I am no expert at motherhood or parenting... however, I know more than I used to. The first year has really taught us what we need for sure, missed out on, and some things that we didn't need at all.
The must haves:* the big furniture (crib, changing table, dresser, rocking chair of glider, play pen / pack n' play (perfect for traveling), infant car seat (and eventually a toddler and up car seat), and high chair)
*bottles and lots of extra nipples
*heat sensitive baby spoons (and other dishware)
*a infant bath that can grow with your baby
*towels and washcloths
*pee pads for crib, changing table, etc
*baby clothes RANGING in MANY sizes from newborn, 0-3, 3-6, 6-9 and 9-12 (yes, hopefully you get all these sizes before the baby ever gets here... once your precious little one starts to grow, they don't stop, and if you have all the clothes ready, you will feel more sane.
** Baby laundry detergent -- Dreft -- best brand
*Baby first aid kit -- thermometer, nose bulb, nail scissors, nail file, etc
*Stroller (research this first!! make sure it has the correct wheels for the surfaces you will be traveling on)
*Monitors! !
*Gates for when they are moving (check them first... can little fingers get caught in the hinges or the sliding mechanisms?? The cloth ones are good... and they can go from 5 feet to 15 feet across ... for those large openings)
*Onesies (Long and short sleeves!!) --- need lots (drooling, spit ups, food, drooling again (you'll be changing them 3-8 times a day)
*Sleepers with feet AND Sleeper sacks!!! These are heaven sent, especially if your baby liked being swaddled as a baby, the sleeper sack acts like one.
*Socks -- all sizes... for both feet and hands (yes hands... baby hands have nails and babies have no control -- they will scratch their face / eyes, socks protect them... gloves fall off)
**Diapers and Wipes of course (this may sound silly, but have them either on the registary or as a game for the baby shower (win a door prize if you bring some, type of thing) ... but ask for them in many sizes -- like clothes they will out grow these fast too
The nice to haves:*baby swing (they outgrow this fast but it is nice when they are sick- calms baby down enough to sleep)
*bacsinet (perfect next to your bed for night time feedings)
*crib bedding / set (however you are going to buy more later that isn't going to match perfectly -- get lots of extra sheets for when they 'pee through')
*bibs (protects clothes from drooling at first... later protects from food)
*Tummy time mat (technically a blanket on the floor with toys in front works just the same)
*toys and books (black and white toys and pictures are perfect... it really gets baby's attention)
*toys (balls) that jingle / rattle / animal sounds (balls work well since they work the 'grip' and hand /eye coordination)
*Diaper bag (with many little compartments)
*Traveling dishes / formula sectional
*Baby Carriers (front ones - ok ... your back starts to hurt but it is so sweet to carry baby this way... just watch the neck position)
*Baby Back pack - wish we had one...!!!!! It is on our wish list for Isabelle's first birthday -- perfect for hiking or going to an outdoor shindig
*Vaporizer -- nice for when baby is sick, they are quiet and the liquid vicks keeps their nose from getting stuffy
*Crib Mobile (yes, you can match it to the 'theme' but it is better to make it BRIGHTLY colored ... baby will focus on it more (jungle 'peek-a-boo theme is cute and it plays for 18 minutes... 3 times longer then most)
*Aquarium for the crib
*Bouncy chair (ones they can grow into -- bouncer to a actual chair... way more economical)
*Baby shows --- get the video collection started and figure out if you are a teletubbie / Barney watcher NOW... don't wait (you want to have the collection ready... Trust me)
No Way:*breast pump (the ones worth buying are too expensive...you take 6-8 months to break even and you may only use it for a month; the cheap ones break and you have to replace them) ---The best way to go here is to rent one from the hospital... even if you use it for 6 months it is still way cheaper then buying one
*Bouncers and Walkers (waste of money and space -- they outgrow it so fast)
*Infant positioners (use a recieving blanket or two and when in the crib use a towel under the matress)
*Warmers and Sterilizers --- Seriously?? Are you brining up a wuss and a dishwasher works just fine.
*Gloves for infant hands -- pointless (see above)
*Swaddlers -- waste of money, especially if you can swaddle a baby in a receiving blanket. The swaddlers don't stay tucked in if you have a wiggley baby and they are not 'one size fits all', blankets are.
In the end ... it is all what suits you and baby. But save everything if you can, including the clothes, you are more then likely going to have more then one kid.
The Baby Proofing edition will come soon... Isabelle keeps finding new ways of getting things... will the 'proofing' ever end?????
As we grow up we learn our family's traditions. Most happen around the holidays such as Beef Fondu for Christmas Eve dinner, and sometimes around birhtdays and other special days around the year, (Mother/Father's Day breakfasts in bed and fireworks on the 4th of July). For birthdays there is the traditional cake, balloons, presents and people to cellebrate with you.
