@livingoffpbjs I am just seeing this. Cat owner and lover here, and when I was pregnant with DD, I was super worried about this... BUT in the end, my SUPER friendly cats only got in the crib and bassinet when the baby was NOT in it. I looked into covers only to find that they are more of a hazard than the actual cat is (can fall down and then the baby is in a crib with lose mesh). Cats have zero interest in hurting a baby and aren't going to sit on its face and accidentally suffocate it. And remember, you'll have a monitor; if the cat were to hop in the crib, you'd hear it inevitably. Also, once DD slept on her own (which was 18 months lol lol lol and still not every night), I just shut her door, and since they have free reign of the entire house, it wasn't a problem. My main advice is don't worry about it too much... and seeing DD turn into an animal and cat lover and bond with them has been SO fun. Her first word of the day is very often "Mike-ol" (her attempt to say Michael, kitty one's, name) or "Bus-Bus" (her nick name for Buster, cat number 2). LOVE!
For the ladies looking into babywearing and carriers: We had a MySol with DS. I love their wraps (we would use wraps or the carrier, depending on the situation), so I knew what I was getting. If you have a babywearing meetup nearby, go there and try a few before you commit. It was so much easier for me to decide on something after trying a few to see the differences.
Babywearing International is a good starting point for finding a meetup near you.
I've always had a Tula and I LOVE them. I know they are the "hoity toity" carrier, but honestly so comfortable and simple. I just got a toddler size and I went with the mesh for the hot weather (I've got a baby wearing jacket for winter). I've worn DD since she was born, I couldn't have managed without babywearing. Now with #2 I might as well glue him onto my body because he's going to have to live attatchex to me. As a Nb I'll use a woven wrap because I find they can get baby so much higher and more snug and secure when they are so tiny.
So I picked up a Sakura Bloom ring sling for the first bit of time since they were having a sample sale last week, and I'm going to get the Tula free to grow because I just love them. They're highly recommended by friends and you guys.
So this is way off in the future. But what are we second time moms thinking for baby showers. My friends are jerks and only 4 friends showed up to my baby shower and only one to my sons 1st birthday even after 30 RSVP'd to each. So I'd decided I wasnt having one but DH seemed pretty bummed that we weren't doing one and said we're going to do a co-ed shower with his friends since they don't suck. *I should really get new friends but also I'm not really good at making girl friends even though I'm super girly, my rbf game is strong. Haha. *
Anyway. Here's my point/thoughts/questions. 1. We had a shower 2 years ago for DS. 2. We're having a girl this time.
So is it tacky to have another shower? Maybe we could do something low key like a sprinkle and people can come as they please or whatever.
@supercoolstephy I've had a bunch of friends do a low key sprinkle or just a diaper shower for baby number 2. Perfectly acceptable! And I think doing a coed BBQ celebration where you do some hilarious baby shower games with the men would be soooooo much fun! Think chugging beer from a bottle contest, and popping balloons between bodies with their SOs... just a fun celebration of a new baby with friends who don't suck
@supercoolstephy I think a lot of it depends on what's the norm around you/in your circles. For me, I've never been a fan of one throwing themself a baby shower or of doing a second one unless it's been years and years since their first, or some other similar reason. However, that's how pretty much all my friends/family do it. I know for some it's totally normal and acceptable for someone to throw their own shower or to have a second.
Sprinkles and diaper showers around here are not the norm, so I definitely wouldn't feel comfortable doing one... but I'm also a firm believer in doing what YOU are comfortable with. In your situation, I would probably feel better with doing a sip and see or something like that after the LO is born.
I am a baby wearing fan!! With DD I wore her everywhere and to do everything . When she was an infant ( until about 4 months ) I wore a ring sling ( there are a million different kinds I think they are all basically the same ) my only advice is go to a store that teaches you how to wear it out it on etc. we have a little boutique and they let you try everything on, put a fake baby on it and it was great to learn how they are meant to be . From about 4 months to 10 I wore her in the Tula everywhere . If you get comfortable you can actually latch them on the breast and walk around doing whatever which was super easy and no one could even tell she was eating , they just assumed she was sleeping . When she was around 6 months ish o also started using my osprey hiking backpack, she likes that better then the Tula now only because she can see everything up there . When I wear her on my back in the Tula she can't see what's in front of us and it drives her crazy . If we are going somewhere there will be a lot of people I stick to the Tula and not the osprey backpack . However now that we are having twins and DD just turned one everyone is asking how the heck I am going to wear 3 lol... someone is getting the short end of the stick !
