Saving on Baby - suggestions?

[The Uh-Oa!]

Tons of great advice on this thread! I hope someone is throwing you a baby shower....honestly, between the baby showers we had for some of the early/big stuff, and then buying used after that, plus cloth diapering and breastfeeding....we haven't really spent much money at all on our DS (and he's almost two.) I have only bought new clothes for him twice, I think. We had plenty of onesies for the first 6-8 months from gifts, and then I've bought used from our local Facebook Mom's page since then (and have been given some a few times).

The thing that saved me a lot of money? Not going to Babies R Us or Buy Buy Baby. It can be REALLY easy to see adorable stuff there that you want to buy but won't really need. I have a copy of Baby Bargains and literally never used it.

The "must-haves" for me:

Cloth Diapers (Our parents bought our first set, then I spent a $100 gift card recently to get some new ones)
Pack and Play (he slept in it in our room after he grew out of his bassinette til he went to the crib at 8 mo - our Ikea bed wouldn't work with the Arms Reach Co-sleeper...we still use it a ton when we go to friends and want to stay late there....we just put him down there....and we travel with it a lot)
Lots of spit-up cloths....we had a "happy spitter"
Blankie/lovie (he never took to a paci, but when he was older he has grown to love his blanket
Car seat, obviously. (We did get a used one for our back-up/second car, but we got it from someone we trusted, and checked that it wasn't expired or recalled)

That's actually seriously just about all. We have a cloth wipes warmer, and used it for a while, but after he started solids the poop got different and we don't really use it anymore. We do use disposibles at night, just to not deal with cloth diaper bulk since he's a heavy wetter at night. I breastfed so we didn't spend money on formula. We mostly did baby led weaning, which meant we didn't spend money on baby food, except some squeezy packs for easy travel (and we got some reusable Squeezi packs that I LOVED and filled myself.) And most of the little things we got locally or at the baby shower.

Aside from the disposable diapers and wipes, and Christmas/birthday gifts and gift cards, I would honestly guess that we've spent less than $200 on our DS since he was born.

 

[scrapquitler]

Buy equipment such as crib, stroller, high chair etc USED not new. The big exception to this is the CARSEAT. Do not buy a used carseat for safety reasons.
Wait to buy things, don't stock up on the above sort of equipment because most of it is NOT necessary. You can get by without things like the high chair, the bouncy seat, etc. Wait to see what you think you will really need.

The biggest way you can save on baby's first year is to BREASTFEED.

 

[KingofJapan]

I can't believe there are a lot of people who use cloth diapers. Do you have a service who Picks them up and cleans them or do you do it yourself. I don't see the savings if you are doing separate loads for those diapers which will cause higher water bill and higher electric bill. Also those diapers do not absorb like the disposable diapers where it pulls the moisture away from the skin.

 

[pickles521]

I agree with the buy used philosophy, but be careful. Make sure you can check for recalls. Cribs used to be really, really risky to buy used because the standards on slat width changed. There was also a slew of stroller recalls last year because little fingers got caught in the joints. Buying used is DEFINITELY the way to go for as much as you can (except car seats) just make sure you know what you're buying. For the sake of this conversation, we got the big stuff new at showers, but buy clothes and toys used now.

As for cloth vs disposable? It's a very personal decision. We used cloth while he was in the newborn size/type then changed to disposable. Last time I did the research, it was a wash environmentally (non biodegradable plastic vs water and detergent) but some other factor may prove important to you. It's all about what works for you and your child and your family.

You don't need everything the websites say you do, you don't need - or not need - everything your mom/sister/best friend/neighbor used. You need the basics and whatever else works for you. Make sure you have a good car seat that fits well in your car and go from there.

 

[The Uh-Oa!]

I can't believe there are a lot of people who use cloth diapers. Do you have a service who Picks them up and cleans them or do you do it yourself. I don't see the savings if you are doing separate loads for those diapers which will cause higher water bill and higher electric bill. Also those diapers do not absorb like the disposable diapers where it pulls the moisture away from the skin.

