Must-have Baby Items

[texaslady22]

I know we've started a thread on this before, but I couldn't find it for the life of me. Alright, so with your child/children, what was the one baby item you were glad you had?

Help me sort through all the STUFF that's out there - my mom keeps saying "You don't need a...." fill in the blank. What's necessary? What isn't?

[MidnightMoon]

A boppy. I love, love , love my boppy I use for Faith. Having a c-section I was so glad I had the boppy to feed her with while I had staples in my stomach. She's almost 6 months now and I still use it sometimes to feed her. I also use it for her when she's on her belly and to help her sit up. It's the best $40 I spent. My husband loves it too.

[rachzel]

yeah! i'm glad you started this thread.
my SIL had her shower this weekend & is due in a month.
it's her first baby (boy, noah) & i was thinking there are
probably plenty o'things she doesn't even realize she needs yet.
bring it on, mamas & daddies!!

[diaworld]

The first thing I would say is almost the opposite of your question: there are SO many things people tell you MUST have that are just crap! Baby showers are the prime offenders of this...

For a shower gift, I put together a hospital pack:
Phone card (cell phones don't work in most hospitals)
Gum (they won't let you eat or drink in labor)
LIP BALM, LIP BALM, LIP BALM!!!
wet wipes (for you, not the baby--they may not let you bathe right away and you'll be sweaty!)
high quality shower gel and shampoo for when you do get to shower--DH still gets credit for showing up at the hospital with a huge basket of Lush products. Although the nurses got a laugh out of me doing a facial mask in the hospital, it was just what I needed!
Magazines (celebrity if she's near her due date)--there's a lot of down time, but a book takes too much concentration.

As for baby stuff--you'll get it when you need it. Having my son in Ireland really tought me this--even not being near a wal-mart we figured it out! I seriously returned over half of my shower gifts for diapers because they weren't useful. I totally understand the need to be prepared (did it myself) but have to advise you not to worry about the stuff.

[paris626]

A bouncer seat was a must a have for me
i loved it and used it every single day when they were little.

[Nikol]

I used this item several times a week for a few years and recommend it very highly:

BuggyBagg (http://www.buggybagg.com/)

Also, I couldn't have gotten by with out this:
Super Duper Diaper Doo (http://www.doctorsbest.com/superduperdiaperdoo.html)
I think you can get it at Target.

[texaslady22]

I used this item several times a week for a few years and recommend it very highly:

BuggyBagg (http://www.buggybagg.com/)

I see those on ebay all the time. In the beginning, wouldn't you just put the infant car seat in the buggy, though? Or do you?

[texaslady22]

A bouncer seat was a must a have for me
i loved it and used it every single day when they were little.

Yes, I've heard of those. There are so many kinds!! I figured I'd get a regular one that bounces and vibrates, but then they also have the papasan that doesn't bounce but is really soft if they want to spend some time/sleep in it. Which did you have? Should I have both?

[tigress2b]

What I've heard thru some recent moms is the moby wrap easier to use than the may wrap. This site has all types of personal baby carriers

www.attachedtobaby.com

The other item that I heard mentioned is a bumbo. Its basically a plstic seat that has a nub like a saddle to baby doesnt slide out.

[cakegirl79]

I agree with MM on the boppy. I had the actual Boppy with DS #1 and it was ok but a little too solid/stuffed for me, with DS #2 I got the one that Wal Mart has and it has a strap with it so that you can sit baby in it safely. Here is the one I have now that I just love:

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=2513039&cat=486987&type=1&dept=5427&path=0%3A5427%3A133283%3A486987


The other thing I reccomend is a vibrating bouncy seat, I've had it both times and don't think I could have made it through without it - you really do not need a fancy one the one I have just vibrates and bounces and he's fallen asleep in it a few times. He really likes being able to make it bounce though. Here is my little man in his, he watches me cook & work in the kitchen all the time while sitting in it!

