Things we NEED to buy for first baby

[3babyws]

Befor you assume that you will be able to rent a breast pump check into it first. We were not able to rent a pump with our second child and I had to send my husband out to buy one while I sat at home in tears with breast the size of watermelons. I would suggest having the storage items on hand in the beginning because your body will be producing more milk than he baby can drink and you can save what you pump for later. Getting your body used to the pump early is good too. I succcessfully breastfed all3 of our kids and learned something new each time. It is not always easy but there is a huge sense of accomplishment once you figure it out. I also suggest cloth diapers for burp cloths but specifically a kind made by gerber. The only two places I have found them are target and Babies r us but the have blue or pink prints and are thick flannel like material and are super absorbent. All of my kids spit up ALOT and I would swear by this type. I definitely agree with the plastic lined sheet saver for the bed so you do not have to change sheets every five minutes. I also loved my baby sling and it was so much more comfortable on my back than the back pack style. Good luck and best wishes !

 

[kitsch4]

I agree with the swing, the Halo Sleep Sack, and the cloth diapers (when they get older, they make great dusting rags). I just wanted to add that you may want to put a change of clothes for your hubby in your hospital bag. We never thought about this, and when I had my daughter, my water broke at work, so we both went to the hospital from work. He went home to change while I was in labor. (Plenty of time, but still) Good luck! Enjoy every minute.

 

[sailors_wfe]

I'd skip the sleep positioner. My doc actually recommends parents not use them because baby can get tangled/wedged into them in odd positions as she learns to roll.
Go with either a sling or the Bjorn. You really don't need both to start out.
You can skip the diaper pail too. We use a bathroom sized garbage can lined with grocery bags, and just take them out to the outdoor can every night. The minute or two I spend each evening is well worth not having the expense of a dedicated diaper pail, particularly since I'm the type that would forget to buy refills for it.

Cloth diapers make fine burp cloths and cost less than buying the pretty little burp cloths.

It looks like you've got a good handle on what all you're going to need. Congrats, and relax! No one ever feels ready and yet somehow we manage.

Thanks!!!! I think based on everyone's imput I'm going to definitely skip the positioner.. and I thought this would be one of the most reccomended
I hadn't even thought of splitting up the purchase of the sling and bijorn... don't know why I didn't think about it, as I planned on using the sling more for the newborn age and the bijorn for later Thanks!!

Congratulations on the new baby!

I agree - it looks like you have all the basics covered! Do you have YOUR bag packed?

One thing that I really liked - but this is totally personal opinion so don't feel like you have to get one - is a Halo Sleep Sack - my babies must have wiggled alot or something because blankets never stayed on them at night so the sleep sack helped keep them safely warm and it made middle of the night diaper changes a breeze!

You are never going to be 100% ready - being a mom is alot of learning on the fly - but based on your question I'd say you are as ready as you can be!! Good Luck!

Thanks!!! I don't have my bags packed yet... that will be done by next weekend DH keeps bugging me, but I need to figure out what I'm supposed to pack in there LOL... I have seen the lists, just haven't decided what's really needed and what's not.
I do have 1 sleep sack, so I'm adding to my list a few more since so many people on here have reccomended them.
Thanks again!

* Get an extra Boppy cover for when one gets spit/poop/peed on!
* If you can swing it, I'd get an infant carrier carseat first and then get a convertible seat when she's bigger. Ideally, you can get a seat that pops into your stroller. The convertible seats (I Britax) really don't accomodate newborns, even if the weight limits say they do.
* I'd consider a swing. We got the Graco SweetPeace as a gift and DD LOVES it...its been so nice to have.
* Might want to pick up a few more "newborn" sleepers. I didn't think DD would be in them much (we have BIG babies), but even though she was over 9 pounds when she was born, she wore newborn stuff for at least a month.
* I'd also recommend some plain shirts or "kimono" style shirts to wear under the swaddling blankets. It's important that they not get too warm.
* We ended up with another Diaper Champ this time. I like it b/c it takes regular trash bags. BUT, I saved a bunch of Walmart bags and a lot of times I dump the diapers in there and throw the bag out each day. I think a trash can would be fine, especially early on when the poop doesn't smell too bad!
* I highly recommend a Medela Pump. I have a Pump In Style that is great - worth every penny. Also get a manual pump...the Medela Harmony is the best. They also have great steam bags that make cleaning easy.
* Make sure you have some slow flow nipples.
* Also, my kids weren't too into pacifiers, but its nice to have just in case. We had the best luck with "Soothies"....you can get them at Target.