@supercoolstephy I was wondering about a baby shower too. DS is almost 2 but I never got a real baby shower for him, as I was a military wife and out of state when pregnant. Family and friends all mailed gifts for a virtual baby shower, so there was no cake, no games, no decorations. But we got a lot from everyone. This time around I can't picture myself doing a sprinkle or anything. I don't know the gender yet, but if it's a boy, I'll have everything I need besides maybe a second baby monitor, car seat, and stroller. If it's a girl, I'll need quite a bit more, however I think my plan is to create an online registry and just let family know that I have one made. The registry will be mainly for us to keep track of what we still need, but if others want to contribute and help out, it would be greatly appreciated but not expected.
@crizz13 yeah, sprinkles and diaper parties are norm out here, we're in the south they like to throw parties for everything. haha but I think with our group of friends a sip and see would be weird. I couldn't imagine DH's beer and beard club friends coming to a sip and see. haha
These are all new friends since having DS so they never came to a Baby Shower, so I guess I'll let DH do it and he can BBQ and have silly games like @Cricket99 mentioned.
@supercoolstephy I am just such a believer in celebrating every pregnancy/birth/new life--celebrating the mom's journey and the impending new life. I say party party party. At our wedding, we did a no gifts please but if you'd like donate to X charity, and a few people still gave gifts, but I felt better about inviting people etc.
@supercoolstephy, around here additional showers/sprinkles are definitely side eyed by most.
Our first shower was 8 years ago and this is our first son, but we still said no thanks when someone offered to host a sprinkle. We were smart enough when expecting DD1 to go gender neutral on all of the baby stuff and we feel it's no one's responsibility but our own to buy clothes and diapers (and carseats because the infant and convertible seats we used for the girls have long since expired) for our son.
I agree that all babies deserve to be celebrated, but that doesn't mean it needs to be a gift giving event. We hosted a BBQ after both of our daughters were born and will likely do something similar to celebrate this one's arrival.
@supercoolstephy If you want to do a shower or sprinkle, do one! I've found that friends and family often want to throw them, and I think it's ridiculous that there are "rules" for what is acceptable and what is not. Everyone at my job was THRILLED that I am pregnant, because they all want to have a party and eat food. Who am I to say no?
Let people judge if they're going to, I think it's rude as hell.
@BelhurstBride Thanks for your insight. I'll let DH decide what he wants to do since it's his friends.
I'm of the mindset that I buy all the things, which is what I'm doing now anyway. Buy what I want, don't wait for anyone to buy anything, unlike last time DH had me wait till after my shower to buy the big things. If people decide to buy a gift, cool, if not, I'm totally set. I'm a shopaholic anyway so I'd rather pick out all my things for her anyway. haha.
Just curious, but how many of you STMs have felt the baby move already? I remember my first time around, I felt kicking the day before I hit 20 weeks, but this time I'm thinking I may have felt it a few times already at 13w3d but I'm not positive. It seems way too early to feel anything.
@steph30032 according to my dr she said with second time moms it can be as early as 16 weeks but before that its most likely gas. However if its ftm it wont be til around 18 to 20 weeks
@crizz13 I felt the baby at 14 weeks too, but haven't felt it since. My doctor said it's absolutely possible, especially for women who've already experienced pregnancy pregnancy. It definitely wasn't gas.
@whitta1218 my daughter slept in a rock n play for 2 weeks, a bassinet for 6 months then transitioned to a crib. She liked to nap in the rock n play up until 10 months. I suggest getting one that rocks and plays music on it's own.
@steph30032, I didn't feel DD until about 20 weeks, but I started feeling this one at just before 14 weeks. At first I thought it was a fluke, but I have felt it several times since (I'm 16+2 today). I asked my Dr. about it, and she said it's very early, but definitely possible.
My son coslept exclusively for, like like, a year. Then on and off until he was about four. It made breastfeeding much easier on me, which is how it happened -- he had a crib, but I brought him to bed at the first feed. He and I slept better that way, but I know it was harder on my ex-husband. (I couldn't tell you it that was it physical impacted his sleep, or emotionally he didn't like it. /shrug)
I liked it, I enjoyed the attachment and closeness of my son, but it was also often stressful. He was clingy awake and clingy asleep, and I got touched out pretty regularly when he was an infant.
