What are essential/best baby items to have as a new parent? What's junk? What's invaluable? Hints? Tips?

Q. (Sorry this is so long! Many thanks in advance to those who reply!)

We are at week 34 awaiting the arrival of our Babygirl. Gifts and hand-me-downs are starting to come in that we're marking off the "need to get" list (per Babies R Us).

We still have lots we need to get, so I wanted to ask for your opinions. For all those moms and dads out there, I have attached, below, the Babies R Us "Parents Checklist." What is necessary? What is not? What is invaluable? What did you get on a whim and are eternally grateful for having? What turned out to be nothing but junk? What brands are the best (i.e., I hear that Boudreaux's "Butt Paste" is the best there is)?

I'm starting to scout out Craigslist and eBay for deals (who the heck knew breast pumps were unbelievably expensive??? At least I can get new, in box items from eBay and save a few if I watch like a hawk!). If any of you have insights that you would share, we would be very grateful. Thanks!

THE LIST

Infant Care
Safety
𐀀 Monitor
𐀀 Cabinet/Drawer Latches
𐀀 Safety Gates
𐀀 Outlet Covers
𐀀 Travel Mirror
𐀀 Smoke and Carbon Monoxide
Alarms
Nursing/Feeding
𐀀 Breastpump
𐀀 Breast Pads
𐀀 Breast Cream
𐀀 Breastmilk Storage
Containers or Bags
𐀀 Breastfeeding Shawl
𐀀 Nursing Pillow
𐀀 Burping Cloths
𐀀 6-12 Cloth Diapers
𐀀 6 Lap Pads
𐀀 6-8 Bottles for Formula,
Juice and Water
𐀀 Bottle Warmer
𐀀 Bottle Sterilizer
𐀀 Bottle Drying Rack
𐀀 Bottle Brush
𐀀 Dishwasher Caddy
𐀀 Insulated Tote
𐀀 Feeder for Strained Foods
𐀀 8-12 Bibs
𐀀 Pacifiers
𐀀 Baby Mittens
𐀀 Rattles
𐀀 Teethers
𐀀 Books for Parents-To-Be
Baby Care
𐀀 Nail Clippers
𐀀 Brush and Comb
𐀀 Digital Thermometer
𐀀 Ear Thermometer
𐀀 First Aid Kit
𐀀 Humidifier/Vaporizer
𐀀 Diaper Pail
𐀀 Diaper Pail Refills
Bath
𐀀 Baby Bathtub
𐀀 Baby Bath Sponge
𐀀 4 Hooded Bath Towels
𐀀 12 Washcloths
𐀀 Bath Toys
Toiletries
𐀀 Body Wash
𐀀 Shampoo
𐀀 Lotion
𐀀 Baby Oil
𐀀 Alcohol Swabs
𐀀 Cotton Swabs
𐀀 Diaper Ointment
𐀀 Petroleum Jelly
𐀀 Cotton Balls
Diapers/Formula
𐀀 Diapers
𐀀 Formula
𐀀 Baby Wipes
𐀀 Travel Wipes
𐀀 Wipes Warmer
𐀀 Diaper Bags (small & large)
𐀀 Baby Changing Mat
Baby Gear
Car Seats
𐀀 Infant Car Seat
𐀀 Convertible Car Seat
𐀀 Booster Car Seat
𐀀 Strap Covers
𐀀 Neck Wings
𐀀 Head Support
𐀀 Full-Body Support
𐀀 Baby Sunshade
𐀀 Car Seat Toys
𐀀 Additional Infant
Car Seat Base
𐀀 Car Seat Undermat
𐀀 Infant Car Seat
Carrier Cover
Strollers
𐀀 Travel System
𐀀 Full-Size Stroller
𐀀 Umbrella Stroller
𐀀 Jogging Stroller
𐀀 Convenience Stroller
𐀀 Stroller Toys
𐀀 Stroller Netting
𐀀Weather Shield
𐀀 Stroller Blanket
Entertainers/Swings
𐀀 Full-Size Swing
𐀀 Travel Swing
𐀀 Activity Jumper
𐀀 Jumper
𐀀 Stationary Entertainer
𐀀 Bouncer/Rocker
𐀀 Baby Carrier
𐀀 Infant Positioner
Play Yards
𐀀 Play Yard/Travel Yard
𐀀 2-3 Play Yard/Travel Yard
Sheets
𐀀 Play Yard/Travel Yard
Netting
High Chairs
𐀀 High Chair
𐀀 Booster Seat
𐀀 Splat Mat
𐀀 High Chair Cover
𐀀 Extra High Chair Pad
Nursery
Cradles/Bassinets
𐀀 Cradle, Bassinet or
Portable Crib
𐀀 Cradle, Bassinet or
Portable Crib Bedding Set
𐀀 2-3 Cradle, Bassinet or
Portable Crib Sheets
𐀀 Bassinet Netting
Nursery Furniture
𐀀 Crib
𐀀 Changing Table
𐀀 Armoire/Chifforobe
𐀀 Dresser/Chest
𐀀 Hutch
𐀀 Glider or
Upholstered Rocker
𐀀 Ottoman
𐀀 Blanket Chest
Mattresses
𐀀 Crib Mattress
𐀀 Cradle/Bassinet Mattress
𐀀 Portable Crib Mattress
𐀀 3 Crib Mattress Pads
𐀀 Vinyl Mattress Cover
Bedding/Room
Décor (separates)
𐀀 Crib Bedding Set
(including bumper)
𐀀 4-6 Fitted Crib Sheets
𐀀 4-6 Blankets
𐀀 4-6 Receiving Blankets
𐀀 4-6 Waterproof Pads
𐀀 4-6 Sheet Savers
𐀀 Changing Table Pad
𐀀 2-4 Changing Table Covers
𐀀 2-4 Baskets/Storage Bins
𐀀 Wall Hanging
𐀀 Switchplate Cover
𐀀 Crib Mobile
𐀀 Lamp
𐀀 Wall Border
𐀀 Window Valance
𐀀 Diaper Stacker
𐀀 Rug
𐀀 Hamper
𐀀 Sleep Positioner
Toys/Gifts
Toys, Books & Music
𐀀 Crib Toys
𐀀 Activity Toys
𐀀 Toy Box
𐀀 Baby Gym
𐀀 Books
𐀀 Playmat
𐀀 DVDs
𐀀 CDs
Keepsakes
𐀀 Frames
𐀀 Baby Book
𐀀 Photo Albums
𐀀 Thank You Notes
𐀀 Camera
𐀀 Announcements
Apparel
Infant Clothing
(various sizes)
𐀀 Homecoming Outfit
𐀀 9-12 Bodysuits
𐀀 2-4 Cap and Bootie Sets
𐀀 4-6 Side-Snap Shirts
𐀀 4-6 Pullover Shirts
𐀀 6-8 Stretch Sleepers
𐀀 3-6 Cotton Overalls
𐀀 3 Gowns
𐀀 Socks
𐀀 12-24 Clothing Hangers