Anyway, congrats! I hope this helps. DD is 10 weeks, so all this is pretty fresh on my mind! Every mom and baby is different and different things work for different people, but this is my experience. Good luck!

Hadn't even thought of getting an extra cover for the Boppy (they are so expensive ) I'll probably end up doing that if I do indeed use the pillow.
The diaper champ is one of the 2 diaper pails we've thought about.. either that or the diaper gene 2.. or just going with a trashcan and bags.. everyone seems pretty divided on this one... seems either people love it or hate it
The Medala pump is the one that we will probably go with once all is said and done... but we have decided to rent the first month before buying just to make sure everything is going well and my milk comes in well.
We do have 2 paci's that were given as gifts... haven't decided if they will be used much, but they will be here "just in case"

I didn't like the "footie" sleepers because they made their feet sweaty and smelly; . IMHO, you can never have enough socks!

I wondered if this would be a problem! seems like these would also get outgrown SUPER fast! LOL.. we have a few socks, enough to get through a while, so we'll wait to buy more, but I also don't plan on buying any more outfits with feet until I see how she does.

OMG, how could I forget! My latest discovery is BUBBLE SOCKS! Carter's make some, but the best I've found are Okie Dokie at JCPenney. They have little "bubbles" of elastic around the ankles and they actually STAY ON!

Here are the Carter's ones...
http://www.kohls.com/kohlsStore/lan...PRD~106409/Carters+6pk+Bubble+Socks++Pink.jsp


JCP's are like $8 for a 6 pack of solid (girl) colors, and they have tiny ones. A MUST HAVE in my book!

Thanks!!! These look great!

I'm less worried about the baby than about YOU.

I wasn't allowed to drive for a while after I gave birth. So you may be homebound. And you can count on getting 2-3 hours of sleep at a stretch if you're lucky. So you need to make YOUR life easy!!!

Hit BJs or Costco or somewhere and stock up on:
- paper plates
- plastic flatware
- any sort of instant dinner-- frozen lasagna, fried chicken-- basically anything you or your husband can pop into the oven
- cookies and stuff you can serve to those who stop by with a gift to see the baby
- thank you notes and stamps; you're in for a whole new round of gifts. (Stamps are going up, I think in early May. So keep that in mind.)
- If you're planning to send out birth announcements, go online and choose them now. Most companies will let you pre-order, so you can get the envelopes now when you actually have time to address them. Then, when you have the birth info, you send it in and they send you the cards. Be careful about any card, regardless of how cute, that requires you to tie a bow or do ANYTHING. When you're sleep deprived, you don't need more work.
- You'll need some sort of maxi pad for those first few days... the extra absorbency ones.
- Also, pick up a book on baby's symptoms. The first time you hear croup, for example, it's terrifiying (and inevitably late at night.) It's great to have a reference that tells you when to call the doctor and what to do before you call.
Congrats to you and your husband on your upcoming arrival.

Thanks!! I hadn't thought of stocking up on paper plates, cups, ect... that's been added to this weeks grocery list I also didn't realize birth announcements could be ordered online ahead of time, anything that can be done ahead of time is great!!
I've also gotten stocked up on pads... the nighttime ones so it'll look like both of us are in diapers for a while

Okay here goes:

4- I think you can return some of those thick blankets you mentioned and maybe pick up sleep sacks instead. Babies really can't use blankets because of the risk of suffocation and the weather will be getting warmer now anyway. Keep 2, return the rest. Trust me, you are talking to a person who has the 5-6 baby blankets folded in the closet!
5- Lastly, if you can afford it I would try to get a swing. Sometimes that was the only thing that saved my sanity with BOTH of my kids. The swing I have is phenomenal. It's the only swing that plugs into the wall outlet, saving you having to replace batteries every couple of weeks. And also, continuously runs until YOU shut it off. Which is actually a big deal, because the swing I had for my firstborn would run for 10 minutes and then abruptly shut off and of course wake the baby. Here's the link, it's pretty inexpensive and maybe you could find one on ebay cheaper if need be:
http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3266684&CAWELAID=251520377

6- This may not be a necessity to all, but for me it is. The floppy shopping cart cover. You don't need this the first month obviously. But eventually you will need it. I absolutely can not put my baby into a shopping cart without this cover. Think of all the germs on those carts. I also love it for the fact that I am not touching the dirty cart when pushing it with my baby in it. So much so that when I am at the store by myself I am skeeved that I have to touch the handle. I'd put the cover on there, but I think people would look at me like I'm nuts pushing the cart around with the cover and no baby!!! lol
Good luck! There's nothing like holding your little newborn for the first time. The whole world melts away!

