What are your top five baby items that you cannot live without??

Mistee - posted on 09/13/2011

my favorite items are the boppy, swing, double electric breast pump, and bouncy chair.

Colleen - posted on 09/13/2011

Definitely #1 on my list is the pack and play with a changing table. That way you don't have to run up and down stairs every time to change them. My son is 6 weeks old so I can only offer advice for the first 6 weeks. So here's my list:

1. Pack and play with changing table
2. Travel system - We have the Safety 1st Aerolite which actually collapses with one hand
3. Basinett - Baby sleeps next to me so I don't have to run to the nursery every night at 2 and 5 am
4. Bouncy chair - He sleeps in his bouncy chair during the day
5. Glider - Perfect for night time feedings and for just enjoying some alone time with the baby

Thandi - posted on 09/08/2011

1. pacifier
2. fisher-price portable swing
3. fisher-price space saver reclining high chair
4. baby carrier
5. graco portable crib/playpen

Amie - posted on 09/07/2011

Soothies are essential for the first two weeks of breastfeeding. Warmers are nice to have, I don't have an electrical just hand pumps, an I survived but I wish I had one just couldn't afford it with my first.

Brianne - posted on 07/26/2011

itzbeen timer...I don't leave the house without it. Its basically 4 timers in one, you click a button everytime you feed, change diaper, when the baby sleeps and then there is an extra one for anything like meds...oh boy i just saw when you posted this question guess your little on is already 2 or 3..well maybe you can pass the info on to someone else!

Amy - posted on 05/05/2011

I preferred a manual pump over electric. and I nursed most the time without having too much extra pumped ahead, if we did aaron's mom sure knew how to warm it the old fashioned way! :) i would loved to have had a bottle warmer.

best thing was having stock of wipes and diapers and tons of baby wash for us. Never had a nursing stool. Had the Boppy - THAT was an essential for me with nursing! :) Other pillows would work, but that thing rocked.

other essentials....couple extra blankies in case they peed through/pooped on bedding. nursing pads.

i didn't buy nursing bras for a bit. used those shelf bra tank top things. was ten bucks for one of those or 30 for a nursing bra. I knew my chest was growing bigger. was glad i waited a couple weeks to buy a couple.

Vicki - posted on 05/04/2011

I was quite minimalist but I couldn't narrow to 5. The top things for ME:

Sling or other carrier
Breastfeeding bras and easy to feed in clothes
Appropriate baby clothes for the season
Nappies
Cloths for spits ups, lots of face washers or cloth nappies works.
Car seat
Lasinoh breast cream, only the small tube as I only needed it for a week or so.
Old towels to catch the leaks while feeding in bed lying down.
Meals in the freezer ready to go.
A rocker for him to be in when I used the loo/had a shower!
Blankets, quilts for on the floor & bunny rugs

That's pretty much all I bothered with in the first few months. From 6 months or so on I got:
Stroller
Bicycle trailer
Toys
A bed (although he still sleeps with us)
Breastpump when I returned to work at 17 months.
Sippy cups.
Child sized cutlery.

I never needed:
Bottles and sterilisers or whatever
Wipes warmers
Boppy (I don't know what that is? Just seen it mentioned in other posts)
Cot
Pram
Swings
Monitors
Electric music thingamees
Creams/lotions/soaps/shampoos
Play gym thingies
Baby bath
and probably a whole bunch of other stuff I haven't even thought of.

Babies need boobs, need to be carried around safely whether with person or in the car, somewhere to sleep and be somewhat clean. That's all :)

Casey - posted on 05/04/2011

things I can't live without............ Fisher price starlight papasan swing. it plugs into the wall! no batteries! fisher price play/cradle thing. It is fairly new on the market(last year) and my baby will not sleep in anything else.....besides the swing. fisher price luv u zoo play mobile/gym tummy mat............aden and anais swaddle wraps/ recieving blankets, and cloth diapers. and the recliner i sent my husband to buy the night i came home from the hospital!!!

Kathy - posted on 01/03/2010

Over Christmas I got 2 things I wish I had sooner. 1- A Fisher Price swing/cradle that has a mobile, lights & music (was my cousins, she didn't need it anymore) 2- Onesies that have a little thermometer thing on the back, its a heat senstive coloured area that when the baby is too hot disapears and shows the word ALERT, not to replace a thermometer, but for things like her immunizations when your watching closer that will tell you if you need to check her temp. I don't know where my friend got them but a great idea. I also have a baby bathtub with a little shower, I find it makes it alot easier to rinse off her back, and she loves it on her hair...

