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Pennsylvania Babies
Can I see your registry / what do I need?
DH & I aren't planning on having a shower (or only having a very small one with some of my local friends). I'd like to get an idea of exactly what we'll need to start and probably within the first year (other than clothes). I told him around $2k to $2500 would do it and he thought I was crazy so I'd like to make a list and put $ amounts to everything so he can see where it's going and that I'm not being my usual shopaholic self. 
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Re: Can I see your registry / what do I need?
Some of the most useful things I can think of:
Pack N Play
Stroller system w/ car seat
swing
"bouncy" seat
Diaper Genie II
bassinet
crib
bottles
breast pump (if breastfeeding)
lots of diapers!
There are so many other things - if you want to look at my registry, I was registered at Target....I don't know if it's still on there...Sara Brown, due date July 31.
I would second everything that Sara listed. We didn't use a bassinet though, Tori was in her crib from day 1. A few things I can also think of:
-- Don't budget too much for clothes right away, you could most likely get alot as gifts (especially if you find out if you're having a boy or girl) -- both for a shower and after baby is born. Also, I didn't notice when you are due, I'm thinking it was summer maybe? If so, we just dressed her in plain onesies A LOT those first few weeks. Nothing fancy. We went the easy and simple route.
-- Disposable multi-use pads -- I wasn't going to use these at first, because they aren't exactly environmentally friendly... but we were blessed with a major spitter-upper. I would have been washing that changing pad cover every day or more if it weren't for these in the first 2 months or so.
-- A hint if you do a registry -- use the note's section (if the store has one) to your advantage. We had zero children's books to start, and that's something I really wanted. So I put into the notes section that we wanted to start a book collection for the baby. I think just about every person gave us a book at our shower, it worked out really well. Many chose their favorite book, which made it that much more special.
-- Depending on what kind of furniture you pick out, $2500 could very easily not be enough. Furniture can really get expensive... it was the hardest part for me to swallow, that's for sure!
If you want to look at my registry, it's on BRU under Jodi Mohn. I wouldn't pay much attention to the things that weren't purchased -- I had added a bunch of things after my shower, that I wanted to buy myself so I could get the discount for the registry completion, and then I ended up deciding I didn't need them, or got something different.
Also -- consignment shops. Find a nice one. I got a very nice swing there, and a bouncy seat for cheap, and they were in great condition. Some of those bigger items like that, if you go often to check (or if they have a daily blog of new items), you'll hit the jackpot with some of those things.
Also I didn't notice if anyone mentioned this already (sorry if I'm repeating anyone), but go out and get the Baby Bargains book. Or at the very least, go to the book store, and page through it briefly to get an idea on things. We didn't listen to everything it said, but it was very helpful for many things!
I have a running registry under a fake name LOL.
The wishlists don't convert over, so I have myself a registry!
)
It isn't fully complete, but it could be a good starting off point for you.
Reg. #63217212 at BRU.
Mine was BRU #55334470
If you don't have the book Baby Bargains, buy it. It tells you what you really need, what are good buys and what's a waste of money.
A few notes:
I loved my Graco Metrolite Travel System. I still prefer that stroller over the umbrella stroller now that he's out of the infant seat.
The swing for us was a life-saver. We got a Papasan Chair from Craigs List and it was fine, but we didn't use it that long. Craigs List is a great resource. A travel swing can save money, but check the weight ranges. We didn't put our swing away until Adam was 7 months, because he still needed it to nap sometimes.
I didn't love our Pack and Play, but we did use it as a second crib/changing table for a long time and still travel with it. No need for an extra basinette with a PNP.
We didn't get a changing table, we just bought a crib. I took an old baby dresser, painted it white and put a changing pad on top. I bought a glider at a regular furniture store, not a baby store, and bought a white night stand at K-Mart. And I pained a bookcase that I already had to match. That really cut down on furniture costs.
Exersaucer and Jumperoo have been wonderful (borrowed Jumperoo from a friend)
Mobile was a waste of money - looked cute, but made him excited, not sleepy.
Bottle warmer was great - wipes warmer is a waste of money. Just hold the wipe in your hand and it warms up!
Diaper Champ is great since you can use large store bags (like Babies R Us) or regular tall kitchen trash bags.
I can't say enough about the Eurobath tub. Many people get other tubs and end up buying this one after the infant stage.
You'll need a boppy if you breastfeed!
Ultimate Crib Sheets were a waste of money for us - it's not that difficult to change a sheet, and if you have a spit-up mark, which we often did, just put the baby down in a different area of the crib until morning!
Spin and Store Drying Rack has been wonderful - DH actually said it was one of the best gifts we got!
SwaddleMe vs. Sleepsack vs. swaddling w/ receiving blanket - only your baby knows which he/she prefers, so don't go crazy with these until you know what your baby likes.
Dishwasher baskets for bottle parts - you absolutely need these!
And it's not on my registry, but it's a must, Gerber's flat cloth diapers to use as burp cloths. We probably bought 4 packs after he was born because he spit so much.
And don't forget about things you'll need down the road too - older toys (like 6 months plus), convertible car seats (they're expensive and Adam was in them at 7 months), safety gates, high chair, clip-on chair for restaurants when he's still too small for a restaurant high chair, etc.
The boppy does have many uses. I used it in the early days to prop Tori up a little after eating. We also use it now as cushioned for when she is trying to sit up by herself.
Those dishwasher baskets that rlthomas mentioned are definitely a "must-have" if you end up getting the Dr Brown's bottles... SO many little parts! The drying rack is awesome too... I use mine 24/7!