We don't have a service, we wash them ourselves. Even if you take water and electric into consideration, you will save literally hundreds of dollars. It's actually far, far easier to do than most people think. Here is a quick post on money saving (and this one is pretty conservative about the savings...other places claim more: http://manvsdebt.com/cloth-diapers/ ) For the most part, I have only had to do one diaper wash every other day. I am a relatively busy/lazy parent for the most part (I work from home most of the time), so if it weren't easy, I wouldn't do it, honestly.

(We also like reducing the contact between skin and yucky chemicals that disposables bring. We still DO use disposables sometimes, so obviously we aren't super strict, but it's nice to cut back on some toxins where we can.)

As far as keeping moisture away from the skin...there is a school of thought out there that it actually helps potty training because kids know and understand when they are wet. But for our kid, the wetness (or even poo) has never bothered him in cloth. If they did, there are ways to fix that with cloth as well (microfiber inserts are the easiest way).

I agree that it's a personal decision for sure. I think we would probably use less cloth and more sposies if he was in daycare every day. But since I stay home with him most days (I work at the office twice a week), its super easy for us on those days to use cloth and save money.

(If anyone DOES want to know more about cloth diapering, I'm happy to help!)

 

[kuhltiffany]

My best advice? Train the grandparents and relatives to buy savings bonds or contribute to an education fund instead of buying "stuff"

 

[Kayabee]

We have a (used) baby store in our area that doesn't sell anything that has been involved in a recall. Check your area for one of those.
I agree with those who say you aren't going to need half of what your friends say you will, and you don't need the latest and greatest designer clothes for you baby. Alot of onsies and sleepers for first couple months will be fine.

 

[pigletgirl]

My best advice? Train the grandparents and relatives to buy savings bonds or contribute to an education fund instead of buying "stuff"

YES!! We got plenty of stuff DD's first year. I'm very thankful DD has a chunk of change already in her college savings account.

 

[DSNY4ever]

We love cloth diapering. If you have a water efficient washer, they are great.

We also bought our big ticket items at garage sales- we got a $15 swing! And we registered for our cloth diaper stuff, and we let everyone know we love hand me downs. We have been lucky enough to not have had to purchase much.

Check out ikea cribs. They are basic, but have good consumer reports ratings and ours was only $99.

Breastfeed if you can, formula is pricey!

But beware our biggest expense was the hospital bill, $4500 per kid

Enjoy every minute!!!!

 

[tnd]

My biggest tip would be to put out the word that you are looking for baby stuff. I bet tons of people will offer things. My friend and I have 5 kids between us and we share everything (we had a crib go through 3 of our kids, clothes that all five have worn, bouncy seats that they have all used, etc.). We've also given tons of stuff away to other friends or people we know need it.

 

[HCinKC]

Congrats!

Apologies if these things have been said, as I did not read all of the posts.

Friends and family, even coworkers! With ODS, one of DH's coworkers let us borrow a swing, bouncer, and exersaucer. With YDS, I borrowed a jumper, bumbo, boppy, bouncer, swing from a good friend. Even if you can only borrow things to see if baby likes them, it is a good deal. For instance, ODS hated the swing, so we returned it to the coworker.

That same good friend that lent her things this time, we trade baby clothes. We both have two boys - ODS 6, her oldest 4, her younger 18months, YDS 9 months. I use, she uses, she uses, I use. We both rarely buy anything, really only if we want something or a special occasion (like a recent formal wedding she attended). Between what we have and what family has gifted us, we've both been well covered for all seasons and sizes.

Cloth diapering will save TONS. I personally love fluffy cloth bums, but it is not for everyone. It can cost as little (as in $200) or as much (as in thousands, some people develop an obsession) as you want. You can buy new and used for just about any budget. There are tons of styles that meet pretty much any need and comfort level. Plus, you can recoup some of the money spent by reselling when you are finished...or save money by keeping them for a future baby. Lots of resources online for getting started.