Michelle - posted on 01/03/2010

a very comfy feeding chair...I use it even when he is asleep. It is in the lounge in a corner and bounces not rocks so is great to relax in at the end of the day too. Ikea purchase...

J - posted on 01/03/2010

for you pack a duffle bag with a robe, pj pants, your favorite maxi pads b/c the hospital ones aren't the greatest, pain reliever like aleve, tylenol, for pain especially good for after pains especially for a c-section. basic toiletries like toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, slippers, a going home outfit for baby. A well stocked refrigerator, coupons or gift cards for take out and try to sleep when baby sleeps b/c the first few months are really hard not trying to scare you but I didn't realize how hard they would be either.

J - posted on 01/03/2010

My top 5 favorites were

-diaper genie 2

-boppy pillow

-fisher price cradle swing (great for naps or when they're difficult to get down to sleep)

-wearable blankets

-carters onesies and sleep n' plays



Have a lot of t-shirts, onesies, crib sheets, sleep n' plays, a warm pram or suit if your baby is due in the colder weather. I would suggest putting the clothing items in different sizes b/c the newborn size clothing really doesn't last long and babies grow fast so I'd start with a 0-3 months A diaper stacker keeps your diapers organized and sanitary and while I didn't get one a wipe warmer can help b/c newborns hate anything cold. A good travel system with a car seat and stroller. A portable changing mat when you go out and have to change the baby on a changing table.

Marihett - posted on 01/03/2010

1) Bumbo chair
2) Rocking chair in baby's room
3) Baby bag with space for your own stuff (then no need for a hand bag)
4) Wedge change mat (my son slept in his till he got to big)
Most things are just nice to have, you can really get by with just the essentials

Kim - posted on 01/03/2010

try borrowing a few things when babys born non essentials from family,friends or companies hire for little as 50p a wk - door bouncer, rocking chair(bouncers more essential ) we spent 70ish on rocker n he never liked em, walkers, other large toys, he also never used his carrier as it was hard to put on so didnt use much then wen i did he wasnt used to it , thought id breast feed so got pump but didnt in end, baby mags usualy hav a gd essentials list!

Brooke - posted on 12/28/2009

1. a sling (saved my sanity for the first couple of months, I was able to clean etc and have my daughter with me without having to hold her. It was also great for public breastfeeding)

2. fisher price fish tank, it hooks onto the cot. It plays music and is a light.

3. Breast pump, although in the end I found it easier to express by hand.

4. wraps! you can use them for everything, wrapping your little one..mopping up there spew lol shading them from the sun. etc

and 5. a bouncer or something similar. My daughter slept in hers during the day while she was only a couple of months old/

Kathy - posted on 12/28/2009

Top 5 huh?? Swaddle me blankets, great cause they don't come undone when baby's kicking or squirming, AND you can undo the bottom velcro and change the diaper without having to unwrap the baby. When I was still breastfeeding, I liked the medela nipple cream better, it was less sticky, my diaper genie, it keeps the house from smelling like dirty diapers. My playpen with bassinet & change table, made my life easier after the c-section she could sleep in the living room, I didn't have to make trips up and down stairs to change her or put her down, and the bassinet we had in our room had a nightlight, played music, or heartbeat and a few other sounds, and had a vibrate option, the stand doubles as a change table with storage space underneath, I think it was called carry-me-near and it was first years, best thing ever!! And the fifth thing hmmm thats a tough one, but its a toss up between gripe water and the first years microwave bottle sterilizer.

And for the bottle warmer... I love mine, use the right amount of water and you know it won't end up too hot.

I could list alot more that I really couldn't or wouldn't want to do with out and a few things I've used at friends and families houses that I wish I had, including the swing that my cousin is giving me!! Make sure you've got lots of flannel receiving blankets, great for swaddling when they are little if you don't have any swaddle me's, and great to keep mom/dad dry during feeding and burping

Tracey - posted on 12/28/2009

Definately the boppy pillow, the bouncy seat, and the glider rocker. Some little things that you will need that you will not think about until AFTER the baby is born are:



1. scented disposable trash bags (I've seen then at Babies R Us). These are a god send when you are out in public and have to throw your diapers away - no smell).