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y98/cakegirl79/Baby%20David/1_22_06.jpg

[Nikol]

I see those on ebay all the time. In the beginning, wouldn't you just put the infant car seat in the buggy, though? Or do you?
Yes, when they are little, it's just easier to leave them in the carseat, but once they get to the sitting/propping up stage, (about 5 months) is when an item like this really comes in handy. The BuggyBagg comes with a pillow to help wedge them up and pockets to hold wipes, etc.

There are several brands of this kind of product; make sure the one you get has a belt to hold the baby in as well as a belt that attaches the seat to the cart.

[cakegirl79]

I would wait on some of the stuff til baby is older, that's what I did this time around and it has helped me see what I really need.


for the first couple of months the only things I really used were:

diapers (Luvs & Pampers for us)
a metric ton of wipes (huggies are my favorite)
baby shampoo
baby lotion
baby towel & washcloths
vaseline (I use diaper rash cream rarely, I use vaseline all the time to protect his little bum)
Diaper Genie & refills
nursing pillow
Breast pump
lots of nursing pads (washable & disposable)
bottles
cloth diapers to use as burp rags (more absorbant you end up with less stains on you!)
bouncy seat
crib
sheets
bumper gaurd
musical mobile


Beyond that I really didn't need much else the first couple of months, about 3 months is when they really start noticing toys and it really depends on the baby as to what they will like. i took baby to Wal Mart and started showing him toys, when he would show interest in one I would get it and then I'd do that again in a couple weeks. It's been great b/c we don't have too many toys for him (like I did for his brother :laugh: )

I also have a list typed up of things I found useful, it's a word document if you're interested in it PM me and I can email it to you.

[texaslady22]

What about the fisher price bounce and play? Anybody use it?

http://www.epinions.com/content_67822849668

[texaslady22]

cakegirl, thanks for the list!! Do you really think a diaper genie is useful? Everyone I know that got one for their shower never ended up using it!!!

I know I can probably wait on some stuff, but I've really been looking for great deals on craigslist because money is an issue. I'm afraid once the baby is born (in fact I'm sure) I won't have the time to search down great deals. :laugh:

What about a travel system? Need it? Or just the car seat?

[Fidget]

I found the diaper champ to be much easier and less icky to use than the diaper genie

[cakegirl79]

as for the diaper genie -- I love it, but you might check out the other brands and read reviews on them. We have baby in our room so the diaper genie s a must have for us . I've had travel systems with both my boys and I love them, you can use the stroller til they're 3 or so. It really all depends on wht you think you will use.

[Revawter]

I never ever used my diaper genie.. I had little scented garbage bags and I would just stick a diaper in there and toss it.

NO ONE needs a playpen. They are utterly useless, unless you want to use it as a really big, ugly toybox.

A lot of us here can vouch for the brilliance that is the Bumbo! I wish I would had one when my baby was tiny, because they rock! If you get a bumbo you probably don't need a vibrating bouncy chair. Swings can be very handy.

If you can, get your newborn used to being carried in a sling.. Those are super handy and then you don't hafta lug your carseat into every store you go into. They have some many cool patterns now too. I got mine at Babystyle.

For baby clothes, regular playwear, I am a huge fan of Zutano. It wears really, really well, looks super cute, comes in a gazillion cool patterns, and is really soft. V still wears Zutano.

Make sure you buy some of the new Gerber nursing pads that are filled with silicone and are used for nasty, sore nipples. I lived in those for the first few weeks because V's latch on was really, really fierce and until I got those I was sobbing each time I nursed, even after having a lactation consultant. Those got me through the rough spots until she became a better nurser. I would have quit without them!

[Revawter]

OH, and I WISH they woulda had this when my kids were tiny.. it's sorta expensive but it looks so nice that I think it justifies the cost!

http://www.oeufnyc.com/oeufnyc2/company/index.php?action=categories&cat=132

And I also LOVE my Kinderzeat highchair!!!

[ups91]

A nice super soft blankie. We had one that my 16 month DD still uses. I would use it when I laid her on the floor or couch to be changed. Now she carries it around with her and sleeps with it!
One thing that both of my kids had that I loved, was a soothing crib toy. DD has the FP Ocean Aquarium and Leapad Soothing Adventures. Both clip on the side of the crib. The music and sounds are great to help them fall asleep.

