What do I REALLY need?

Msbean22

FTM here. I just got back from seeing my family in Canada, where my mom threw me a nice shower. Because we were flying, everyone gave us cash as gifts. The problem is I don't know what to do with it!

We are being given a crib, a bassinet, and an infant car seat. I have a stroller, but it's not for infants. Other than a few cute outfits and a moby wrap, I have nothing else for this little one. We JUST moved into our new house, so I had been waiting to buy anything, but now I'm realizing that I'm due in 11 weeks, and truly she could really come at any time.

I have on my list a breast pump (suggestions?,) diapers, bottles (we're using liners - how many do I need?!,) and a diaper bag. Other than that, I'm clueless. I will be breastfeeding, and going back to work after 12 weeks.

What's the one thing you couldn't live without? What really important thing am I missing? HALP 

Formerly Mrs D S

not everyone NEEDS the same things.. this is what I "needed"

- baby monitor

- changing pad - and cover

- diaper bag

- diaper pail and liners

- diapers/wipes

- bottles/sanitizer

- boppy

- activity center (more of a want than a need)

- bouncer

claudiaudia

The only things I couldn't live without, really, were diapers and sleepers for the first two months, or so. It doesn't mean that you need 30 sleepers, but several would be a good idea. I actually went through far FEWER clothes/sleepers than I ever thought I would.

It depends on your body shape and nursing style and such, but I found that while a nursing pillow was helpful, I didn't end up using it much after the first three to four months. I'd either use nothing, or a pillow from my bed (or nurse while laying down, but that was much later anyway). 

Lots of people like swings and we enjoyed ours, but I think we would have very easily survived without it. 

I have a Medela Swing pump and I liked it a lot because it could be used with batteries, or plugged in, and the power was still great when using the suction with battery power. 

As for liners, I'd say the bigger the box you can get, the better. The liners don't "go bad" like food would or anything like that, so while 1000 is probably a few too many, getting the box of 60 or 100 wouldn't be terrible.

babyAutumn

I couldn't have lived without...

* baby swing...all my kids lived in it until they were about 2 months old...DD wouldn't sleep anywhere else

*  breast pump 

*  bottle and nipple 

*  nursing pillow...which doubled as a great pillow for tummy time once LO was about 3 months old.  

*  PnP which we used on our main floor and when we travelled

*   bouncer which we also used a lot in the beginning

*  baby monitor 

* high chair 

*  diapers/wipes

*  sleep & plays (pjs with feet) at least a dozen if you don't want to be doing laundry every day.

*  onsies to put under the sleepers if it's cool.  They can also double as pjs when it's too warm

*   sunhat if it's a summer baby

*  sun/mosquito cover for infant car seat which I found really helpful the first few months because we were outdoors a lot

*  extra linens for bassinet and/or crib...my LOs spit up a lot in the beginning and also had blow outs

*  2-3 hooded towels and 12-15 small soft washcloths

These were perks but not necessary...

* cute little outfits

*  baby laundry detergent...I actually washed my third LO's laundry with everyone else's.

*  mobile

*  rocking chair

*  activity mat for floor time

*  activity center/jumperoo 

*  diaper pail 

*  change table

*  diaper bag

 

 

meangene

At least six of these in 0-3 and 3-6 sizes (babies are gross and always need a change of clothes!):

• Onesies/ sweat pants
  
• Socks
• PJs - or sleep n plays

• Blankets for swaddling
• Nail clippers/some really soft (thin) washcloths
• Baby wash
• Wipes
• at least two sheets for your crib and bassinet (waterproof mattress pads are also not a bad idea)

Nice to have:

• bouncer or swing,
  
• a changing pad and a few covers
• Nursing bras
• Nightlight/ soft lamp to use while you're nursing at night
  

Good luck!  Most of the stuff you really need can be picked up in a quick trip to target. 

jparrish1

Lucieslist.com is awesome for telling you what you need!!

DeniseRN

My DS was a reflux baby, so I needed like 20 of the gerber cloth diapers for spit rags. Also loved*the snugabunny swing---DS slept in this for a few months. Nice bc it plugs in.*footed sleepers and onesies*carseat*bottles if you plan to bottle feed. DS liked Dr browns, but I'm planning to use playtex drop ins this time due to fewer parts.*boppy*playmat*pacifiers

DeniseRN

Sorry for the weird format, I'm on my phone

pixieprincss

I will say upfront that we are baby gear minimalists. Because we got hand-me-downs we do have more than is listed here, but our mentality is why have baby towels when we have normal towels, why have a baby bath tub when we have a sink, our house is small and we rarely need a monitor, etc. Here is our very basic list... 

A safe place for baby to sleep (your bed if you know the rules for safe bedsharing, a crib, a bassinet, etc.)
Appropriate bedding (2 fitted sheets min.) 
Blankets for floor play & swaddling (we love muslin)
Baby carrier (we use woven wraps)
Carseat
Diapers (cloth or disposable) 
Wipes (cloth or disposable)
Wetbag if you use cloth
Clothes
Baby shampoo or the like (a bit of baking soda in baby's bath water is fine for cleaning and shampoo)
Bag to contain diaper change items on the go (including a pad or blanket to lay baby on)
Gentle detergent for washing clothes

At some point:
Highchair
Breast pump
Bottles
Milk storage (we use 4 oz glass canning jars)
Some toys or baby-safe non-toys
Small utensils  and dishes (baby ones or just small adult ones)
Bibs

If desired:
Stroller
Swing or bouncy seat

I'm not saying that you won't need (like nipple cream) or want (like a My Breast Friend) other things, but in terms of the basics--there you have it. So many baby gear items you can feel out if you want them once baby is here rather than loading up with things you might not even really use or could easily live without. Since you have gift cards, that is even better for shopping once baby is here!

ChibiMommy

I agree with Pixie but I would add that you should make sure you have the proper sized horns for your breast pump.  For most women the horns (part your nipple goes in) that come with your pump are actually too small.

According to my lc I have freakishly small nipple so the horn was too big for me. lol Also, I can't recommend soothies and lanolin enough.  I used lansinoh lanolin before getting in the shower and the Medela for all other times, it just goes on easier. 

noah-bear

For me

Clothes, Pack n play, car seat.

You can figure out the rest after so you dont buy a bunch os something LO wont use (like bottles, pacifiers, etc) if that version isnt taken well.