Breastfeeding will also save lots, but I know that is not for everyone, too. You can also make your own baby food pretty easily, once baby starts solids. You don't need those special baby food makers, just a blender or food processor.

There is the obvious of hitting up CL and garage sales. Many communities also have FB groups for used baby and kid items. I know someone mentioned sales like Just Between Friends and Rhea Lana. I personally do not feel they have very good prices, but it may vary by area. That said, they often run 50-75% off on the last day, so those days can make for excellent savings.

As also mentioned, sites like Zuilily and Kids Woot can have good savings, but be sure you compare MSRP first. They sometimes seem like good deals but really only work out to be if you are buying a lot, negating the shipping cost.

Don't get sucked into the fads and "must haves". While I think it's important to have a variety of price points on your registry, I am also a firm believer in keeping a registry as slim as possible. You want priority to go to the true needs. Keep in mind, some things can play double duty. For instance, a muslin swaddle blanket also makes a good nursing cover, a burp cloth, a cover for the stroller or car seat, etc. You will still get stuff that you may not use that someone else insists you need. If possible, return it. Don't worry about feelings. You have a baby to support, so get what you need. (That is my opinion, but not everyone is comfortable with that.)

I am also of the opinion that some things should NOT be purchased used. For instance, unless it came from a trusted friend or family member, I would not get a used car seat. Anything you do purchase used, inspect it. Make sure things are solid with no loose parts. Make sure stroller tires are in good condition, not going bald. Buckles work. Brakes work, etc. If you don't like what you see, walk away. You are not obligated to buy!

Keep it simple at first. Have the basics - a place for baby to sleep, car seat, jammies, diapers. You can always pick the other things up as baby grows and you realize what your true needs are.

 

[HCinKC]

I can't believe there are a lot of people who use cloth diapers. Do you have a service who Picks them up and cleans them or do you do it yourself. I don't see the savings if you are doing separate loads for those diapers which will cause higher water bill and higher electric bill. Also those diapers do not absorb like the disposable diapers where it pulls the moisture away from the skin.

I have no intention of sounding rude, but these ideas are completely incorrect.

Washing cloth diapers adds very little to water and energy bills. Even if you are using an old top loader and dryer, it adds very little. You run them through a quick rinse, then a regular wash. You can dry them in the dryer or hang them. You can even hand wash depending on the type of diapers you have. Most people who CD have enough to wash every 2-3 days. I have tons and wash a load about about every 4 days. That is nothing when I am already washing clothes, sheets, towels, rags every week. I have CDed two children, one with an old, old, old TLer, and one currently with an HE FLer, and there has been virtually no difference in utility cost either time. Furthermore, the amount of water used to wash cloth diapers does not even begin to compare to the amount of water used at plants making disposable diapers. Then the energy to create those diapers and deliver them in mass amounts.

As for the moisture near the skin, that is almost never relevant. If your kid is sensitive to moisture, cloth may not be a good choice, and that is fine. But a kid with skin issues can just as likely be sensitive to soap, lotion, detergent, certain types of clothing, certain brands of disposables, etc. Furthermore, there are cloth diapers that are stay-dry. They are lined with micro fleece, suede cloth, or athletic wicking fabric, and are dry. Cloth diapers also absorb just fine as long as they are used correctly. True, they generally do not hold hours and hours of pee, although some certainly do as you can use a cloth diaper overnight. Aside from overnight, a person should be changing any kind of diaper every 2-3 hours anyway. Many people also would say that, conversely, having the chemicals found in the absorbing gel of a disposable (sometimes also the outer parts depending on brand) are far worse than a damp cloth diaper.

I fully admit that cloth is not for everyone. Again, not trying to be rude, but giving uninformed ideas and opinions is not helpful and only spreads false information. I recommend you read up on cloth diapering before you judge it.