2. Aquaphor (I use it in the body wash/shampoo version and also the lotion). Wonderful for red marks on body (all the cracks and crevaces). Red marks disappear very quickly. The body wash/shampoo has the most moisture, I believe.



3. Q-tips with reservoir tips. They sell Q-tips that have reservoir tips for babies so that you can't put the whole q-tip down their ears. Love these!



4. Banana-shaped head rest - I have found that the banana head rests work the best, instead of the u-shaped ones. The banana support their heads better, especially when they are newborns. The u-shaped ones don't do a whole lot.



5. Bottle warmer



That's all I can think of. Hope it helps.

Melissa - posted on 12/28/2009

After the baby was born, I was SO grateful to have a baby swing, that's the only way I could get her to sleep for the first 6 weeks. Then I got an electric pump that was really useful. After I switched to formula I got a thing you put in the microwave to sterilize bottles (washing and serilizing takes alot of time, that you don't have!) and an electric bottle/food warmer was great. Also somekind of babycarrier/sling is nice (during the first weeks my baby had to be on me almost 24/7 so if it wasn't for my sling I woud've had no life and would not been able to do any house work). It was nice to have my hands back ! :-)

The exercauser gaves me nice breaks (after the baby was 4 months) and now I coudn't live without the jolly jumper (she's 6 months) !

Hanna - posted on 12/27/2009

electric breast pump (and do invest in medela or another hospital-grade one) is an essential and buy a car charger for it too if you're in the area where you do need a vehicle to get around -- it will make you tremendously much more mobile and will make your life much more easy down the road -- i started going out and traveling much more the moment i bought the charger. as far as the pump itself, i can tell you my story -- i grew up in a family where breastfeeding was something you just do, it wasn't a choice, it was expected -- me and my siblings were all breastfed. unfortunately (or fortunately), my son ended up being a C-section (another taboo in my family, i was really upset about having to schedule one, but at 41wks i just wasn't going into labor and my son was really big, so i kind of had to) and my milk didn't come in until about day 4 or 5. and my son had an appetite of a crocodile the moment he came out of me -- his blood sugar was low and they gave him formula -- he ate the full bottle, then 2 hrs later wanted another one, then another one another 2 hrs later. so by the time my milk did come in, it wasn't flowing fast enough for him and top lactation consultant in Miami area, couldn't get him to latch on, so i had to pump and give. so medela was my life saver because i really don't see how i could pump 35-40 oz of milk a day (that's what my son was eating by the time he was 4 months old and it still wasn't enough) with a manual pump.

bottle warmer -- some mothers swear by it, but to me it was a waste of money. being in florida, i had problem of how to keep the milk cold enough so that it doesn't go bad, so my son was drinking milk straight from the fridge since he was about 2 months old.

nursing chair and foot rest, comes in handy, but again, i had to pump and give, so i had no need for either -- my son learned how to fall asleep on his own and in the middle of the night, i didn't take him out of the crib and kept the lights really low to minimize the stimulation (and very soon he stopped waking up to hang out with mommy/daddy in the middle of the night).

if you live in a multi-story house, get several changing pads -- it'll save you the trip upstairs every time you need to change the diaper. however, personally, i think diaper geenie/champ is a waste of money because (at least in my house) garbage goes out at the end of the night pretty much every day so it just made more sense to wrap up the diaper (roll it up and close the velcros) and just toss it in the regular trash and put it out at the end of the day, rather than use the diaper geenie and keep the diapers marinading for a week until it's full and needs to be changed).

definitely buy some oversized bibs -- those will definitely come in handy especially down the road once you start solids, oxyclean to take out food & poop stains (doesn't need to be the baby one, it's the same as the regular one), lanolin nipple cream if you're planning to breastfeed (although wait until your milk comes in to go buy a nursing bra and get it fitted).

i would invest in a swing or at least a bouncer -- will help you to get a few minutes of rest and give you some time to get stuff done, not to mention the fact that if your baby has acid reflux and a lot of kids do (part of the development of digestive track), it'll help to keep him/her upright without putting strain on the spine.