Thanks for all of those!!! I wish I could return some of the blankets, but with most of them I haven't been able to figure out where they are from (only 1 of them have I "found" at Walmart) so it looks like I'm hanging onto them for future years, since I doubt we'd even need them since it will be summer soon after she's born! The swing reccomendation is GREAT and I think we will be picking one of those up soon!!! I've definitely decided to add a swing to my shopping list... I had thought the boppy bouncer would be enough for the first few months, but sounds like a swing might be a good idea also I've been hunting for a shopping cart/ restaraunt high chair cover and haven't seen any... anyone reccomend a good one and where to find them?

It looks like I'm the only one but I LOVE my diaper genie!! We don't have to change it as often as I thought we would and it really traps the smell. Also (on the subject of smelly diapers) Babies R Us and Target sell little smell blocking bags to put dirty diapers in if you're out. Which is really nice if you're visiting at someones house who doesnt have kids and may not appreciate your kids poo or pee in their garbage.
The little mittens for their hands were great! Keeps them from scratching their face and also gives you a bit of time before you have to be brave enough to attempt to clip their nails!

***Something to think about***

Especially since this is your first I would let DH know that he needs to be your "bouncer" for a little while till your back to yourself. After I had DD, I had hormones all over the place, was exhausted and terribly sore (csection). For some reason family and friends either didn't seem to notice or care and it was like a revolving door. NOT TO MENTION an overbearing MIL who asked about 10 times to take DD to a HUGE family reunion picnic 3 days after she was born. Um excuse me, but a 3day old doesn't need to be passed around a picnic and I just got my stomach cut open as well?!?
It took me forever to recover(both emotionally and physically and DD's colic didn't help either) and I think it was largely in part from too much pressure put on me to take DD here and take DD there and "I haven't seen her since...." etc. Some women snap into motherhood in under 2 seconds and others need to test the water and try to get comfortable with it themselves before they take there new role as "mommy" out for everyone to see.


Hope you have a great delivery and enjoy your new bundle! Nothing like it in the world =)

Oh wow!! Can't believe your MIL would expect that so soon !!! My mom keeps bugging me to bring the baby home with them for the first week or two for her to help out, and I keep telling her no, I just want to settle in at my place, she can come visit/stay for a few days if she wants (they only live 2 hours away from us). We're telling pretty much everyone else that the first week we're not really going to see anybody but the grandparents until things settle down.
It's funny you mention the smell blocking bags for diapers... my best friend just gave me a little ducky with an attachment that holds the bags and then several bag refills- she told me to have the baby play with the ducky during the diaper changes and then you can pull out a bag for the dirty diaper.. makes sense to me!!!


Thanks for all the suggestions... I knew you guys would be so helpful!!

 

[michael's mom]

I saw someone mentioned the heat from footie pj's. I never used the fleece ones (even in cold NE winters) because of this. I loved the Children's Place pj's. They are pretty lightweight and the footies stay on pretty well. DS never had a problem with his feet pulling out of these.

But, I agree, reg. footei pj's make them very smelly and sweaty.

 

[geishagirl81]

I have to add some things here. You DO NOT need a fancy diaper bag. If you can find a tote style bag that is really cute, you'll pay a LOT less because there isn't the baby gear mark up. I just bought a new bag yesterday at JCPenny half off for $40 (it's super cute) and it has just as many pockets and such as a diaper bag, but I would've prolly spent $150 if it were a bonafide diaper bag. It's just the industry- just like anything deemed "wedding" gets a huge mark-up.

Check out baby resale stores, they are GREAT! Chains like Once Upon A Child have great stuff at cheap prices. Jumperoos are a life-saver for older babies too. Not a neccesity, but I found an almost brand new one at a garage sale for my daughter and I wish I had had it when my son was a baby. Sometimes it is the only way to amuse her long enough for me to get the dishes done.

You can possibly skip a high chair. Try to get one that straps onto a regular chair to save room and money.


Oh and the seat covers are the BIGGEST WASTE! I had a cart cover and a chair cover. They'd slide around and were a PIA. Instead, throw in a travel sized bottle of Lysol Anywhere Spray and just degerm them both that way.