Cakegirl gave you a good basic list. Good Luck!

[cakegirl79]

NO ONE needs a playpen. They are utterly useless, unless you want to use it as a really big, ugly toybox.





I'm going to disagree on this one, if you stay at home all the time you probably don't need one. However if you travel or baby is going to be at Grandma's a lot you might want one. We use it when we travel for him to sleep in, I've used it a couple of times here at home too, I'll be using it a lot come spring when we do a lot outside too. I got mine used, the nice thing is they fold up small so they can be easily stored when not being used.

[Revawter]

I'm going to disagree on this one, if you stay at home all the time you probably don't need one. However if you travel or baby is going to be at Grandma's a lot you might want one. We use it when we travel for him to sleep in, I've used it a couple of times here at home too, I'll be using it a lot come spring when we do a lot outside too. I got mine used, the nice thing is they fold up small so they can be easily stored when not being used.


Yeah. I can see having a Pack N Play if you travel a lot or if your bebe sleeps at Grandma's etc, I just never used mine. :(

[paris626]

Yes, I've heard of those. There are so many kinds!! I figured I'd get a regular one that bounces and vibrates, but then they also have the papasan that doesn't bounce but is really soft if they want to spend some time/sleep in it. Which did you have? Should I have both?


i personally love the papasan one the came out a good idea but i just had a plain vibrating fisher price one with a toy bar it will be able to be used by the baby TIL cant use it any more which is when they start really sitting up a 20.00 one will work as good as the 50.00 it just depends on
what kind of extras you want but do get one
they make a ton more style and types of these than when i bought one and there was 4 to pick from

[jesslag]

Things to not live without the first 3 months ( I didn't breastfeed so I don't know about nursing pads and stuff related to nursing so I will give you the bottle feeding point of view)

Huggies supreme diapers
Rubbing alcohol
Q tips and cotton balls
Small bottles
a bottle brush
Head to toe baby wash
A can of powder formula and a can of liquid formula ( sometimes babies will only drink one or the other)
Vaseline
A good thermometer
Infants Mylicon
Infants Tylenol
Cloth diapers for cleaning up barf
Big waffle blankets for swaddling
If you are using a pacifier buy many of the same kind
tons of socks (they just disappear)
MILLIONS of baby wipes
Cetaphil lotion
Ocean Wonders Aquarium Bouncer Chair or one that vibrates
A swing
A bumbo
A bassinet or a pack n play that you can have in your living room/family room for the baby to sleep in during the day or while you are up.
A snugli
LOTS OF ONESIES
Lots of comfy jammies with feet
A booger sucker( take the one from the hospital)!!!
A bunch of those sleepers that look like Sweet Pea from Popeye wears-blanket ones for nightime and thinner ones for the day.
A big diaper bag
A small cooler to put bottles in for nighttime feedings so you don't have to run to the fridge
A neat toy to hang from the car seat handle for the baby to look at and touch while you are out
A car seat- mine naps in there or in the bouncer seat during the daytime

Things that just wasted my money
A diaper genie
A changing table
A stroller system that you put the car seat on
An ear thermometer
The bottles that have a disposable liner
My pack and play is currently not being used with this one for some reason


That's all I can think of at the moment.As for playpens I have to disagree with you Rev. I loooove mine. Once your kid starts crawling its nice to be able to put him in there while you clean even if they will only stay in there for about an hour it will give you some time to get stuff done without chasing a baby around. They will get used to it and totally like it. You just have to help them get used to it.

[CAmom]

I used my pack and play constantly. I don't stay home much and we often left it set up at my grandparents and then if we were there during nap we could just put her down. it was great. I go to my grandparent's house every day. I am their primary caregiver. In the beginning when she stopped sleeping in a cradle next to our bed she slept in the pack and play before moving to a crib. Whenever she needed to sleep somewhere else she was used to her bed.

I loved the vibrating bouncy seat. I work night shift and some mornings I was able to go to bed with her beside the bed in the bouncy seat. That thing rocked. We had the fisher price kick and play.

