sure to pack your bag for the hospital. Many aren't handing out the freebies any more. Bring your own toothpaste, toothbrush, deodorant, slippers, robe, shampoo, old undies, and comfortable clothes to come home in, as well as your stuff for baby.
Congrats and best wishes.

 

[poohluvrs]

Mom of multiples here, didnt leave the house the 1st few months when the babies came home....necessities:

Hospital approved baby/car seat
Multi position Swing so you may get a few minutes to yourself
DIAPERS (enough so you dont have to make emergency run)
wipes & cloth diapers for endless messes
thermometer (rectal temps only)
infant tub/washcloths
BOTTLES (enough so you dont have to worry about washing them every day)
LOTS of onesies/sleepers (read: there is a lot of laundry in your future)

Also, not a necessity, but we had a changing table both up & down stairs if you live in a multi level, and a bassinet downstairs (crib upstairs) for those numerous (short lived) naps!

 

[hsmamato2]

Awww, a new baby.... actually, the reality is, you don't need too much for months for that new one... my essentials were, diapers, i loved the soft little cotton gowns - a sling so my new baby could snuggle with me all the time, I nursed, so that was all taken care of-ummm... little blankies, cloth diapers to hepl with spit up on the shoulder... a small bassinet next to my bed, so i could hear them cry near me- and of course a carseat! Maybe a stroller, but I firmly believe the more holding a baby gets,and the less time they spend in a set or stroller, the better! I had a stroller, but always wore the sling, and baby rode up with me while we were out of the house, the sling saved me, with a fussy baby, you put them in, and walk,or vacuum, or hum and dance...ahh,the memories!

 

[hsmamato2]

A baby sling would be at the top of the list. It's so nice to be able to have your baby close and still get things done. I never liked taking those baby carseats out of the car if I could help it- they're so awkward and heavy. My children were much happier being held anyway.
Another benefit of using a sling? It will keep nosy people from touching your baby people are a lot less likely to invade your space than that of a baby (just my experience).

There are tons of great slings and carriers out there, so it's just about finding the one that you like the best. My favorite is the kangaroo korner adjustable fleece pouch. So easy and cozy!

Another important thing.. lots of nursing pads

There were so many things we never ended up using.. bouncer, swing, travel swing.. even the crib. I wasted so much money on gadgets we thought we would need.
Babies don't need too many material objects..

I couldn't have said it better myself!

 

[crisi]

Another important thing.. lots of nursing pads

You know, they had a box in my "formula company bag for nursing mothers" and despite the fact that I breastfed for over six months I never leaked. Not a drop. Not one spoiled shirt or milky smelling bra. This is another one of those things that you should definately have a box on hand because MOST women will leak....but don't stock up because some of us don't.

 

[StitchandPooh'sMom]

Most of these have already been mentioned, but they're still worth repeating:

Boppy pillow - essential for breast feeding, still great for bottle feeding to lift baby up and close to you

Carter's sleepers that snap in the front - we received so many cute outifts that snap or button in the back - very hard to do with a baby that can't sit up! Carter's sleepers (particularly the terry cloth ones) last forever, are snuggly, and you can unsnap them enough to take the baby's feet out without having to take the arms out too (the little things mean a lot!)

cloth diapers or burp pads

Stain stick (lots of stain stick!)

The Fisher-Price aquarium that attaches to the crib. I give this for every shower along with a basket of necessities - Tylenol, Mylicon, etc. Both of my kids loved the aquarium to get to sleep, and they both learned how to turn it on themselves in the middle of the night to put themselves back to sleep. I would hear the music in the monitor and know that they were awake, but I didn't have to get out of bed (this is when they were sleeping through the night, of course!)

Halo sleepsack - one of the best baby inventions ever! With a winter baby, you will probably be tempted to put a blanket on the baby even though you know you are not supposed to. The Halo sleepsack is snuggly with no chance of covering baby's face

Bassinet or pack n play - you will probably want your baby in your room for the first few weeks. It makes it easier to feed and put him back to sleep if he is close.

Bouncy seat - didn't get one of these until my first was about a month old - not sure how I survived without it!

For later:

A good convertible car seat - you'll use it for years, unlike the infant car seat

A backpack for baby (about six months and older) - to carry him, not for him to carry!

An exersaucer (4 months to about walking age)

A nice blanket or quilt for tummy time on the floor

Safety items - outlet protectors, gates, etc. You won't need them for a few months, but all of a sudden you'll need them badly!

What wonderful news! Hope all goes well!

 

[dsneygirl]

I agree what works great for some babies doesn't for all.
My must haves
A swing~My son still falls alseep and naps in it
A sling~When he was really young and fussy DH would have him in the sling, he loved the closeness and the motion.
Tonnes of receiving blankets. My DS is a big spitter upper and burp cloths just wouldn't cut it. We go through several a day.


Good luck!