Hellobee Boards

oh my.... I know how you feel though... the first few times we walked into a Babies R Us (the only baby superstore in the area at the time) we walked right back out. Too much. But here are the things I think are TOTALLY worth splurging on:

- video monitor (if you're like me and like to be totally aware at all times of all your baby's movements!)
- stroller (this depends on where you live, how often you'll use it, and if you want it to last through several kids.... we got an Uppababy Vista)
- baby carrier (we didn't use ours because he didn't like carriers, but it's SO comfy, it's an ergo baby)
- breastpump (I could not imagine using anything less than a double electric)
- high chair (only because you'll be using it so often and for so long)
- convertible carseat (safety is important, and you'll be using it for years)
- swing (we tried using a travel swing and it was a no go... returned it for an expensive one (fisher price papasan swing) and it's one of my favorite items ever)

Things I think you could skimp on and get a cheaper version:
- bouncy chair (we love our Fisher Price one)
- exersaucer (we got the cheapest one we could find and he LIVED in it for like a year)
- crib (as long as it's sturdy and you have a good firm mattress, that's all you need)
- bassinet/ pack n play (all they really need is a safe surface)
- infant carseat (you only use it for a few months, so as long as it's safe, you should be fine)
- changing table (all you really need is the pad! some people even just use the pad on the ground!)

We found a lot of things work just fine used. I'm pretty cheap but I spent money on a breast pump (medela PISA). We registered for a great infant car seat and the mid-range stroller that worked with it. Those were purchased for us, thankfully. Our stroller was $200 and the infant car seat was $150 + $75 for the extra base.

Our crib was $100 from Ikea. Clothes were gifted to us or purchased used. We bought a black and white video monitor at a yard sale for $10. Mattresses aren't cheap, you can get a good one used or spend $100 and you're good.

So many baby things are used for a few months and then you're done with them that it's crazy to pay retail for them!

We are living in a small apartment before we move into a house in the fall so we were committed to only getting what is essential since we have no space! Most if our essentials were gifts from our baby showers [car seat, cosleeper, bathtub (not really an essential since we did just fine without it before it was sent to us), clothes)]. We considered the pricey Medela Freestyle because we want to have more kids, and I knew if would be such a timesaver. The other two must haves for us were a baby carrier (the only way I got things done when he wants to be held all the time) and a white noise app...I never knew "Extreme Rain Pouring" would be magic.

My daughter is 8 weeks and, so far, these are mine:

Bouncer and swing: We have the Snug-A-Bunny bouncer and swing and they were worth the money. She naps during the day in the swing and now that she notices it, the is obsessed with the little bird mobile on it. She smiles and talks to it all the time. The swing is also the only place she will fall asleep on her own. The vibrate function on the bouncer saved our lives the first few weeks she was home.

Carrier: I have a Moby wrap, which I LOVE. I don't go grocery shopping without it. Even if she's hungry or crabby, she will fall asleep in it and let me get stuff done. We're going to be buying an Ergo so DH can wear her too.

Swaddle blankets: LO loves to be swaddled and we do it both at night and during naps. It's a sure-fire way to calm her down if she's over-tired. We use the Aden + Anais blankets, which are expensive but worth it. I have a few others and they are my favorite by far.

If pumping or BFing, Motherlove nipple cream.

Boppy is super useful.

White noise machine is a lifesaver. We have the "Sleep Sheep".

Fleece sleepers. If you're 12 weeks now, you're having a winter baby too? LO was born April 3rd and in England, that's still pretty much winter. She lived in fleece/terry sleepers until the last week or so. I prefer the ones that snap so you don't have to expose the top half of their body when you change them but the sipper ones are fine too. I also recommend buying a few jackets, sweaters and a pram/snowsuit.

We bought a travel system (we have the Graco Alano Flip-It system, ) but I also recommend getting a smaller stroller or a carseat frame too. I have a small Graco Mosaic Logan stroller that the carseat can snap onto and it's so much more manageable when it's just me running errands. DH prefers the big stroller.

Nosefrida. LO got a cold when she was about 2 weeks old and this thing earned it's keep. It's awkward and a little gross the first time you use it but boy, oh boy... it works.

I agree with finding clothes and things used. I have a friend whose daughter is 7 months older than mine and we've gotten so many clothes and things from her. She even gave me her Bumbo and playmat. You can also look into renting a breastpump if you need one. I have a Medela Symphony from the military hospital here on base and it's a beast.

We honestly could have done without our Pack N Play. Thank God we got a cheap, basic one.

@mrs. wagon: I picked up an exersaucer recently from Target (appeared to be an online return - it was only $20!) by evenflo that doesn't have any music/sound. is this worth it do you think? I registered for one by baby einstein for $90 that has music/lights/etc just in case (and i can return/swap for dipes, wipes etc.) I know that usually babies don't *need* the extra electrical stimulation, lol, but I'm worried she won't be entertained by no sounds! what do you think?

@sorrycharlie: is it the splash one? Either blue and orange or pink? If so that's the one we have (no music or sounds) and wagon jr. Loved it til past 1 year old no bells or whistles needed! And $20 is such an awesome deal!!

I thought I could live without a video monitor, but after 9 1/2 months realized it just couldn't happen. LO kept getting her feet stuck in the crib (she would pull her breathable bumpers down) so I ended up staying up all night worrying about her. Now she's in a sleep sack and we have the monitor to see her.

But every baby is different so all of our must haves will be different. LO slept in her swing for months and it was a lifesaver.... but that doesn't mean your LO will love it!

I'd been out of the game for 10 years, I was so overwhelmed with all the new stuff!

Don't waste your money on a puj tub, we used it for a few weeks but she outgrew it very quickly and it flooded our bathroom counter.
Our house isn't big enough for a video monitor (1700 sq ft) I can hear her from every room.
We bought a Fisher Price zen swing used for $100 , definetely look for one that plugs in vs using batteries. The zen and snug-a-bunny ones plug in.
Bought a fisher price jumper and zen bouncer at about 3 months. A highchair at 4 months. The bumbo got hardly any use, she's strong and could arch out.
We bought a safety first onboard air 35 carseat and a jeep stroller.

I'm only a month in, but here's my must-haves:

-Wubbanub Pacifier (Since DD is still so little, she has trouble keeping her paci in her mouth...this helps!)
-A+A Blankets (DD stays swaddled pretty much all the time, she'll fuss otherwise)
-Miracle Blanket (because Husband has not figured out how to swaddle from scratch!)
-Bouncy/Vibrating Chair
-Ultimate Crib Sheets
-Fisher-Price Tub-We do baths every night (as a part of her nighttime routine) and, I don't know if its the bath, but DD is sleeping 10-5:30 already!
Last, but not least, the BOB stroller. I'm sure any stroller would work (I just happen to have the BOB) but when DD is particularly fussy, a nice walk always calms her down! If you have an REI store, they do scratch and dent sales like once a quarter...I got my BOB for $170.

@stiffaknee: scratch and dent sales?! I would love a double bob but DS has almost out grown the stroller so I'd rather not pay full retail...but I don't want to give up jogging! Thanks for the info