Love the Boppy. Even if you aren't nursing it's a great baby propper.

[kmesh]

used ziploc baggies for diapers (tried a diaper genie-waste of money-took it to goodwill!).

vibrating musical bouncy seat, very simple with a detachable toy bar.

I see no need for a changing table-90% of the time we changed the kids on the living room or bathroom floor.

I also never had a playpen, but did have a pack and play for travel reasons. We always put up gates-I liked the kids to be able to move around and not stuck in the playpen.

Exersaucer-both of my kids were in them at 3 1/2 months and loved it!


WE had a swing, but barely used it-and it took up so much room. Sis had one of the portable swings and loved it!

[texaslady22]

Alright, for the infant car seat, do we need one with a base? There's a brand new one on craigslist in our price range, but it doesn't use a base. Drawbacks?

[ups91]

The one we had for our son didn't have a base, but the one for DD did. It was easier just to put the seat into the base, because it was strapped in already. It was a Graco one.

[Beth]

I couldn't live without my baby Einstein videos. I was able to get things done while those were playing. Gave mommy some down time too!

[ouroboro]

I found the diaper champ to be much easier and less icky to use than the diaper genie

I second the diaper champ--its more cost effective--you use regular garbage bags with it instead of buying those expensive refills for the genie.

[Faulkner99]

We didn't use the Diaper Genie - in fact it was new in the box when we took it back.
I liked the Pack N Play also, it was very useful when we were visiting with grandparents or went out of town. I'm not a big fan of swings and walkers, but to each his own.

I wouldn't recommend a changing table. 99% of them have you changing a baby that is facing sideways. I always find it easier to change them with their legs facing you. Our bed is pretty high, so we always used the bed to change the baby, and got a nice big changing mat to put underneath him.

One thing that will be really useful when you start the baby on solids is a mini cuisinart or food mill, if you're going to be making your own baby food.

The travel system with the stroller and car seat was great, and we had a base for the car seat in both cars. It was also nice because if the baby fell asleep in the car, we didn't have to pull him out of his comfortable sleep once we got home or to our destination. We just clicked out the entire seat.

[diaworld]

The other thing I forgot to mention was freecycle: www.freecycle.org

People on there give away their stuff for free to keep it out of the trash. I guarantee you'll see a diaper genie and other stuff on there. The only item I insisted on having new was the carseat--the rest you can wash!

[MidnightMoon]

We used our pack n play all the time. I have one of the stroller systems also that I use all the time. One baby thing that I could not live without right now is link-a-doos. Faith loves those things. I have a gazillion of them. I have some attached to her carseat, stroller, play saucer and in her toybox so she can play with them when she's on the floor. Also her Baby Einstein Caterpillar Discover & Play Activity Center. She loves that thing!

[sparkleygem]

One thing I could never have too much of is receiving blankets. You can use them for so many things. I usually brought at least 5 of them with me wherever i went. They're really good for catching vomit or spitup too. When the kids were sick, I would go through tons of them. You want the kind that are absorbant. :laugh:

[Mrsloon]

The baby swing, was very important in our house. Our first was so curious, she would never take naps, in the early evenings, very crabby. You have to watch them in there, though.

[TWOPYRZ]

YES to the Boppy. LOVED it.
YES to Baby Einstein. DD still likes some of them.
YES to the food mill/grinder. I made all of DD's baby food when she started on solids. So easy with this thing.

NAY to the Diaper Disposal thingys. Mine is in my attic from DD. Hated it. Will be donating it very soon.

Definately some kind of baby wearer. For DD I used a Snugli all the time. For around the house, walks, to the store etc... For this baby I bought a Maya wrap. Will let you know how it goes.

I also bought a shopping cart cover/restaurant high chair cover at www.babyalacart.com. I have used it several times a week since DD was able to sit in the carts. Protects the kiddos from the nasty shopping carts.

Baby Safe Feeder: This is a little mesh holder that you can put first foods/finger foods in. Baby sucks on it and the food gets mashed and there isnt the risk of choking. Used it all the time with DD.