Congrats and good luck!

 

[LoveKermit]

I try to remember the stuff DH had to run out for. A pump was one, since I wasn't producing enough. And you plan to use it anyway after you go back to work.

A couple packages of newborn diapers--I like the huggies with the notch for the cord. Of course, I picked the most expensive type. We also used the sleep sacks until DD started to roll over easily (and spend the night on her belly). She'd get all tangled. Plus it was summer by then.

Finally, we had nothing for cord care. You'll need a box of alcohol wipes and be sure you have q-tips (or equivalent).

Also, I did childbirth class by renting a video. She suggested all the stuff a PP did--Dermoplast and Tuks. They gave me the stuff at the hospital--and yes, take it ALL with. But I was glad I had bought the stuff ahead of time because I had stitches so I used all of it. And you'll use the Dermoplast again in life. We still use the little bowl that held the cord care stuff at the hospital--it holds bath toys now.

And we didn't use most of the blankets we received. Oh well. They're still nice gifts.

 

[deva]

One thing I don't think I saw anyone mention was The Ultimate Crib Sheet. I have 3 kiids, have purchased at least 8 of these for us over the years, plus given countless others as gifts. It is basically a waterproof crib-sized sheet with a cotton sheet cover and six elastic snap rings to hook to your crib rails. You fasten it on top of whatever else you have on the mattress, so you still have the cute matching sheets, skirts, bumper etc. visbile from the outside, but it is soooooo much easier to change the bed. Trust me late night diaper leaks are a royal pain if you need to get the fitted crib sheet off (basically you need to take the bumper off and mattress out). This one you can snap on/off in 30 seconds or so and then save the changing/washing of the "pretty linens" for a more convenient time (when it's light outside ).

If you've trying to save $$$ and don't really see much traveling in your future I think you could skip the pack and play. The baby could just sleep in the crib. I had one - only used it as a bassinett in our room for the first few weeks then it went to the upstairs closet. Since you have the cosleeper you may not need both.

Also, I think you need LOTS more newborn diapers. The ones with the belly button notch cut out are great (I think they were huggies supreme, but could have been pampers).

I didn't see much mention of toys, but I'd highly recommend the Kick Start Gym. Once my kids hit 5-6 weeks all were "super kickers" and loved this toy.

I'd agree with PP's to check resale shops - especially for big ticket items (some babies just never like the swing - why spend $100 to find out).

Good luck with your little one. There is nothing like a newborn to make any momma smile!

 

[michael's mom]

I have to disagree about the newborn diapers...DS was only in them for about a week and if you have a bigger baby, your's will be too. Size ones go from 8 pounds up (to where I don't remember).

I saw someone mention the cribsheet. We had these crib pads for the crib (almost flat, mattress sized sheet from BRU) that we put in the crib and lap pads (smaller version of crib pad) that we put in the cradle. It was so easy when his diapers leaked at night. We just took the lap pad out of the cradle, tossed it into the wash, and put a new one in. It was about 12x12 inches.

 

[hardhead]

Skip the diaper pail we had one and threw it out in a few weeks. THAT THING STUNK!! I just used a trash can with a lid and took out poop diapers to the trash can in the garage!!

We needed alot of recieving blankets since it was the only way to get our soon to sleep the first few weeks was to wrap him up in one. He did like the swaddle things for some reason.

The Swing is an absolute neccesity in my book. The babies love them and gets them to stop from crying! My wife babysits 5 kids ages 1-4 (my sisters 2 and my sister in laws 2) each day and started themall out as newborns and the swing was a live safer for her.

Good Luck

 

[ShootingStarMom2]

Oh and the seat covers are the BIGGEST WASTE! I had a cart cover and a chair cover. They'd slide around and were a PIA. Instead, throw in a travel sized bottle of Lysol Anywhere Spray and just degerm them both that way.

Ok, I have to disagree about this one. While this isn't something the OP will need right away, I think having one once the baby is older is a good idea. There are so many germs on shopping carts and high chairs. That's exactly why grocery stores are providing wipes for carts now. I'd rather have my DS sitting on a cover than touching the dirty handle or seat. Plus, I don't have to touch the cart either! I cringe when I see a baby chewing the cart handle or buckle.