also invest in a baby activity mat and then an exersaucer (although that one you need to pick out with your baby to see if he/she likes them) -- those will be your best friends down the road, believe me. baby lotion with shea butter and some kind of diaper rash cream (you might need to buy several brands before you find what works for your child), mylicon and/or gripe water, infant tylenol, and lots and lots of burp cloths/washclothes. if you live in hot climate like florida, infant sunscreen (with zinc oxide so that it doesn't get absorbed into the skin), magazines will tell you that it's bad for the baby, but believe me, getting a sunburn is by far worse! i would also steal a few receiving blankets from the hospital (they're bigger than the ones sold in stores and are great for swaddling and then you can also tuck them under and use as liners for crib (so that you don't have to change the sheet every time your baby spits up) or changing pad. also, get a portable version of lotion and wipes for the diaper bag. infant carrier is great too -- except if your baby is big, buy something other than baby bjorn -- i think infantino makes a great one and it goes up to 25lbs rather than 18 (you probably won't need it that long, but it accommodates for the size too).

car seat -- if your stroller comes with it, use it, if not, get a transitional one -- most of them start at 5lbs but go up to 50-75-100 lbs so you won't need to buy an extra seat at 7-8 months because your baby outgrew the infant one. lightweight stroller that folds with one hand. bugaboos are great, but the fact is, if you're a mother living in a metropolitan area where you take cabs or public transportation, you might want to get a stroller that folds in 1 piece and that is light weight (less than 12lbs) so that you can carry the baby, the stroller and the bag up and down those stairs).

if you're going for the long-term use, get a high chair over the infant seater. my son sat up at 3 months and for the next 3 m, he sat in a boppy and then sat in a high chair so that he could sit at the dinner table with us (helped to create good family traditions early on). i would get a playpen too -- except buy the heaviest and the most stable one one you can find so that your baby can't knock it over once he/she starts standing up in it.

definitely don't bother buying a wipes warmer -- it's a pitri dish that basically promotes the spread of bacteria (if you ever take a birthing class at the hospital -- and i suggest you do to get all the particulars about the procedures and policies at wherever you're scheduled to give birth, that's the first thing they tell you to return). baby powder -- some parents swear by it, i personally didn't use it and didn't need to. baby monitor -- i was in a one-bedroom apartment and my husband is a light sleeper, so we actually returned ours. but if you want to buy one, get the digital one with broad frequency range so that your baby monitor doesn't pick up your neighbor's tv. if your baby doesn't have any problems at birth, you really don't need the breathing monitor (mattress pad sensor) or video -- the first is more of a nuisance as it tends to go off even when there isn't a problem and good luck getting your baby to go back to sleep after it goes off, the video one is more of a distraction rather than help. do invest in multiple receptors (for charging purposes). hope this helps, good luck!

Jodi - posted on 12/27/2009

Alright, top 5 things I couldn't live without...besides my breasts? lol

1) Boppy pillow, my daughter LOVED being held, this keeps your arms from getting tired and is GREAT for breastfeeding!
2)carrier/sling, I have the infantino and LOVE it!
3) bumbo seat and tray. You either love this thing or hate it! I loved it as my daughter could sit in it long before she "needed" a highchair and it took up so much less room!
4) wombs sound bear, put my daughter right to sleep everytime!
5) lots and lots of cloth diapers (the kind you can buy at walmart or kmart, prefold) They are great for spit ups, washclothes, mini towels, lay on the floor to change diapers in public, burp rags, wash windows, clean up spills, peek-a-boo, light blanket (the tri-fold ones anyways) and SOOO much more!

5 things I wish I never would have gotten

1)wipes warmer, total waste, hated it.
2)jumperoo, swing and bouncy seat. My daughter disliked them, they weren't worth the price as she would only sit in them for a few minutes. I would rather play with her instead anyways I guess
3) expensive newborn clothes. All they do is puke and poo on them and grow out of them. They don't stay nice. I would suggest buy a few nice outfits for going out, and a ton of plain old regular long sleeve onesies so you don't get upset when they're ruined or don't get worn at all!
4) nursing cover, horrible! You need to be able to see what you're doing at first and this makes it difficult! They make it quite obvious what you're doing as well! I suggest nursing tanks to go under your shirt. Just like a nursing bra they have slits or clips to make an opening for your breast but keep your belly and back covered.
5) lots of bottles. Inevitably they won't like the ones you already have so you'll have to buy new ones anyways, probably several types until you find one they like. Don't stock up on bottles!

Best of luck!