I don't plan to cosleep again, mostly because our bed is smaller than the one we had when Miles was born. The current plan is bassinet in the bedroom with us, since there are no extra rooms here anyway, then slowly transition into their own room later in 2018. But who knows?
We plan on doing the same as we did for DD. Bassinet for 4 months, and then crib. We had to use the rock n play for a period of time too. DH is actually the one who put his foot down to move her out of our room, I wasn't ready. I am glad he did though, none of us were sleeping well. DD still doesn't do well sleeping in the same room with us. We do it for nightmares and hotels only really.
We used an arms reach cosleeper with DS and plan to use it again with this one. I LOVED it. DS was right beside me, I could see him without sitting up, but he also had his own space. I can't recommend it enough. We had the mini and DS was a long baby, so for us he only fit for about 2 months then he slept in his pnp until we moved him to his crib around 4 or 5 months.
I used a Moby wrap when DS was about 2 months old. I liked that there are a few different ways you can tie it. There was definitely a learning curve but after watching some YouTube videos I eventually got comfortable and was able to tie it tight enough that I felt safe. This time around I want a soft structured carrier that I can put on and take off easier. We have a natural baby store near me that lets you try on different models so I'll check them out soon.
I didn't feel DS move until probably about 22 weeks. Maybe before then but I didn't realize it was him. I'm almost 15 weeks with #2 and I'm pretty sure I've felt movement a few times. Can't wait for the fluttery part before baby starts kicking my ribs!
We did the same thing as @Dani0329, DS slept in our room in a bassinet for 4 months, then he went to his own room in his crib. We only moved him because he was outgrowing the bassinet. We never let him sleep in our bed unless he wakes up at around 5am or something and we want to get extra sleep or also when we stay at a hotel. Sleeping with that kid is miserable. He likes to sleep perpendicular to us and I can't take it. I have no idea how people let their kids sleep with them and actually get any rest.
This time, I absolutely want to get an arms reach co sleeper. I didn't really like the bassinet because I still had to physically sit up and use two hands to get him out to nurse. This time I want to very lazily reach over and roll LO into the bed. I'd also like to keep LO in it for 6 months this time so I don't have to get up and go to their room in the MOTN for feedings.
Sleeping arrangements: We had DS in his own room from the start. We tried the RNP in our room once or twice but there was just no good space for it. He had reflux so he slept in the swing for a while and then in his crib when he started moving more.
Carriers: I had a Moby wrap and like @maueraa07 I had to watch some videos to really get it. It was good and cozy for when he was tiny, but tough to put on out & about bc it's so long it's all over the floor while you're getting it tied. Then I got a cheap mei tai and had the same issue with the long straps. This time I'm getting a secondhand Ergo and have hoped it will be more usable since it buckles instead of ties.
I have a few gear/furniture questions and would love some opinions on any of them since my mom friends are all far away! If it makes more sense to save these for a gear thread, feel free to just ignore for now.
I've heard some people use dressers and just put a changing pad on the top. So, STMs, would you vote changing table or dresser, and if you have a great table that can still be purchased, please describe or share!
For these Arm's Reach bassinets, I'm seeing stand up/pop up varieties and hanging varieties (for lack of a better description). Anybody have a preference/recommendation?
If you don't travel locally very often (with a car) and you're planning on getting a bassinet, do you think a PNP is useful/necessary anyhow?
I read in another BMB that a chair and a half rocker really comes in handy, especially if you don't have a twinbed in the nursery. Would you agree? Any moms have them and not like them? Anyone have one that they love and would be willing to share a link (kind of hard to find multiple options online)?
What is the most worthless item that you bought/received that you had expected to use?
we did a dresser/changing pad when we first had DS and loved it. We did pickup a changing table eventually but that was because I wanted the dresser I hated to go in his closet. His room is on the second floor and we spend most of our time on the first floor so we do most changings down there. So the changing table hasn't been used much.
We used a RNP for bedside sleeping. It helped with reflux and rocked him to sleep and played music. We also had a PNP and he hated it. I think if we'd used it more often when he was younger that he would have been down with it a lot more.
We had a rocker/foot stool in DS room and it was really helpful. I bought it secondhand and I sold it after he started sleeping through the night because we'd eliminated mid-night feedings, so it wasn't used anymore. This time we're going to move our rocking recliner and put it in her room.