We have 2 Floppy Seat covers and leave one in each car. I got them both second hand (one from Once Upon a Child $10 and the other from a local resale, also $10).They can be tossed right in the washer once dirty. I've never had a cover come off even on smaller carts and all kinds of high chairs. This brand has elastic all the way around and tucks into its own pocket for storage.

I think it was well worth the $20 to keep germs, like E-Coli, away from my DS. Once your little one sits up and you allow them to ride in the cart, or sit in high chairs, this is for sure something I would look into.

 

[BlondeAlligator]

Ok, I have to disagree about this one. While this isn't something the OP will need right away, I think having one once the baby is older is a good idea. There are so many germs on shopping carts and high chairs. That's exactly why grocery stores are providing wipes for carts now. I'd rather have my DS sitting on a cover than touching the dirty handle or seat. Plus, I don't have to touch the cart either! I cringe when I see a baby chewing the cart handle or buckle.

We have 2 Floppy Seat covers and leave one in each car. I got them both second hand (one from Once Upon a Child $10 and the other from a local resale, also $10).They can be tossed right in the washer once dirty. I've never had a cover come off even on smaller carts and all kinds of high chairs. This brand has elastic all the way around and tucks into its own pocket for storage.

I think it was well worth the $20 to keep germs, like E-Coli, away from my DS. Once your little one sits up and you allow them to ride in the cart, or sit in high chairs, this is for sure something I would look into.

I agree...use the shopping cart cover, but please make sure you use the seat belt with it. My husband fell out of a shopping cart when he was a toddler and the head injury he had paralyzed his left eye. Kids are quick, esp. when there's a lot of interesting things just out of their reach!

Don't get a huge highchair...I had one & it took up SO much room....just get one that you can strap onto one of your regular chairs & that will convert to a booster seat as your baby grows.

 

[geishagirl81]

I had the Floppy seat too. And I still don't recc'd it. If you have a travel size bottle of the Lysol, and use the wipes provided, you are killing 99.99% of germs. Wipe/Spray the seat area and the handle.

I really truly believe that a large amount of products for babies are made to prey on the fears of parents. How else can companies make new products every year to sell when babies themselves have not changed in nature since humans began to exist? For instance, wile OneStepAhead has some cool things, most of it can give parents nightmares or guilt trips if they don't shell out hundreds for things like huge full size foam inserts for bathtubs ect.

 

[alexandria674]

maybe instead of using a diaper genie or going outside of the room to throw away a diaper, just get a small trash can with a lid.

 

[mjkacmom]

Ok, I have to disagree about this one. While this isn't something the OP will need right away, I think having one once the baby is older is a good idea. There are so many germs on shopping carts and high chairs. That's exactly why grocery stores are providing wipes for carts now. I'd rather have my DS sitting on a cover than touching the dirty handle or seat. Plus, I don't have to touch the cart either! I cringe when I see a baby chewing the cart handle or buckle.

.

Our store has wipes now, too, which is why I never bothered with the cover. As for binkies, if you plan on using them, bring them to the hospital, because many babies will only use the ones they're given first, and the ones the hospital provides might be harder to find - pick one your grocery store sells. When my kids were infants, I was very generous with the binky, but starting at about 3 - 4 months, they got them only for sleeping. This really helped with sleep training.

 

[DISNEYNV]

Congrats! The first baby is always a little overwhelming at first with all the stuff you need.... Or think you might need, but your list and others advice seems like you have it covered. I also would get some pacifiers. The large silicon ones the hospital gives are great! Do you have a monitor? I agree a swing is a must have The pack n play with the changing pad is another great addition. I also loved the sleep sacks nut not the swaddler blankets. Stsrt your little one early in the infant carrier. I got a baby bojourn when DS was three months and he hated it! If you can get people to cook some meals for you it is the best gift they can give.... There is no time or energy left for cooking Enjoy your little one.

 

[left210]

I agree...use the shopping cart cover, but please make sure you use the seat belt with it. My husband fell out of a shopping cart when he was a toddler and the head injury he had paralyzed his left eye. Kids are quick, esp. when there's a lot of interesting things just out of their reach!

Don't get a huge highchair...I had one & it took up SO much room....just get one that you can strap onto one of your regular chairs & that will convert to a booster seat as your baby grows.

We love our shopping cart cover. I was lucky and found it at a garage sale but it is from www.cleanshopper.com. I just had someone stop me in Target last night asking about it. It is easy to put on and covers all areas of the cart. If you get one make sure it covers the sides too. This one is large in size but rolls up pretty small - not bulky at all. I saw one this weekend at a consignment sale and it was puffy and huge.