 

[HM]

When you go shopping for baby items, have in mind what you want. Don't get pulled in by all the cute little gadget and gizmos you see. They'll add up and often not be used or needed. Keep to your list.

I also agree with yard sales for many items, especially clothing and toys. Your child will outgrow things so quickly and since the child that originally wore the things did too, there won't have been much 'wear and tear'.

 

[KingofJapan]

Congrats!

Apologies if these things have been said, as I did not read all of the posts.

Friends and family, even coworkers! With ODS, one of DH's coworkers let us borrow a swing, bouncer, and exersaucer. With YDS, I borrowed a jumper, bumbo, boppy, bouncer, swing from a good friend. Even if you can only borrow things to see if baby likes them, it is a good deal. For instance, ODS hated the swing, so we returned it to the coworker.

That same good friend that lent her things this time, we trade baby clothes. We both have two boys - ODS 6, her oldest 4, her younger 18months, YDS 9 months. I use, she uses, she uses, I use. We both rarely buy anything, really only if we want something or a special occasion (like a recent formal wedding she attended). Between what we have and what family has gifted us, we've both been well covered for all seasons and sizes.

Cloth diapering will save TONS. I personally love fluffy cloth bums, but it is not for everyone. It can cost as little (as in $200) or as much (as in thousands, some people develop an obsession) as you want. You can buy new and used for just about any budget. There are tons of styles that meet pretty much any need and comfort level. Plus, you can recoup some of the money spent by reselling when you are finished...or save money by keeping them for a future baby. Lots of resources online for getting started.

Breastfeeding will also save lots, but I know that is not for everyone, too. You can also make your own baby food pretty easily, once baby starts solids. You don't need those special baby food makers, just a blender or food processor.

There is the obvious of hitting up CL and garage sales. Many communities also have FB groups for used baby and kid items. I know someone mentioned sales like Just Between Friends and Rhea Lana. I personally do not feel they have very good prices, but it may vary by area. That said, they often run 50-75% off on the last day, so those days can make for excellent savings.

As also mentioned, sites like Zuilily and Kids Woot can have good savings, but be sure you compare MSRP first. They sometimes seem like good deals but really only work out to be if you are buying a lot, negating the shipping cost.

Don't get sucked into the fads and "must haves". While I think it's important to have a variety of price points on your registry, I am also a firm believer in keeping a registry as slim as possible. You want priority to go to the true needs. Keep in mind, some things can play double duty. For instance, a muslin swaddle blanket also makes a good nursing cover, a burp cloth, a cover for the stroller or car seat, etc. You will still get stuff that you may not use that someone else insists you need. If possible, return it. Don't worry about feelings. You have a baby to support, so get what you need. (That is my opinion, but not everyone is comfortable with that.)

I am also of the opinion that some things should NOT be purchased used. For instance, unless it came from a trusted friend or family member, I would not get a used car seat. Anything you do purchase used, inspect it. Make sure things are solid with no loose parts. Make sure stroller tires are in good condition, not going bald. Buckles work. Brakes work, etc. If you don't like what you see, walk away. You are not obligated to buy!

Keep it simple at first. Have the basics - a place for baby to sleep, car seat, jammies, diapers. You can always pick the other things up as baby grows and you realize what your true needs are.

Ewww. I know I may not like cloth diapers.....to each their own but to buy used cloth diapers is gross. I don't care how much bleach was used, they are still used diapers with who knows how much they have been soiled. That is like purchasing a used breast pump even though the hoses have been replaced it is still used.

 

[HCinKC]

Ewww. I know I may not like cloth diapers.....to each their own but to buy used cloth diapers is gross. I don't care how much bleach was used, they are still used diapers with who knows how much they have been soiled. That is like purchasing a used breast pump even though the hoses have been replaced it is still used.