Most useless was probably a bathtub. He didn't like it, and was too wiggly for the infant insert. We quickly went to using the bathtub with about an inch of water and a towel under him so he wouldn't be able to move around while slippery. I still have it and will probably try it again since I still have it but I don't think it's necessary.
This wasn't asked but one of the best purchases when he was younger were two things, the mamaroo, awesome awesome awesome. I bought mine secondhand and sold it, so I'm probably going to rebuy one again. The other is this Sit Me Up Floor Seat. I'm sure there will be people who are not fans of seats like this but it was incredibly helpful while trying to get things done. He could see me and I could do all the things. https://www.amazon.com/Fisher-Price-Sit-Me-Up-Floor-Seat-Multicolor/dp/B00F2MQ5SC
I've heard some people use dressers and just put a changing pad on the top. So, STMs, would you vote changing table or dresser, and if you have a great table that can still be purchased, please describe or share! We went the changing table route. If you go this way, make sure you have hanging baskets, another table or enough changing table to put your diapers and your wipes within arms reach. I could see how a dresser would also serve as a vessel to store the wipes and whatnot. I just wonder if that changing pad actually stays in place on a dresser. As kids get older, they get wiggly and fight diaper time so I envision that pad sliding some where the changing table tends to enclose it.
For these Arm's Reach bassinets, I'm seeing stand up/pop up varieties and hanging varieties (for lack of a better description). Anybody have a preference/recommendation? We didn't have one with DS but have been looking at them online. Would like for others to share opinions.
If you don't travel locally very often (with a car) and you're planning on getting a bassinet, do you think a PNP is useful/necessary anyhow? We have only used the PNP when going to MILs and my parents for overnight. I have seen parents put kids in there with when they are outside. Keep in mind that the bassinet won't fit your child forever. They tend to grow out of it by 4 months ish. If you ever need to stay over somewhere else, the PNP is key. You can always borrow one of that is an option.
I read in another BMB that a chair and a half rocker really comes in handy, especially if you don't have a twinbed in the nursery. Would you agree? Any moms have them and not like them? Anyone have one that they love and would be willing to share a link (kind of hard to find multiple options online)? We kept DS in our room until 10 weeks. Once he went to the crib, I would get up to nurse in the glider (with ottoman) and go back to bed during night feedings. I was basically a zombie for the first year. Lord, there are days I wish I had a bed or somewhere to zonk in there. I don't sleep well in a chair. I did sleep better on my own room though vs when DS is next to me. Still holds true and he is two now.
What is the most worthless item that you bought/received that you had expected to use? The "Bassinest". It didn't really fit in our old Philly row home and DS hated it. He slept in the RNP for the first 10 weeks instead. We have more room in our new house though. I would like to get a bassinet of some kind for this new babe. The RNP tended to flatten DSs head. Once we stopped using it and his neck muscles were stronger it rounded out again. My only RNP complaint-love that thing otherwise.
I have a few gear/furniture questions and would love some opinions on any of them since my mom friends are all far away! If it makes more sense to save these for a gear thread, feel free to just ignore for now.
I've heard some people use dressers and just put a changing pad on the top. So, STMs, would you vote changing table or dresser, and if you have a great table that can still be purchased, please describe or share!
For these Arm's Reach bassinets, I'm seeing stand up/pop up varieties and hanging varieties (for lack of a better description). Anybody have a preference/recommendation?
If you don't travel locally very often (with a car) and you're planning on getting a bassinet, do you think a PNP is useful/necessary anyhow?
I read in another BMB that a chair and a half rocker really comes in handy, especially if you don't have a twinbed in the nursery. Would you agree? Any moms have them and not like them? Anyone have one that they love and would be willing to share a link (kind of hard to find multiple options online)?
What is the most worthless item that you bought/received that you had expected to use?
We use the IKEA kallax unit with 8 cubbies as our dresser/changing table. I like it because it's a good height to change a diaper comfortably. And it's cheap! And if DD destroys it, I won't be too sad.
A pack n play was really useful for us to put in our family room to contain DD while cooking. We've put it in our patio as well. You could get a basic one, they're very affordable.
We had an IKEA poang rocking chair in the nursery for the first 6 months. I didn't want to invest in a nice one because we were moving across the country. It wasn't comfortable to nurse in or pump because the arm rests aren't padded. I mainly used it for reading books. DH liked it but he would end up falling asleep with DD in his arms and I felt that wasn't safe so I got rid of it.