Janice - posted on 12/27/2009

If you r breastfeeding: the double electric pump is best but the cheap manual pumps do work great they're just a bigger pain to clean. A stool is essential in the beginning but not so much once you 2 get the hang of things. You will need breast pads and breastmilk storage bags. I agree that you shouldn't buy too many bottles until you know what yur baby likes best but my pick for BF is The First Years Breastflow bottles.
You do not need a bottle warmer! Breastmilk warms fast under hot running water and if you use powdered formula just don't refrigerate the nursery water. Lastly you will use a lot of recieving blankets for: swaddling, spit up and as a nursing cover. Good luck & congrats!

Caren - posted on 12/26/2009

1. Good electric breastpump
2. Halo sleepsack swaddle (several of them)
3. Swing
4. Bouncy Seat
5. Video Monitor

Hated all the diaper pails that we tried...now down to just throwing them in the garbage and taking out every night.
Boppy was a waste for me
Changing table turned out to be a good place to store things but that's about it
Don't buy too many bottles...you never know which ones your little one will prefer.

Karen - posted on 03/23/2009

Halo SleepSack - great invention.  I don't have to worry about my baby getting all tangled in a loose blanket.  I also love my boppy - an absolute essential for nursing.

Caramia - posted on 03/20/2009

1)Bottle warmer and sterliser

2)Newborn disposables

3)Swaddling blankets

4)muslin squares

5)crib sheets/pram sheets

Holly - posted on 03/20/2009

1) Bouncy seat that vibrates 2)Activity mat with lights and music 3) Jumperoo 4)a car seat cover its better than trying to put a little one in big bulky jackets/snowsuits 5) excersaucer and of course a soother

I also just use my pillows to prop her up not a boopy. Be cautious with the swing we bought a really expensive fancy one and never used it. Both of my children and ever my nephews hated it. They would all scream when put in it. A bottle warmer is nice but not a necessity. I HATED the monitor. I use to stay awake at night watching to see that the monitor was lighting up from her breathing. I was constantly checking on her. Once I got rid of it we both slept a lot better. Good luck

Denise - posted on 03/20/2009

I still use my Boppy and my daughter is 8 months old, one of the best items I have! Also my Summertime video monitor. All I have to do is hit the button and I can see what she is doing without getting out of bed. I couldn't live without my Rainforset swing, bouncy seat or Jumperoo. They have saved my life! Also a white noise machine. My husband just burned a CD from the internet and we just used a CD player on repeat, works like a charm. I agree about the Bumbo being a waste!

Michelle - posted on 03/20/2009

Quoting Soktheary:

baby sling/wrap/carrier-i really like the MOBY WRAP, it comes in many colors, and you can carry your baby in multiple postions in it, its so versatileand comfortable, i went through 5 different slings, and i feel that the MOBY gives the best back suppourt and is most comfortable

good stroller with big wheels-if you like to walk/workout/be outdoors, a good jogging stroller is ESSENTIAL, you can be outside, exercise, run, and ur baby will enjoy the smooth ride, plus some of the newer models have speakers/ipod port in the sun shade so you can play music

exersaucer-as soon as ur baby can sit up, they can sit.play in it by themselves so u can relax a little

jumping swing that can hang in your door frame-cause babies love to jump/swing in it, and again- you can have some time to your self while they play

a good sturdy/stylish diaperbag- going out is more fun if u know you will have all ur babys needs on hand and ready, and it doesnt hurt for it to look nice too(i actually just use a big pretty pursethat has lots of pockets)

Moby is another site to look at but I still say to buy your own material:)

Michelle - posted on 03/20/2009

I saw someone say baby carrier: Now that I have tried this, I swear by it and it is so much cheaper. A wrap; not the $50 you buy online but the kind you make yourself. All you need is about 6 yds of strong cotton material. Take a look at GypsyMama.com

There are so many different ways to wrap and they have directions yo can download. You can wear 2 different ways on your back for newborns..nurse,cradle, k-care, front carry, face out carry. We got an expensive sling and out son hates it and I didn't like the way it felt. Spent $11 and he loves being wrapped. I can walk around in comfort, go places. If O had nothing else I would want this simple piece of fabric. Good luck and congrats on the baby:)

M

Emily - posted on 03/19/2009

a skyoozmee, a boppy, baby swing, long-sleeve undershirts with hand mits!

Jessica - posted on 03/17/2009

MYLICON!! Oh my Gosh, I have a gassy baby! This is without a doubt my number one item. The Boppy Pillow for sure. Bouncy seat when she was younger, but now she loves her Baby Einstein jumper. And we have the Fisher Price sight and sound machine in her room. It shines light patterns on the ceiling and makes lullaby songs and nature sounds. She goes right to sleep with it. Lap pads for changing baby when you are out, and for putting under the bed sheet in case of night time accidents. 