Well, like you said, to each his own. I certainly would not buy anything that cannot be fully sanitized, such as most breast pumps, but a CD can be. How is that any different from sitting on a public toilet? What about buying used clothing that people have, at the very least, sweated in? Sitting on a seat in public transportation, a rental car, a used car? What about the sheets at a hotel? I mean, all of these things can have gross things happen in them. Sheets and diapers can be fully sanitized. Public transportation and rental car seats are probably never disinfected. *shrug* We're all different in our level of squeamishness!

BTW, thanks for not taking offense before. I really wasn't trying to be rude and hope I didn't sound like it.

 

[CoP Luv]

So many baby items can only be used for a few months and then they have to be stored. Buy as you need things. I didn't want or think we needed a play gym or swing but we ended up buying them about a month in. We used a rock n play in our room and also had a pack n play for my parent's house and travelling. We had two Boppys (one for upstairs and one for downstairs) that I would recommend. We love our Fisher Price Space Saver Booster Seat instead of a big high chair and we would take it to restaurants or can easily travel with it.

We did a combo breastfeeding and formula. A cheap "must have" for me was a divided small, small container where you could easily store formula in your diaper bag without it getting all over. We also have a Diaper Dude backpack fir our diaper bag and love having a backpack bag. So much easier for me than a bag sliding off of my shoulder when trying to handle a child.

We also cloth diaper and did Baby Led Weaning and am SO grateful we taught our child how to eat like that because he is not picky at all and wants to eat everything we are eating. Huge money saving techniques for diapers and food.

My best advice? Train the grandparents and relatives to buy savings bonds or contribute to an education fund instead of buying "stuff"

THIS x 1,000,000!!!! It is because of this that we haven't really spent much money on our child, but we are running out of room!!

We have so much stuff. One grandparent constantly sends packages of items that can't be returned, or it's something we might already have. I know they are being generous, and we so appreciate it, but enough with the stuff. Another set generously contributes to a 529 but they also like to buy stuff....and big stuff that takes up a lot of space. That all stays at their house because we don't have the room for it here.

I have no intention of sounding rude, but these ideas are completely incorrect.

Washing cloth diapers adds very little to water and energy bills. Even if you are using an old top loader and dryer, it adds very little. You run them through a quick rinse, then a regular wash. You can dry them in the dryer or hang them. You can even hand wash depending on the type of diapers you have. Most people who CD have enough to wash every 2-3 days. I have tons and wash a load about about every 4 days. That is nothing when I am already washing clothes, sheets, towels, rags every week. I have CDed two children, one with an old, old, old TLer, and one currently with an HE FLer, and there has been virtually no difference in utility cost either time. Furthermore, the amount of water used to wash cloth diapers does not even begin to compare to the amount of water used at plants making disposable diapers. Then the energy to create those diapers and deliver them in mass amounts.

As for the moisture near the skin, that is almost never relevant. If your kid is sensitive to moisture, cloth may not be a good choice, and that is fine. But a kid with skin issues can just as likely be sensitive to soap, lotion, detergent, certain types of clothing, certain brands of disposables, etc. Furthermore, there are cloth diapers that are stay-dry. They are lined with micro fleece, suede cloth, or athletic wicking fabric, and are dry. Cloth diapers also absorb just fine as long as they are used correctly. True, they generally do not hold hours and hours of pee, although some certainly do as you can use a cloth diaper overnight. Aside from overnight, a person should be changing any kind of diaper every 2-3 hours anyway. Many people also would say that, conversely, having the chemicals found in the absorbing gel of a disposable (sometimes also the outer parts depending on brand) are far worse than a damp cloth diaper.

I fully admit that cloth is not for everyone. Again, not trying to be rude, but giving uninformed ideas and opinions is not helpful and only spreads false information. I recommend you read up on cloth diapering before you judge it.

Great post!!! I do diaper laundry every 3 days and did the math and we only spend about $5/month in water and increased electric. We put our diapers on our baby registry so thankfully we had to spend very little on them, so we are WAY ahead on the cost difference if we used disposables.