Worthless item(s): I would say fancy outfits or dresses. It's good to have 3-4 cute outfits in every size but more than that is overkill. Babies spend the majority of the time in onesies or comfier clothes. If I could go back, I'd return a lot of those outfits DD only wore once before growing out of them and use that money for diapers.
@jakobaby@libbberty there are grippy non skid changing pads, but also there are kinds you can attach to the dresser or you could use velcro to attach it.
Second @agalvarado on the fancy outfits thing. We got away with 1-2 nice outfits per size. My mom still goes overboard on the fancy stuff. Some things DS never wore. Also shoes. DS wore socks, it wasn't practical to put him in shoes until he was older. Felt like those were a waste too.
@libbberty we screwed a changing pad into a dresser in LO's room and also onto an oldwooden tv table downstairs so we have 2 changing stations. I don't thing a special changing table is necessary unless you don't want to put screws into your other furniture. Also FYI for small apt dwellers, changing stations really aren't necessary at first, until baby starts rolling and in our case willfully protesting and trying to escape while you're changing her!
Hard to answer the pnp question but I'd just say that you will need places to safely put LO down, even if it's not necessarily to sleep. When they're very little it could be a pnp, rnp, bouncey seat, swing, etc. When they get bigger you may need a pnp or play yard. We got hand me downs of a bunch of things so we just used what we had, but you don't need everything.
I'm not sure about the rocker. I used a rocking recliner with DD but now that we moved to a house I want either a rocker or glider for upstairs, so Ilooking for suggestions too!
I wouldn't call it useless but we didn't really use the rock n play which sounds like sacrilege I know. It was a gift that I hadn't asked for and I had a hand me down bassinet and another summer sleeper that was great for travel. I had heard that too much rnp can cause flat head, and it just seemed so amazing that i could see how she could get really used to the rocking and the music, so I saved it for times when DD wouldn't sleep, and she never needed it! But they do seem like a lifesaver for a fussy baby.
Re: Questions for STMs 7/12
DD1 EDD 9/29/2015, Born 9/24/2015
DS1 EDD 1/3/2018, Born 12/26/2017
BFP #3 3/21/2019, EDD 11/29/2019, MMC/D&C 5/7/2019
BFP #4 6/28/2019, EDD 3/12/2020
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1EFl4MAxV4d6NTkJg-aMgJOfk0hl0U1sowKfCtN1yd0o/edit?usp=sharing
Jan 18 December Siggy Challenge: Christmas Movies
Babywearing International is a good starting point for finding a meetup near you.
MC 2/17
J18 December Siggy Challenge: Christmas Movies
Anyway. Here's my point/thoughts/questions.
1. We had a shower 2 years ago for DS.
2. We're having a girl this time.
So is it tacky to have another shower? Maybe we could do something low key like a sprinkle and people can come as they please or whatever.
J18 December Siggy Challenge: Christmas Movies
These are all new friends since having DS so they never came to a Baby Shower, so I guess I'll let DH do it and he can BBQ and have silly games like @Cricket99 mentioned.
J18 December Siggy Challenge: Christmas Movies
DD1 EDD 9/29/2015, Born 9/24/2015
DS1 EDD 1/3/2018, Born 12/26/2017
BFP #3 3/21/2019, EDD 11/29/2019, MMC/D&C 5/7/2019
BFP #4 6/28/2019, EDD 3/12/2020
Our first shower was 8 years ago and this is our first son, but we still said no thanks when someone offered to host a sprinkle. We were smart enough when expecting DD1 to go gender neutral on all of the baby stuff and we feel it's no one's responsibility but our own to buy clothes and diapers (and carseats because the infant and convertible seats we used for the girls have long since expired) for our son.
I agree that all babies deserve to be celebrated, but that doesn't mean it needs to be a gift giving event. We hosted a BBQ after both of our daughters were born and will likely do something similar to celebrate this one's arrival.
DD2 8.22.13
MMC 1.4.17 at 16w
Expecting #3, EDD 1.29.18
@supercoolstephy If you want to do a shower or sprinkle, do one! I've found that friends and family often want to throw them, and I think it's ridiculous that there are "rules" for what is acceptable and what is not. Everyone at my job was THRILLED that I am pregnant, because they all want to have a party and eat food. Who am I to say no?
Let people judge if they're going to, I think it's rude as hell.
I use Hypnobabies! http://www.hypnobabies-store.com/link.cgi?affiliateID=472
J18 December Siggy Challenge: Christmas Movies!