Breastfeeding? You must stock up on Lansinoh. This stuff is gold!

[Faulkner99]

Ditto with TWOPYRZ about the mesh feeder and the shopping cart cover. We still use the shopping cart cover.

[livandjulsmom]

My girls loved the Fisher Price Infant to Toddler Rocker, they loved them, still do for watching TV. The would rock in them and sleep in them too. I would sit on the floor next to the seat and feed them so we didn't need to get high chairs right away, since we were cramped for room.
It's definitely not a portable seat, (although we did take them apart to use on vacation.)

[texaslady22]

What about a movement sensor? Anyone use one? Reactions?

[secular]

BOUDREAUX'S butt paste- at WALMART and TARGET. Expensive but worth it it has a natural pain killer for those chapped bottoms. DH and I call them booners after baboon bottoms!

[suziebee20]

I love our Fisher Price Cradle Swing. She has hated her crib from day 1 so we let her sleep in it. As soon as we put her in there when she's sleepy she falls asleep.

Our Bumbo is another must-have for us. She can sit in it and play while I'm doing something like washing dishes. She also likes to sit by me when I'm on the computer.

For me, Carter's blankets are a must have. You could definetly get by without them but they are my favorite blankets. We own 6 of them. The cotton ones that have two layers (One side is usually solid with a small patched on animal in the bottom corner and the other side is a design that coresponds). They are like $6 at Target and arn't real thin and cheap feeling like most blankets we've bought.

I love my Cuddle U that someone else mentioned. It's like a boppy but not as firm. It's more like a pillow and when she was little I would nurse her while I typed on the computer. It even fits around Jaime's waist (and he's a pretty big guy) so he'd put it around him and let her lay on it while he'd use the computer too. For the first few weeks I couldn't nurse without it and always took it to other people's houses. Now I can nurse without it but it's easier to have her on it because then I can go hands free without having to hold her with one arm (which makes me have to hunch over and get neck cramps).

I did a TON of research before Sammy was born and almost everything we've bought I've loved. The few items I regret purchasing are:

One of those special swaddle blankets. It got rave reviews so I bought it but she hated being put in it. She loved being swaddled in blankets though.

Those super thin cheap "receiving blankets" that come like 4 to a package. We got a bunch of those from friends but they are so thin and almost too small to swaddle in. We use them now to change her on or mop up spills in our room. I'm sure there's good ones out there but the ones we got were all small and way thin.

[jaklackus]

primary must haves:
diapers, wipes, nursing pads, nipple cream,nursing bra, ice packs, burp cloths, extra crib/bassinet sheets, extra matress pad..if you are having a boy and plan to circumsize stock up on A&D ointment(min. 2 large tubes), med. gauze pads one for each diaper change for about a week(these are pricey...stock up as soon as you know). pack and play-have bassinet inserts, can be used as a starter crib, play area...great for when you clean house, work from home, do school work

secondary must haves:
-swing...on really tired days you will welcome the break..instant naptime,
-manual breast pump..sometimes they are not hungry when you are ready ...easier than expressing by hand, but not as pricey as the electric pumps...but if you plan to pump regularly and store milk buy an electric one.
-back up formula and bottle sign up for enfamil and similac..they will send you start up kits with plenty of formula for emergencies.

*******the most important must have that you need is time for yourself********
I can't even tell you how tired I was....exhausted to my core which led to post partum depression....I felt that I had to do everything myself and because I never asked for help or time off everyone assumed that I was doing great....to ask for a night off is going to feel like the most selfish thing you have ever done....do it anyway at least once a week.

[Maddgiggler]

A Vibrating bouncer seat, an exersaucer & an aquarium for the crib.

Also for me backpacks worked far better than diaper bags. The big deluxe strollers are very bulky and cumbersome (spelling?). The Graco Literider is awesome. Just the right size & weight. Also put a good wagon on your baby shower registry. You will use it for years!