A. Wow that is one long list lol.

Ok well for safety all you need to beginning with is baby monitors the rest are for when they start crawling wwhich wont be until they are 6-8 months so you don't need to purchase them just now unless you want to be super prepared.

Nursing/Feeding:

Breastpump - not essential unless you want to exprees easier just to put baby on the boob though. if you are going to get one I would recommend an electric one so much quicker and easier to use.

Breast Pads - Stock up on these

Breast Cream - Definitely need this

Breastmilk Storage - again on essential if you are going to express.

Containers or Bags - I got a bag that holds two bottles but my changing bag alreayd had one integrated into it so check to make sure yours doesn't before you waste any money.

Breastfeeding Shawl - Upto you really if you want something to sort of cover yourself when feeding get one.

Nursing Pillow - I can't stand mine it is so awkward and makes it hard to hold the baby I wanted recommend these unless you are formula feeding.

Burping Cloths - get plenty of these are muslin squeares at least 10

6-12 Cloth Diapers - not necessary if you are using disposable

6 Lap Pads - not essential

6-8 Bottles for Formula - I would recommend 2x 125ml and 6x 260ml

Juice and Water:

Bottle Warmer - I never use mine I just stick it hot water to warm it up less hassle.

Bottle Sterilizer definite essential

Bottle Drying Rack - can just stick them on the draining board this isn't essential.