Keep in mind that the hospital will give you a lot of the essential such as nasal aspirator, thermometer, etc. They also gave me newborn diapers, which was nice.

Rhonda - posted on 03/17/2009

The boppy to prop baby up if they are a spitter, swaddle blankets, the snap-n-go stroller (smaller than the travel system and more convenient), a good pump (I have the Lansinoh manual and love it), and only enough small clothes (NB) they grow out of that size so fast - don't buy too much - you will feel like you wasted money...

Dora - posted on 03/17/2009

Advent microwave steam sanitizer for bottles.. boppy, Bumbo seat and swing, also washable changing pads for on the go changes comes in handy when you have to change baby on rest room floor because there isn't a changing station... Congrats on baby I hope this helps :)

Juanita - posted on 03/17/2009

Hi Amanda, congratulations on your pregnancy, it is such a wonderful experience, and it does go by so fast!



My son is 10 weeks old. i bought everything that a child could have for Jordan, thinking i would need everything and i have only found the following the "essential" items....



I have found the following, "essential"

1. You must go for a pregnancy photo shoot when you are about 8 months, for me this was the best thing i could of ever done, as i miss been pregnant and looking back at my professional photos, is so great!

2. Baby monitor - when he sleeps in the bedroom at night and i want to spend sometime with my hubby, i dont have to put the television softer to try and hear him if he is awake.

3. A baby bath unit, with a changing mat, it is just easier than having it in the bathroom with a pipe that lets out the water.

4. Angelcare nappy bin

5. Lots of towel nappies (for spit)

6. Ear Thermometer - Thermoscan

7. Bath Thermometer

8. At least 6 bottles

9. Storage milk cups

10. Breast Pump

dont worry about a bottle warmer, i got my son use to room temperature liquids, it is just easier.

11. Sterilizing unit to put the bottles in.

12. (not sure of the name) but it is a swing type of contracption with a mobile above the seat, this is great during the day, to keep him occupied or to sleep with you in the lounge.

13. A preggie roll breast feeding u shape pillow, this is great for feeding and when he is about 2 months old to let him sit it it.

14. Winter clothes, baby grows for when they are born, i did not have enough as my child was very small and newborn clothes did not fit him it was too big.

15. For winds: A dummy, magphos No 8 tissue salt to be given before a feed with a little bit of water mixed , we started on a quarter and then a half a tablet, but only when you know the cramps are going to bad, Especially when breastfeeding, they tend to have certain times of the day when they cant handle the cramps.

15. sunscreen for babies

16. Changing mat with compartments for the bum cream wet wipes and nappies or when visiting or out and about

17. a mirror for the car to face on the car seat

18. vests

19 receiving blankets

20. Educational toys

21. my hubby sleeps in the spareroom and jordan sleeps with me in a box shape thingie to make him feel secure. it is just easier to pick him up and feed him when he is right there then you can go back to sleep. getting up and going to feed wakes one up. i bought a cot and a moses basket and tried both and landed up with him in my bed!

o and my husbands extra pair of hands when i bath him, lol



well i hope i gave you some sort of direction, if i think of anything else i will let you know.







Well that is all i have really needed so far

Kandice - posted on 03/16/2009

Good question - I would have to say - 1. The boppie (Great for nursing, sleeping cuddling et al). 2. The G Diapers - less energy than clothe diapers, more enviromentally friendly than regular diapers. 3. Lansinoh HPA Lanolin for nursing moms (it is like magic when your nipples are sore use a bit and your all better). 4. Our Car Seat Stroller Docking station travel system. 5. Baby sling (it is a God send). And my bonus one - my diaper bag which doubles as my purse now (I just toss in my makeup bag and wallet), where Ava and I go it goes.

Hope this helps.

Joy - posted on 03/16/2009

bumbo chair, swing that hangs outside, jolly jumper and a really really good 3 wheeler jogger pram have been my life saviours with my son.