[rocksea_lady]

I used everything on Jesslag's list! Butt paste was very important. I always just took the dirty diapers and put them in grocery bags or bags I had from veggies and tied them. I needed a couple of changing pads (they got left at public rest rooms and it was nice to have one downstairs and upstairs), I never used the changing table but we put diapers and a pad in a drawer in the den and one in his room. I bought a pack-n-play with a built in bassenette and changing table, he slept next to me in it the first 6 months. I bought a bunch of baby gates at gargage sales (about $10 each) I found the ones that unscrewed are much easier to install. They are great for my son and my dogs. Cloth diapers are still used to clean messes, wipe him off after fun dinners like spaghetti, and for dusting. The car seat with the base was great because I could just put him in the high chair in a restuarant or shopping cart. If he fell asleep I could still do what I needed to do w/o waking him. I didn't do a lot of decorating for the nursery but I'm starting to do a lot for his room now. I also had a mirror thing that attached to the car window so he could see me and I could see him. I hated not being able to see if he was okay. I never used to monitor, if he needed me I could hear him cry (I think my breasts would leak before he would even roll over... LOL). Lots on inexpensive shirts and easy bibs, my son drooled and I would change him all the time. I got most of my stuff from garage sales and plan to sell it all in about a month in a garage sale!

Good Luck!

[amy359]

My kids loved their swing. It was the only thing that would calm them on most days. On my third baby I had the Fisher Price (http://www.fisher-price.com/au/babygear/product.asp?c=bgsw_tas&id=18246) battery operated swing with lights and music. It was great for traveling. I had a diaper genie, never used it. Mine lived in onesies and pj's for the 1st 3 months. Cloth diapers make the best bibs. I had tons of clothes and other baby stuff I never used, gave it to goodwill. I still have the bassinet (http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=4260694) that I only used for 2 weeks. I can't get myself to depart with them :worry:

[daskds]

cakegirl, thanks for the list!! Do you really think a diaper genie is useful? Everyone I know that got one for their shower never ended up using it!!!

I know I can probably wait on some stuff, but I've really been looking for great deals on craigslist because money is an issue. I'm afraid once the baby is born (in fact I'm sure) I won't have the time to search down great deals. :laugh:

What about a travel system? Need it? Or just the car seat?

I never used my diaper genie. With twins, we usually filled up a medium sized trash can every day and just took out the trash.

My kiddos LOVED their bouncy seats and actually slept in them the first couple of weeks a lot. Sometimes the vibration was the only thing that got them to sleep!

You don't need a fancy diaper bag. I ended up using a sturdy back pack - everything fits and you have both hands free for the kiddo too!

Bibs, my little guys were droolers! Everything was wet so we kept bibs on them quite a lot as well.

We had a double stroller that the infant seats snapped into and then when they were older they just sat in the seats. Later you will need an umbrella stroller. Much easier to move the kiddos around in than the standard strollers.

Congratulations and good luck!

[bearbaby_26]

Ocean Wonders Aquarium Bouncer Chair was the absolute best thing we ever got!! Our baby is now seven months old and still likes to sit in it occasionally. When he was first born, he slept in it a lot because he had reflux pretty bad. You definitely need one!!!

[CAmom]

BOUDREAUX'S butt paste- at WALMART and TARGET. Expensive but worth it it has a natural pain killer for those chapped bottoms. DH and I call them booners after baboon bottoms!
This stuff rocks. I still use it on my 2 year old.

[mzi mom]

The Sling! I love, love, LOVED it. I always kept a hand under the baby, but the weight was distributed across my shoulders and back rather than on my arm. I could wear him in that for hours (think long day at the mall, running errands, sight-seeing, etc.). I could discreetly nurse him in it. It was just great. I don't know how I raised my first child without it.

P.S. I apologize if the sling has already been mentioned. I am not having a baby nor am I shopping for anyone else who is having a baby. Therefore, I did not read through this thread. I was just adding my two cents. :laugh:

:gvibes:

[jdedmom]

My favorite as well as all three of my boys is cloth diapers. We used them for burp cloths at first but as they got older it was their security blanket "ba-ba". They all loved them and with so many in a pack I never worried about losing them or washing them or throwing them away when they get stained. When they no longer need them they are great cleaning cloths/dusting rags.

