I thought it would be fun to share what we find most helpful so far. I know while we're pregnant we ask this question a million times...but now WE can answer it! So let's hear it, what are the things you can't live without?
I couldn't live without my Moby Wrap (but it's crazy hot and I'm replacing it with a woven), Halo Sleep Sack Swaddle and my Boppy nursing pillow. We don't even use the "must have" swing or bouncer yet.
Re: What is YOUR must have baby item?
The one thing we didn't buy - a pack and play. We stole my mom's on day three. We have a bassinet in our room, but we really needed something on the first floor of our house. Plus, LO wiggles to the side of the bassinet in about 30 seconds flat, but is content for some reason to lay without moving in the middle of the PNP.
Oh, and Soothies. Every other paci option has been roundly and loudly rejected.
I've used the Boppy way more than I ever thought I would, so that's probably my #1 must-have.
The newborn napper in our pack & play has also been a lifesaver... I can quickly put DS down there if I need both hands free for a minute. He also naps there during the day.
We also love our Graco swing frame. It fits his carseat and you just snap the carseat down into the swing. It's perfect for when he falls asleep in the carseat.
Our number one "must have" is soothe and glow seahorse. We can put Luke down in his crib awake, and the seahorse has him asleep after playing it once or twice. He sleeps in 5-6 hour spurts, giving us plenty of time to get good periods of sleep.
I also couldn't live without the bouncey seat, and the Moby Wrap is slowly becoming a must have.
My must haves are the same as yours except we MUST have the swing! The bouncer we could probably do without, but it has come in handy when we need it.
Me: 31, DH: 34, Married 5/29/05
BFP #1: 6/22/10, EDD 3/6/11, DS born 2/25/11 @ 38w5d
BFP #2: 7/27/13, EDD 4/9/14, CP 8/3/13
BFP #3: 8/31/13, EDD 5/10/13, DD born med-free 5/9/14 @ 39w6d
Summer Swaddle Me is my must have, and the boopy even though we formula feed now. Oh, and her paci and Sleep Sheep.
She is only just starting to like her bouncy seat, and hates her swing.
Diagnosed with PCOS March '10 - Started 1000mg of Metformin

After 3 unsuccessful Clomid cycles, FSH+Ovidril+IUI+Progesterone=BFP!
Time to make Emilie a big sister!
May '16 2.0: Letrozole+FSH+Menopur+Ovidril+IUI+Progesterone=BFP! first beta-45.44, second beta-148
my bopppy! i lovee it, and s does brayden
and recieving blankets.
its weird how everyones LOs love the soothie and not the normal pacifires.
brayden is the same wayy!
DS born Dec 10, 2013
Koala Baby blankets for swaddling, and our Uppa Baby Vista bassinet for sleeping.
We couldn't live without the nipple shield, boppy pillow(s) (I have one I keep in the car for trips to my moms/MILs), Avent paci, stretchy thermal blankets (they are the bomb diggity for swaddling) and my pump!
BEWARE OF THE WIPE WARMERS!!! I had one with DD and she got a TERRIBLE yeast infection that we couldn't get rid of. The warm moist environment is an ideal breeding ground for all the grossness. As soon as I get rid of the wipe warmer it cleared up
my baby hated the soothie more than any pacifier - didn't even give it a chance and it was out of her mouth within 2 seconds. Actually she spits every pacifier except for BornFree ones, but I think because she has big lips and born free shaped to fit her better.
Three:
Swing,
Changing Table,
Pilates Ball*
*we bought our Pilates Ball years ago, NBR purchase, but she will bounce to sleep on it!
Definitely the Little Lamb infant seat during the day - I wouldn't get anything done with out that! She loves the vibration.
At night it would be receiving blankets (or swaddle me), Sleep Sheep, and PnP with the nightlight and vibration on.
I need the three things that surround me in my recliner: my nursing pillow, the bouncy seat and the change pad. My little lady basically rotates between the three all day long!