As an aside to those who think cloth diapering is gross, I had to use disposable wipes this past weekend and thought my hands got more dirty using them instead of cloth wipes. I was so grossed out and so glad I could go back to cloth!

 

[Tygerlilly]

Congrats to you! My baby is due in November so I'm in the same situation as you are! So far I've purchased a few packs of diapers in different brands. I've been catching good sales on them and since I don't know how baby will do with specific brands, a few packs of each will work until we know for sure what works. I also got a few good sale deals on wipes and lotions, etc.

We plan on getting a car seat/stroller combo with an additional car seat for our second car that won't be removed from the car.

I'm planning on doing a lot of my own diy stuff as far as nursery decorations, blankies, stuff like that.

 

[dminnie]

My best advice? Train the grandparents and relatives to buy savings bonds or contribute to an education fund instead of buying "stuff"

This is a good thing very early on. The "stuff" really adds up as the kid gets older. People will give the gift they want to, but if you can get them to do this, it's a great help. My kids grandparents would give them small gifts, but would also put some money in a savings account for them.

Start your own college savings now. Find out about 529 plans and just start putting at least a little in.

Just buy what you need. Many of the gadgets are only used for a short time and really aren't needed. As cute as all the clothes are, they outgrow them very fast. Don't load up on a ton of outfits that will only be worn once(or not at all). I saw a FB post where a 3 month old got a TON of stuff for Easter from her parents, grandparents and aunts. This is so for the adults. The baby doesn't care. That money could so be used for other things. I don't mean this in a judgemental way...it was just a way I saved when my kids were little. I tried to think "is this for me because I think it's so cute, or is it something that will make a difference for my baby/child." Many people think it's expensive when they are babies...the costs just go up from there. Day care turns into after school care with field trips, turns into sports uniforms and equipment needs and musical instruments and lessons. My kids are in college or close to college now and we're not worrying about how to pay for it.

And congrats! It's such a wonderful experience being a parent. Seeing your children grow and develop is just amazing. It gets better all the time!

 

[Lilliputian]

Buy the bare necessities before the baby is born, and then buy things as you need them, getting just the features you need.

For example, you probably will need somewhere safe with a little movement to put the baby down while you cook dinner, take a shower, etc. Many babies will be perfectly happy with a cheap bouncy seat that vibrates. A used one is around $10-15. But there are new seats that go in all kinds of different motions, circles and many other complicated movements. Those are hard to find used because they're fairly new, and a new one costs over $100. I'm sure there are some fussy and colicy babies for whom those things are a lifesaver. For most babies, it's a waste of $90+. You don't know what kind of baby you're going to have or what you'll need yet, but you will know once he gets here, and then you can buy appropriately.

I recommend a simple rear-facing car seat and a separate stroller. The strollers that come with those travel systems are usually not the greatest strollers, and you have limited choice of features. Pick a stroller that you love that reclines fully for a newborn. The baby will appreciate not being in the car seat all the time, and you'll get a better, smaller stroller.

Breastfeeding is obviously a huge money saver. Don't buy a pump until after baby arrives. Your needs may be different than you anticipate. If the baby is premature or has special needs, only a rented hospital-grade pump may do. Or you may think you want the latest and greatest Pump In Style but then end up not going back to work like you anticipated, and then you may be fine with no pump at all or a hand-operated pump.

I do use cloth diapers. It seems healthier to me, and it does save money. I can't tell a difference in my utility bills when I'm washing cloth diapers vs. when I don't have a baby in the house. And if you end up reusing the diapers on future babies, the amount of money you'll save is incredible. As with any diaper, don't buy too many ahead of time. Some babies are different shapes and don't do as well with certain diapers. My favorites are just plain prefolds with a simple covers like Bummi's or ProRaps. Once the baby is mobile and the unpinned prefolds start to sag, I switch to fitted diapers. I've tried a lot of fitteds, and the Workhorse Diapers from Green Mountain Diapers are my favorites, hands down. I also love their prefolds. And the covers they sell. I've been shopping there since my 12 year old was a baby (I'm due with #6 in a few weeks), and I've always loved their products.