[rocksea_lady]

I realized last night as I was sitting in my glider that I never added that. I have one that reclines and has a foot rest that glides too. It was a great way to soothe my son after a hard day and was so comfortable to breast feed in. Now when I can't sleep or he's got a fever we can still sit and "glide" or I can just sit.

[secular]

I have to agree with most of the posts about the diaper genie/champ thingies. The idea behind them is great but scented liners in a garbage can wehn taken out daily is as good and cheaper.

[binski]

One can never have too many hooded towels, receiving blankets and cloth diapers. I'm still using all of the above as cleaning rags. Well, not the real good ones...those go to grandkids. :laugh:

[AlliesMom]

A vibrating chair. Not a bouncy, but one that mimicks a car ride. Jeez, that thing saved my life!! :smile9:

[mommamia]

someone already mentioned it, but the boppy pillow thing was a must have, especially if breast feeding.

and a good circle saucer baby holder-entertainer without wheels allowed me to take a shower.

[KAnthony25]

Top Ten baby items I couldn't live without :


1. Bobby w/ Luxe cover (the velvety kind) DS loved the softness of it and it totally helped him strengthen his muscles to sit up.
2. Fisher Price Aquarium soother. It clibs onto the crib and plays soothing songs.
3. Fleece blankets. Worked so good to swaddle DS in. During summer, though, I would switch to cotton, so he didn't melt.
4. Fisher Price Infant to toddler rocker.
5. Baby Papasan swing. Love how it swings side to side instead of back n forth6. Baby Bathtub - any brand w/ foamy teddy bear insert.
7. Diaper Champ - sorry guys, but I love this thing. It doesn't stink and it takes regular garbage bags.
8. Playtex Vent-Air bottles. Love the fact that the bottoms pop out to get them extra clean.
9. Playtex binkies - the long kind. DS wouldn't take the regular kind.
10. Baby Bjorn in fun fun fun herringbone print *red stripy*

http://bestsmileys.com/family/13.gifhttp://bestsmileys.com/family/13.gifhttp://bestsmileys.com/family/13.gif

[DeniseL]

I agree with MM on the boppy. I had the actual Boppy with DS #1 and it was ok but a little too solid/stuffed for me, with DS #2 I got the one that Wal Mart has and it has a strap with it so that you can sit baby in it safely. Here is the one I have now that I just love:

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=2513039&cat=486987&type=1&dept=5427&path=0%3A5427%3A133283%3A486987


The other thing I reccomend is a vibrating bouncy seat, I've had it both times and don't think I could have made it through without it - you really do not need a fancy one the one I have just vibrates and bounces and he's fallen asleep in it a few times. He really likes being able to make it bounce though. Here is my little man in his, he watches me cook & work in the kitchen all the time while sitting in it!

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y98/cakegirl79/Baby%20David/1_22_06.jpg
The bouncy seat was awesome for my daughter as well. I don't know how I would have gotten by without it.

[secular]

I remember someone mentioning Gerber Ultrathin nursing pads in one of the threads. I DISAGREE. If you leak more than a drop they will be useless as they do not have a waterproof barrier and you'll have to change your bra and/or shirt. I recommend Lanisoh disposable pads, they have adhesive to stay in your bra and can hold alot of milk. I only have to change pads once a day and I'm a heifer (reference to the milk I make :laugh: )

[tigress2b]

I remember someone mentioning Gerber Ultrathin nursing pads in one of the threads. I DISAGREE. If you leak more than a drop they will be useless as they do not have a waterproof barrier and you'll have to change your bra and/or shirt. I recommend Lanisoh disposable pads, they have adhesive to stay in your bra and can hold alot of milk. I only have to change pads once a day and I'm a heifer (reference to the milk I make :laugh: )


:rofl3: Heifer more like a Milky Momma :halo: :gvibes:

[meeeee]

baby showers I always do a basket of small items
shampoo, diaper stuff etc

you can never have to much of that stuff