Soktheary - posted on 03/14/2009

baby sling/wrap/carrier-i really like the MOBY WRAP, it comes in many colors, and you can carry your baby in multiple postions in it, its so versatileand comfortable, i went through 5 different slings, and i feel that the MOBY gives the best back suppourt and is most comfortable



good stroller with big wheels-if you like to walk/workout/be outdoors, a good jogging stroller is ESSENTIAL, you can be outside, exercise, run, and ur baby will enjoy the smooth ride, plus some of the newer models have speakers/ipod port in the sun shade so you can play music



exersaucer-as soon as ur baby can sit up, they can sit.play in it by themselves so u can relax a little



jumping swing that can hang in your door frame-cause babies love to jump/swing in it, and again- you can have some time to your self while they play



a good sturdy/stylish diaperbag- going out is more fun if u know you will have all ur babys needs on hand and ready, and it doesnt hurt for it to look nice too(i actually just use a big pretty pursethat has lots of pockets)

Christine - posted on 03/14/2009

Delete Are you sure? Yes | No Posted by You (10:56 am)

For me... I couldnt live without the boppy. I didnt use it so much to feed my son, as he was bottle fed, but he would lay in the boppy and look around. It was his favorite place to be. The bouncy seat was another favorite. I have a graco one that folds up, I would put my son in it while I was in the shower, I knew he was safe and I could peek out of the shower and see him. The bouncy seat was also the place that I first started feeding him cereal. I have a wooden high chair, and it doesnt recline, so you cant use it till your baby can fully hold his own head and back up straight. His swing was another godsend. Perfect for those times when the baby doesnt know what he/she wants. An aspirator (boogie sucker) and saline nose drops are another must have. My son had RSV at 7 weeks (basically a cold, but since they have no immune system, it was pretty stressful), and I couldnt tell you how many times I used it. Besides those things, I couldnt survive a day without binkies, tons of extra blankets, and lots and lots of bibs. Make sure to get good quality bibs, I have a bunch of cheap ones, and they really work like crap. My son is a drooler, and I change bibs at least 3 times a day, unless I am using the heavy duty bibs. Best of luck!

Lauren - posted on 03/13/2009

I never used my bottle warmer or boppy. i always just used pillows from my bed. they worked just as good. The swaddle wraps did not work for me at since my son did not like being swaddle. My breast pump was good. I also love any bouncy chair and a swing. I do not know what i would do with out them still! Blankets do to spitting up. I feel like everything else was not nessecarry.

Naomi - posted on 03/13/2009

Just wanted to say THANKS to everyone who has posted! I'm also planning my 'baby essentials' list and this has been so helpful!

Emma - posted on 03/13/2009

my top 5 things...

1, lansinoh nipple cream

2,a nice soft blanket for baby

3,lindam door bouncer

4, the cot mobile is so loved by my daughter

5, would have to be muslin squares.. always need one of those for the milky dribble. lol



and for those things i wish i never got...



1, the bumbo.. a total waste of money

2,tomme tippee breast pump.. caused alot of tears of frustration

3, bouncer chair.. she really did not like it...

good luck with your new baby x

April - posted on 03/13/2009

Congrats! 1. Swaddleme blankets are great for when they get a little bigger and can kick out of a receiving blanket at night. 2. carriers, sling and bjorn, mine NEVER wanted to be put down, 3. activity gym - we have the BE one, it was the one place I could put her down initially. She loved the flashing flower that played music. 4. a bouncy seat with gadgets - we bought a plain one with wooden toys that hang because it looked less juvenile for our living room but soon found out that it's nice to have the toys with the music and flashing lights...whatever makes the baby happy! 5. The Boppy is great too for feeding obviously, but also for tummy time and later a support when they first learn to sit up! Have fun with your registry!

Mallory - posted on 03/13/2009

Hmm..bottle warmer I don't think is necessary. A boppy if you are breastfeeding is a must. A doulbe breast pump is nice, but expensive. I have a single and if I could afford a double one I would have gotten that one first. How long do you plan to breastfeed? If you don't plan on breast feeding that long, I would just get a single one. I have a two year old and a 5 month old, I have used a changing table (that is on top of a dresser) with both of them. I cannot stand just changing their diapers wherever. Routine, routinem, routine! A wipe warmer is a waste of money. Just think..if you were out somewhere and chaning a diaper, you don't have warm wipes. That could really upset the baby. I don't know what I would do without my bouncy chair. We swaddled both of the kids. The two year old we swaddled for about 5 months and the youngest one we swaddled about 3 months. I have big babies so we had to by the thermal blankets to swaddle. It all depends on the baby, They had a hard time falling asleep at first without being swaddled. Also a jumperoo! I hope this helps. I would love to give out more advice if need be! Congrats!