There are millions of things that your baby could need, but he won't need all of them. Pacifiers, bibs, burp cloths, various flashing things that play music and light up, a swing, and so many other things fall under this category. You'll find lots of lists that tell you that you'll need them all, but you probably won't. Have a few things on hand at first, but then go get what you need. If you have your mom come stay with you after the baby is born, grandmas love to shop for that stuff, and they frequently end up paying for it for you.

 

[Loralei]

First, Congratulations! I'm reading this thread as I cuddle with my sleeping 3 week old. So, I'm taking in information as well as giving information based on my very limited but also very current experience! You'll find the months between now & the birth of your little one full of solicited as well as unsolicited advice. Some will be useful & a lot will be overwhelming!

You asked about websites/blogs that give budget advice...I like thesavvybump.com it is updated regularly with maternity as well as baby deals. I also follow couponingtodisney.com it is an overall budget blog, but the lady that runs it had a baby fairly recently so there are a fair amount of baby specific deals mixed in with the day to day expense deals.

As far as any tips...check out the registry options in your area. Even if you want to focus on one or two specific stores for showers, look for the ones that give goody bags & completion discounts for items you end up buying yourself. For me, Target had the best goody bag. You just have to ask for it at the customer service desk after you create a registry. It had a bottle, pacifier, several other samples as well as a coupon book. I also got 5 coupons for 15% off of anything left on my registry. I also used Amazon.com because they have practically everything & give a 10% discount (15% if you sign up for Amazon Mom...which there is a 30 free trial if you don't already have prime).

One thing I saw over & over again when I was looking for tips (and saw at least once in this thread!) is not to buy much newborn size clothes/diapers because they grow out of them super fast. I am glad I had some of both on hand when my little one was born a skinny 7 lbs 5 oz & then lost weight the first few days. 0-3 month clothes are huge on him! We've also gone through a ton of newborn diapers since he goes through at least 7-8 a day. That said, we were given a few Pampers & a lot of Huggies. Luckily, we opened the small packs first because Pampers work well on him & Huggies fit a little loose...which led to leaks fairly constantly. So, we took the unopened Huggies & exchanged them.

I was lucky enough to have a lot of generous friends/family/friends of family who gave me a ton of stuff. As of right now, most of it is still in a pile unused. The few items that I can't imagine living without (besides the obvious diapers, car seat, clothes, etc)...#1 Boppy. My little one will sleep for hours as long as he is cuddled up with someone (approximately 5 minutes if put down in his pack n play or crib!). The Boppy allows me to prop up my arms or even just rest him on it against me when he is nursing or napping. #2 Mittens/Shirts with built in hand covers. It's amazing how sharp his fingernails are! He managed to scratch up his little face pretty bad in the hospital just in the short time they had him undressed for his bath. We still keep his hands covered most of the time because he scratches himself whenever we don't. #3 Aden & Anias Muslin Swaddle Blanket. It is super versatile...though oddly enough, the one use it DOESN'T have is for swaddling (too stretchy...he kicks out of the swaddle in seconds)! I have a ton of receiving blankets & I use this one the most because it is soft & light so he doesn't get too hot. It also works as a nursing cover (though I love my Bebe au Lait cover!) or car seat cover.

Okay...this post has gotten way longer than I intended, but I hope at least some of it is helpful to you! If you have any specific questions or just want to talk baby, feel free to PM me! I don't get out much these days & pretty much living all things baby at the moment & would be glad to share anything I've come across that might be helpful.

One last piece of advice (that I won't go into detail here because it's a whole different topic), look into what you'll need for you! It's easy to get caught up in all things cute & tiny & forget that when you come home with your precious baby, you'll be recovering from giving birth & need things for yourself as well.