Preparing for baby--what do I need to buy? Feeling overwhelmed by the baby industrial complex...

[Anonymous]

Hi, I'm starting my third trimester and need to do a registry for my baby shower. I am completely overwhelmed by all the choices, and I really want to avoid spending too much time doing research. But I also want to avoid buying unnecessary items--money is tight, and I am trying my best not to overspend.

Are there any good master lists of what first-time mom really needs for nursing and for baby -- ideally the list would not be provided by a store but by a parent who knows which items are needed and which are frivolous. I have Baby Bargains, which is a great book, but I am suffering from information overload, and what I really need is a simple checklist of what I need and when. And which items I can buy second-hand and which are better bought new.

Then there is the whole BPA/environmental health angle. I can't afford organic cotton, but I definitely want to avoid the worst offenders.

[Anonymous]

Congrats! I think some of it depends on your situation.
Pack-n-Play: Never used with DC#1 b/c we lived in a small 1-level house. May use with DC#2 b/c we now live in a 3 level house and we spend a lot of time in our basement.
Car Seat: Used a convertable off the bat. I knew I would NEVER carry my "big" baby in a carrier on my arm so it seemed like a waste of $. I did buy a used carrier seat (no base) just for restaraunts and such for a few months and that's it.
Swing/Bouncy Seat: My DD LOVED the swing and hated the bouncy seat. But, I've heard different babies like them differently. Maybe try to borrow one first or buy used.
Bassinet/Crib: We borrowed a bassinet from a friend who pd about $30 at Burlington for only 7wks. Then she went into her crib. Depends on how long, if ever, you plan to keep baby in your room. We thought about a co-sleeper, but I'm glad we didn't buy it b/c at 7wks we put DD in crib and she slept thru the night.
Wipe Warmer: Love the idea (had a winter baby), but it singed the wipes on the bottom and dried them out quickly. Won't use with 2nd winter baby.
Xtra-wide Dutailer glider: Best purchase besides the swing. We spent many hours rocking, feeding, sleeping, now reading, snuggling in that chair.
Burp Cloths: Used cloth diapers that my mom embroidered. Cheap and work really well.
Medela Pump-In-Style: Bought NEW from ebay store and save a lot of $$. Worked great since I pumped a lot after going back to work.

This is what worked for us and our situation. Everyone has different needs. Are there any specific items that you are questioning? We might be able to help with opinions on specific items.
Good luck

[Anonymous]

You really don't need much right away.

Newborn stage: some side-fastening shirts (especially the ones with the little mittens on the ends to protect db from db's own fingernails), diapers (Swaddlers are the softest), some baby emery boards and a baby nail clipper, some little cotton stretchy hats, some very tiny socks with enough stretch to keep them on, a few soft receiving blankets (with some stretch in them makes them easier to swaddle baby). If you're going to nurse, invest in a MyBrestFriend nursing pillow and make sure you have a quiet, comfortable spot where you can go to nurse (a glider or rocker is nice, but not necessary, but a nursing stool for your feet is very helpful). A Moses basket or bassinet is absolutely fine for the first few months.

Also, absolutely vital, imho, is a copy of "Happiest Baby on the Block" by Karp. It also comes in a DVD.

Congrats and gl!

[Anonymous]

Crib
Car Seat
Stroller or sling or baby carrier to bring baby around in
Changing pad
Somewhere comfortable to nurse (a nice chair new or used or re-purposed)
Some clothes
Burp cloths (could be any type of cloth or towel)

[Anonymous]

Congrats! I bought a lot of used items off Craigsist and at various baby sales. I also asked around and borrowed a lot. If my DS did not use an item much (i.e. bouncy seat, I didn't worry about it because I only paid $10 for it). Yard sales are also a great place to scope out used items. The infant stage is so short, most castoffs are still in very good shape. The only items that I bought brand new was a matress and linens.

[Anonymous]

Must-haves:

Car seat
A place to sleep
Some clothes (onesies esp if you are having a summer baby), hat, socks
Receiving blankets
Stroller

I know many women wouldn't agree, but I found a boppy pillow a must for breastfeeding, you can use a regular pillow instead but for me it was so much more comfortable. I had a c-section and it cushioned the incision really well. We had a bassinet and didn't use the crib until DD was almost 4 months old. The pack and play was fairly useless early on. I would consider looking on Craigslist or similar for used items. Some things get used so gently by the time the baby outgrows them that it's practically like having something new for a fraction of the price.

Congrats!

[Anonymous]

When trying to select a product, I found using Amazon.com was very helpful. People post reviews there...its how I decided on several items - especially a monitor.

[Anonymous]

Pick up a copy of the book "baby bargains" - they give good guidelines on what you do/don't need and a good comparison of quality vs. price.

[Anonymous]

Just an idea for a money/space saving tip. We bought a pack and play because it's got a removable bassinet and built in changing table. That way you buy one thing (and they're not that expensive -- under $200) and three uses out of it. We have a small place and have it in our bedroom because the baby doesn't have her own room.

[Anonymous]

Yep, this (awesome) website has what you're looking for: http://www.rookiemoms.com/shopping-registry/