Amber - posted on 03/12/2009

Quoting Laura:

Other than the basics such as a crib, stroller and such

My top 5 must haves are...

1. Infant to Toddler Rocker - Fisher Price
2. Gentle Vibrations 3in1 Crib Soother - First Years
3. Rainforest Jumperoo - Fisher Price
4. Diaper Genie II
5. Bottle and Wipes Warmer
and i was an exclusive pumper....so the Medela Pump in Style...fantastic!

My top 5 - Wish i didnt buy!
1. Bumbo
2. Meleda Mini Electric Pump
3. Adiri Bottles
4. Surfboard Tummy Time mat
5. Bear bouncer thing...the rocker was sooo much better

 

I can agree with you on that, the Bumbo thing was a joke

Heather - posted on 03/12/2009

BOPPY!!  haha  then I would have to say....the swing, bouncy chair, heartbeat teddy bear  (to put him to sleep) and finally the snugglie.  :)

Kimberly - posted on 03/12/2009

a bouncy seat (or one that vibrates)

travel swing..they fit everywhere even on your table

nursing pillow...boppy okay i used a twin one which was rectangular shaped and awesome for my twins and my single baby

hand pump or electric depending how much u plan on pumping

crib music....soothers are from the gods

when they get bigger....jumperoo...u must have one...they love these things

Jodie - posted on 03/09/2009

Don't forget your self. There are thousands of things for baby out there, and people have given you lots of great advice. If your are going to breast feed gets some comfy nursing pj's and some nice nursing tops... they are a life saver... so discreet if for some reason you have to feed in public your whole back isn't showing and you and baby are more comfortable. it's great in the early days if family pop over they can see the baby and not your breast. Most nursing tops are designed to accomedate the post partum tummy too. Look around and by at least one for every day of the week, as your breast leak and babies dribble so the more you can afford the better. The singlets with the built in maternity bra are great they can easily go under a loose top or a dress too. Think about it there is nothing worse than coming home and feeling frumpy and tired and having nothing to wear that is comfortable.

Jaime - posted on 03/09/2009

I HIGHLY discourage the boppy... Get "My Brest Friend" pillow. So much better than the boppy IMHO. Most Lactation consultants will agree.

Miracle Blanket Swaddler

Video monitor

BOB Stroller

Kiddopotamus Cushystraps

Alissa - posted on 03/09/2009

The Miracle Blanket Swaddle-A Must Have!  The only swaddle that my little ones did not escape from.  You can get this at www.Babytimesaver.com

Baby Swing with extra wide space for baby, many to choose from!- Must Have!

Happiest Baby on the Block DVD/CD combo...watch this before baby is born, it will help you figure out what to do when baby is screaming...You can get this at www.babytimesaver.com

Closet Dividers/baby hangers-Nice to have to separate all baby clothes.  I ended up having clothes that my baby grew out of before wearing because I put it away until it would fit and then it was too late...Nice to have- You can get this at www.babytimesaver.com

Ah Goo Baby Plush Pad-  Nice to have-an amazing thing to have in your diaper bag because it is super comfortable for baby and sooooo soft and fashionable. You can get this at www.babytimesaver.com

Please check out my site at www.babytimesaver.com and please pass it along to all your friends.  I started my site so moms could go to one site for essentials and gift items for babies up to age 1.  You get 15% off first purchase and free shipping on orders over $50 and Free Gift Wrap.  I hope you like the site and good luck with your delivery!

Tracy - posted on 03/09/2009

1. Medula breast pump if your going to breastfeed

2. Dr. Brown's bottles when you wean baby from breastfeeding.

3. Britax Roundabout car seat. Best in the category.

4. BOB baby jogger.

5. Bugaboo stroller...expensive...but worth EVERY penny.

Cristina - posted on 03/09/2009

MY FAVORITE THINGS:

  1.  Rainforest Jumperoo

  2.  Swing

  3.  Rainforest Peek-a-Boo soother (it entertains him long enough for me to shower, do my hair and makeup!)

  4.  Activity mat (you don't need an expensive one)

  5.  Boppy

5 things I wish I had the receipt for:

  1.  Bottle warmer

  2.  Microwave Sterilzer

  3.  Baby Bijorn (we have used it once)

  4.  Womb sounds teddy bear

  5.  Adjustable Baby Bath-get a solid one, the adjustable ones leak everywhere!