Bottle Brush - this will probably just come with your sterliser

Dishwasher Caddy - don't need this when you still sterlising your bottles.

Insulated Tote - either this or a bottle bag you don't need both.

Feeder for Strained Foods - you wont need this until 4-6 months

8-12 Bibs: Can never have too many

Pacifiers: Thats personal prefernce whether you want to give your baby one.

Baby Mittens: At least 4 pairs

Rattles: Optional could get one or two normally don't bother with these until they are about 3 months anyway.

Teethers: Don't need this right away again at a couple of months

Books for Parents-To-Be: Don't need these at all you can learn from other people amd familyor YA! lol

Baby Care

Nail Clippers - essential or some people bite them off

Brush and Comb - I ve not used mine yet my daughter hardly has any hair

Digital Thermometer - Always handy to have when you have a young child

Ear Thermometer - Only need one Thermometer.

First Aid Kit - Not essential you'll probably have stuff ike this already anyway

Humidifier/Vaporizer - Not necessary or essential

Diaper Pail good to have to stor your diapers in for the day before you trhow them in the trash so you don't have to be in and out the house all day.

Diaper Pail Refills - These are diaper sacks

Bath

Baby Bathtub - not essential can use sink or bath support or take baby in the bath but I find mine useful for when she is really tiny

Baby Bath Sponge - Essential

4 Hooded Bath Towels - Not essential could use a normal towel and swaddle her in it

12 Washcloths - don't need that many

Bath Toys - don't need these to start with and or optional not essential

Toiletries

All toiletries are essential except alcohol swab some people don't use shampoo to start with either as it can cause cradle cap. I just used water to start with for the first few weeks

Diapers/Formula

Need all this stuff apart from a wipe warmer not necessary.

Baby Gear:

Carseat and base if it is ISOFIX. Head support but most car seats come with this and carseat toy keeps them entertained on longer journeys and shaded to keep them protected from the sun on warmer days.

Stroller:

You can get 3 in 1 travel systems that have a carrycot, fit a carseat and seat unit for when they are older. Most will come with all the essentail like rain cover etc and you can get a toy if you want.

Entertainments/ swings:

I would recommend the fisher price cradle swing my daughter loves hers. A bouncer and play mat or gym is all you need for the first few months they sleep the majority of the time
High Chairs:

You will need a high chair when she is 6mnths +

Nursery
Cradles/Bassinets:

Cradle, Bassinet or Portable Crib

Cradle, Bassinet or Portable Crib Bedding Set

2-3 Cradle, Bassinet or Portable Crib Sheets

Bassinet Netting - you will only need this if you have it outside

Nursery Furniture

Crib
Changing Table - I never used mine but handy to have to store things on really
Dresser/Chest - optional
Glider or Upholstered Rocker - handy to have for night feeds

Mattresses:
Crib Mattress
Cradle/Bassinet Mattress
3 Crib Mattress Pads
Vinyl Mattress Cover - Need all this

Bedding/Room

Décor (separates)

Out of this the essentials you'll need are:

Crib Bedding Set (including bumper)
4-6 Fitted Crib Sheets
4-6 Blankets
4-6 Receiving Blankets
4-6 Waterproof Pads
Crib

Original Question

Pregnant and doing my check list

Q. Anyone fancy doing a check list to make sure i have everything? sorry to be a pain lol. you don't have to i am just worrying that i am going to forget something. I am only 14 weeks and yes i no its early still but im a first time mum and want to make sure i get it right. I have feeding: baby sterilzer, 10 avent bottles 9oz. and 4 4oz 1z. bottler cleaner brush and teets. am i missing anything from this section as im ready to mark it off? not breast feeding but may change my mind. i have tomy baby moniter. 12 squear cloths but think i will get more. mosses basket but not getting the bedding just yet. a cot and getting the pram at the end of my pregnancy. i have dummies but need to get more. and and started getting nappies and wipes ect. if your in an extra nice mood will you do me a list pretty please lol. thanks so much. xx

A. General
- car seat
- stroller
- diaper bag
- play yard
- bassinet
- swing
- bouncer seat

Feeding
- burp cloths (12 +)
- bibs (8-12)
- bottles (8- 12 +)
- dishwasher caddy for bottles
- bottle drying rack
- infant spoons
- high chair
- training cups