EDIT - just looked up the floppy seat that everyone didnt like and that is the one I saw at the consignment and it was huge!

Also, agree with recommendations for a swing and swaddle blankets and sleep sacks. I would recommend an open top swing. We originally had the Fisher Price Oceans Aquarium and DS loved it but onces he got to about 6 months he wanted to sit more upright and it was hard for us to get him in and out so we sold that one and got a Graco open top swing.

Congratulations and good luck with everything.

 

[momma2minnie]

Just thought of something else I liked. I don't remember what it was called but it was for bathing. It was mesh type material on a metal frame that you lay the baby on in the tub, it didn't lay flat but was at about a 45 degree angle. I liked it because slippery wet babies are hard to hold onto sometimes, I felt more relaxed when i used it.

I didn't care for baby wash cloths I found it difficult to soap the cloth and hold on to DD so I just washed with my hands (ok some messes require a cloth LOL)

Can you tell I'm not very coordinated?

 

[fussymonkey]

One thing I noticed is you said you were thinking about buying a medical kit. I'd hold off. Many things may be provided to you by the hospital (i.e. cord care alcahol wipes, a bulb syringe, etc) and most medicines can't be used on a newborn. The whole 'kit' thing is often padded with junk you don't need.

I also think you need a swing. We had the fisher price ocean aquarium one and both kids loved it. It moves from side to side or can be turned to move front to back. The side to side movement is great with a colicky baby that refuses to sleep.

A book that helped me a lot was "Secrets of the Baby Whisperer". Like most baby/toddler books it was 60% extremeist junk, but the useful 40% was very useful. The author recommended a flexible patten to your newborn's life, of eat, activity, sleep. It worked like a charm for both my kids, they slept 8 hrs through the night at 5.5 weeks and 9 weeks respectively and were both so happy and well adjusted. Both were able to be flexible to stay up a little late or whatever, but had a sense of stability. I highly recommend it. I remember being nervous when I was pg becuase neither extreme of fashionable parenting styles- Attachment parenting with the feed on demand, co-sleeping, etc. or scheduled parenting with rigid schedules, etc.- seemed to fit me or our family, and this book was a nice middle ground that worked very well for us.

Anyway, good luck. Remember you will get a million conflicting opinions on a message board. What worked awesome for me might not be someone else's style or cup of tea.

 

[hmacmahony]

We loved our swing...loved it. We had the cradle swing, that went side to side. LOVED it.

We hated the bjorn, but LOVED the sling, so much better on the babys hips too. But, that is so personal on how you and the baby can get comfy. If you have a friend who has the bjorn maybe you could try it out first, since they can be expensive.

We loved the ERGO carrier, my youngest is 18 months, and we use the back carry all the time still.

Have lots of batteries on hand, (its amazing how fast you will use them).
And take lots and lots of pictures!

 

[El&Asmom]

Congrats! As you can see, everyone has their favorites. What works for some does not work for others. In the end you'll find that babies don't need as much as you think. Here are some of my favorites.

1. Nursing tanks. I got mine from Target since I'm cheap and didn't want to spend $40+ on some of the more expensive brands. I use them around the house in place of a nursing bra. They are really comfy, and keep your tummy covered when you are nursing which in my case is a good thing.

2. The swing. My dds 1 and 3 love it. Dd2 not so much. Dd3 is sleeping in hers right now. Sometimes it is the only way dinner gets made.

3. Slings. Same as most things. Either you love them or complain that they didn't work. I have found that those that don't like them didn't because they never had a GOOD one. Look at Zolo ring slings, or Sleeping Baby Productions. They are great slings. SBP are very reasonably priced too, so if you find you're not a sling mama, you didn't waste much. The Ergo is great, but you can't use it until the baby is about 4-5 months at minimum. There is an infant insert, but most people don't like it. I would recommend it over the Baby Bjorn as it is designed better for babies hip and spinal development.

4. Lansinoh nursing pads. These are the best. They have some kind of polymer in them, and with three kids and a "good" milk supply, I have never had one leak.

ETA: I also love Miracle blankets. We have only had them with our third dc, and we LOVE them. They are the best swaddling blankets around, and dd almost never gets her arms out like she did with regular swaddling blankets.

Good luck. Have fun. Like a good friend of mine used to tell me, "babies are good teachers". You'll figure everything out and be pro in no time.