EDD: 1/6/2018
Eva Jane: 7/23/2014
I'm of the mindset that I buy all the things, which is what I'm doing now anyway. Buy what I want, don't wait for anyone to buy anything, unlike last time DH had me wait till after my shower to buy the big things. If people decide to buy a gift, cool, if not, I'm totally set. I'm a shopaholic anyway so I'd rather pick out all my things for her anyway. haha.
J18 December Siggy Challenge: Christmas Movies
DD2 8.22.13
MMC 1.4.17 at 16w
Expecting #3, EDD 1.29.18
I use Hypnobabies! http://www.hypnobabies-store.com/link.cgi?affiliateID=472
J18 December Siggy Challenge: Christmas Movies!
EDD: 1/6/2018
Eva Jane: 7/23/2014
DD2: 9/12/13
Baby #3: Due January 2018
I liked it, I enjoyed the attachment and closeness of my son, but it was also often stressful. He was clingy awake and clingy asleep, and I got touched out pretty regularly when he was an infant.
I don't plan to cosleep again, mostly because our bed is smaller than the one we had when Miles was born. The current plan is bassinet in the bedroom with us, since there are no extra rooms here anyway, then slowly transition into their own room later in 2018. But who knows?
I used a Moby wrap when DS was about 2 months old. I liked that there are a few different ways you can tie it. There was definitely a learning curve but after watching some YouTube videos I eventually got comfortable and was able to tie it tight enough that I felt safe. This time around I want a soft structured carrier that I can put on and take off easier. We have a natural baby store near me that lets you try on different models so I'll check them out soon.
I didn't feel DS move until probably about 22 weeks. Maybe before then but I didn't realize it was him. I'm almost 15 weeks with #2 and I'm pretty sure I've felt movement a few times. Can't wait for the fluttery part before baby starts kicking my ribs!
This time, I absolutely want to get an arms reach co sleeper. I didn't really like the bassinet because I still had to physically sit up and use two hands to get him out to nurse. This time I want to very lazily reach over and roll LO into the bed. I'd also like to keep LO in it for 6 months this time so I don't have to get up and go to their room in the MOTN for feedings.
Carriers: I had a Moby wrap and like @maueraa07 I had to watch some videos to really get it. It was good and cozy for when he was tiny, but tough to put on out & about bc it's so long it's all over the floor while you're getting it tied. Then I got a cheap mei tai and had the same issue with the long straps. This time I'm getting a secondhand Ergo and have hoped it will be more usable since it buckles instead of ties.
Jan 18 December Siggy Challenge: Christmas Movies
J18 December Siggy Challenge: Christmas Movies
A pack n play was really useful for us to put in our family room to contain DD while cooking. We've put it in our patio as well. You could get a basic one, they're very affordable.
We had an IKEA poang rocking chair in the nursery for the first 6 months. I didn't want to invest in a nice one because we were moving across the country. It wasn't comfortable to nurse in or pump because the arm rests aren't padded. I mainly used it for reading books. DH liked it but he would end up falling asleep with DD in his arms and I felt that wasn't safe so I got rid of it.
Worthless item(s): I would say fancy outfits or dresses. It's good to have 3-4 cute outfits in every size but more than that is overkill. Babies spend the majority of the time in onesies or comfier clothes. If I could go back, I'd return a lot of those outfits DD only wore once before growing out of them and use that money for diapers.
J18 December Siggy Challenge: Christmas Movies
Also shoes. DS wore socks, it wasn't practical to put him in shoes until he was older. Felt like those were a waste too.
Hard to answer the pnp question but I'd just say that you will need places to safely put LO down, even if it's not necessarily to sleep. When they're very little it could be a pnp, rnp, bouncey seat, swing, etc. When they get bigger you may need a pnp or play yard. We got hand me downs of a bunch of things so we just used what we had, but you don't need everything.
I'm not sure about the rocker. I used a rocking recliner with DD but now that we moved to a house I want either a rocker or glider for upstairs, so Ilooking for suggestions too!
I wouldn't call it useless but we didn't really use the rock n play which sounds like sacrilege I know. It was a gift that I hadn't asked for and I had a hand me down bassinet and another summer sleeper that was great for travel. I had heard that too much rnp can cause flat head, and it just seemed so amazing that i could see how she could get really used to the rocking and the music, so I saved it for times when DD wouldn't sleep, and she never needed it! But they do seem like a lifesaver for a fussy baby.