Bath
- baby tub
- bath toys
- baby towels (4-6)
- baby wash cloths (8-12)
- baby shampoo and body wash
- baby lotion

Grooming & Health care
- nail clippers
- thermometer
- brush and comb
- baby mittens
- gas relief drops
- pain relief drops


Diapers
- Diapers (sizes newborn through 3 or cloth diapers)
- baby wipes
- changing table
- diaper rash ointment

Clothing
- onesies (6-8, in each size - newborn & 0-3 months)
- undershirts (6-8, in each size - newborn & 0-3 months)
- outfit to come home in
- booties or socks (6-8, in each size - newborn & 0-3 months)
- hats (3-5)
- blankets (6-12)
- other clothes, in sizes up to 6 months

Original Question

Am I missing anything on my list of stuff to get before the baby comes?

Q. I'm seeing the father of my unborn child on Tuesday, and i've made a list of everything he will need to buy for when the baby comes and visits. Tell me if i'm forgetting something, i'm super paranoid about meeting with him!

Stuff for bringing home from the hospital:
Alcohol pads.
Nose aspirator.

Car basics:
Infant car seat.
Sunscreen for car window.

Bath supplies:
Bath towels, with hoods.
Bath toys.
Cup for rinsing and pouring.
Wash clothes.
Baby wash and shampoo.
Baby lotion.
Diaper rash cream.
Soft brush.
Infant bath/sling.

Sleeping essentials:
Crib/ moses basket.
Receiving blankets.
Sheets.
Night light.
Bedroom extras/ decorators/
(1 mattress pad, 2 crib sheets, 2 waterproof mattress pads, 2 light blankets, cradle blanket)
In case of accidents.

Clothing:
Pj's.
Onsies. (Lots!)
Socks.
Stretch suit.
Snow suit.
Hat.
Jacket.
Shoes.
(Just buy a few outfits up too nine months, i'll be packing clothes with the babe.)
Dirty clothes hamper.
Garbage for dirty diapers.

Medical supplies:
Thermometer.
Infant ibuprofen.
Teething tablets.
Nail clippers.
Cotton swabs.

Changing supplies:
Small changing pads.
Diapers.
Wipes.
Changing table/ contoured changing pad and cover that sits on top of a dresser.
Changing bag.

Feeding supplies:
Binkie.
Burp clothes. (Bibs and Rags.)
Formula.
Sterilizers.
Bottle warmers.
Lap pads.
Eventually...
Baby spoons.
Baby food.
Sippy cup.

Toys:
Bright colors and music.
Balls.
Blocks.
Chewing toys.
Stuffed toys.
Board books.
Floor quilts.

Extras:
Bounce chair.
Baby carrier.
Stroller. (Pram.)
Rocking chair.
Audio monitor.
Play pen.
And last but not least, child locks.

I wrote it onto the computer as I did on paper. Is it to demanding? I'm not expecting him to get everything on here, but he wants a list, and I surely made him one. Tell me what you think. (:
He told me that he doesn't want me to be packing a bunch of stuff with the baby. (Sense he lives five hours away) And to write down everything that i'm getting for the baby. So in other words, no I don't except him to pay for anything he doesn't want to. I'm buying all of my nessesties and he's buying his.

A. I'd remove anything from the list that won't be needed for the first 3 months to keep the list a bit neater for now. You can always get another list going later, but things like child locks aren't needed until they're closer to 1 year old.

Here's what you won't need before 3 months old:
Infant ibuprofen (not to be given to kids under 3 months)
Baby food (6 months)
Baby spoons (6 months)
Sippy cup (6-12 months)
Play pen (6 months)
Rocking chair (not necessary, and some children will insist/will prefer just being held and being walked around)
Child locks
And anything under the toys category except a blanket to toss on the floor.

If you're going with a Moses basket instead of a crib, you don't need/won't find sheets and waterproof sheets. If you're getting a crib, I suggest you get more like 4-5 sets of sheets. All you need is one stomach flu that lasts 24 hours to know why you need plenty of these things.

Original Question

Powered by Yahoo! Answers