What do are items a baby needs that we sometimes forget about?

WannaBmomma

Ok, I want to start getting ready for my baby.  He or she (thinking more of she as of now) will be born late July.  I have been looking for baby gear, but was wondering if experienced moms or dads could tell me some items that are nice to have around.  So what are some items you wished you would have known about when you brought your bundle home?

sgb721

Car Seat
Swaddle Blanket (or a blanket large enough to swaddle baby)
Pacifiers if you opt. for them.
Plenty of burp cloths
Safe place for baby to sleep
Bottles
Wipes
Diapers
A&D ointment for those first few transitional BM's.
Thermometer (anal for under 6 months)
Nail Clippers
Bouncer or swing
Infant carrier to facilitate bonding
Baby wash or some sort
Basic Layette- gown, onsie, hat, mittens

luluwoo

1) The Happiest Baby on the Block DVD

2) A ring sling or moby

3) Good large swaddle blanket 

4) Gripe Water (Woodward's brand)

maryoosa

Only PJ's with Zippers. Snaps are not your friend at 2am.
Also Dishwasher cages for bottles
Butt Paste (it's a brand, buy it).

Dr.Loretta

Thermometer

Nosefrieda

annalisel

Nightlight(s) preferably with flexible arms for light direction for middle of the night sleep checks/diaper changes. We've actually been using a strong book light :-)

The nail clippers with the light are easier to use than the ones with the magnifying glass.

Something the baby can lie in that is portable so that the baby can be in every room with you without you holding him all the time. We used the little "newborn napper" cradle that came with the pack n play we had. 

Thank you notes and stamps! 

WannaBmomma

I love these ideas! I would have never thought of this stuff! I appreciate it!

justjinny

You may want to buy some sensitive/baby laundry detergent (like Dreft) early on and start washing all the baby's clothes & blankets.  We even started washing our shirts with this detergent too just to avoid issues with our clothing irritating our baby's sensitive skin.  Also, don't use dryer sheets or fabric softener if you can avoid it!

If you do have a boy, we found it really necessary to have a supply of changing pad covers (they come in 3 packs at Wal-Mart) & extra wash cloths handy.  Literally every diaper change for the first two weeks resulted in wild pee geysers if we didn't have a wash cloth handy to keep things under control  

Also helpful was having a bassinet that we could keep right next to our bed & wheel out into the living room.  We didn't buy a special bottle warmer, and instead used a small crock pot that I can actually make use of once we're done with bottles.

WannaBmomma

Wow I can finally use my small crock pot:). Great idea, I have a nephew who's geyser got me a couple of times, learned flipped diaper changes and wash cloths are my friends then lol

plus12012

A white noise machine
Mitts to protect them from scratching themselves
Aquaphor
Nose sucker
Gas Drops
Wipe Warmer