What things do you recommended getting before baby gets here?

Question

I am 7wks pregnant and this was not a planned pregnancy(my partner and I are extremly happy and excited). I want to do what I can to make sure I have all the big items, or "can't live without" items, like strollers, etc. and I want to start getting them after my 13th week so I don' t have to get all at once so my long winded question is this what were you glad to have and couldn't have done without?

Answer 1

honestly the only things you need are a crib, and a carseat, things like strollers swings changing tables etc are optional (though some are nice)

you also need baby clothes (at the least sack style sleepers, about 10) diapers (cloth are cheeper by far) and feeding supplies (nothing if you will breast feed)

here is a check list that includes all the optional items with the necessities
http://www.usababy.com/checklist.cfm

Answer 2

We loved our swings. We actually had three. A large one for the kitchen and living room, a smaller floor model for the bathroom, and a portable for on the go.

We also could not live without an entertainment center. Once the baby can hold it head and upper body up, these little centers provided alot of entertainment. We also loved the little playmats with some overhead attractions.

Monitors are a must. We have a unit for the living room and one for the bedroom. It just gives you peice of mind because those suckers pick up every sound.

We really liked the little T-shirts instead of Onesees. When they are little and still might have a cord, the shirts are so much better. They also poop alot and the T-shirt was just easier in the changing process.

You've got to have the car seat/stroller combo. This gives you the baby carrier, first car seat, car seat base, and the stroller. really good stuff.

Some little hand socks helps at the beginning. They have really sharp nails when they are born and they touch thier face and bodies alot. Some little socks or gloves help them not to scratch themselves.

Make sure you really get a big baby bag. You will not believe all the stuff you will carry around. Bottles, nipples, formula, breatmilk bags, bowls, food, snacks, extra clothing, blankets, spit up clothes, diapers, towlets, and on and on and on....whew!

Get a small lamp for the babies room. You'll go in there so much during the night you'll need it. Just leave it on. It won't bother the baby at all.

Get a good bathing seat. One that can fit in the sink and then the bathtub. We also like a good baby head scrubber. It kept thier scalp nice and clean and free from dandruf and stuff.

Good Luck

Answer 3

I would recommend getting a bassinette or crib first, you don't really need both, but the baby will outgrow the bassinette in about 3 months. A car seat, if you have more than one vehicle, you might want to get the kind that has a removable base so you can put a base in each car and just move the seat. Those were a lifesaver for us. A lot of people may tell you to get a changing table, I never had one and never really needed it. I just changed the baby on a blanket on the floor or on the bed. A swing or bouncy seat, both of those were lifesavers when my little ones were crabby and tired. Also invest in Dreft spray, you can find it at Walmart. It is great at getting out spit up stains and I haven't found anything it hasn't gotten out yet. It is usually in the baby section, with the sippies and bottles.

Answer 4

First off, Congratulations! Just remember that the baby is not an accident, but a surprise.

Of course you will want to have a car seat to bring the baby home in a few weeks. Look at what type of car you currently have. Will the car seat fit in the back seat very well? We had to trade in a Mustang for a sedan because the back seat was not practical; we did not want to battle the car every time we took the baby out. This is something that you will want to check out now rather than waiting until the last moment.

Answer 5

I would say the most important thing is diapers. Stock up, but don't buy too many size 1 because they grow fast. One thing you can stock up on is wipes. You will also need a car seat for sure. I highly recommend the kind that comes with the stroller and a base. They call it a travel system. You need onesies, blankets, bibs. Of course you need a crib and changing table. Don't forget sheets. My baby used a bassinet for two months, but they are not absolutely necessary. My baby loves his swing, and I love it too because it lets me get things done, like going to the bathroom. If your not breastfeeding you need bottles, don't stock up on them yet either because your baby may like a certain kind.

Answer 6

Congratulations!!!
Some things are necessities and some just make life more convenient. A lot of it is up to you.
I would recommend going to a Babies R Us or similar store to register for gifts. Especially if you are going to have a baby shower. Then, you could talk to some of your relatives to get a feel for what, if anything they might want to pick up for you. And, if you are registered, you are sure to get the kind/model that you want.
When registering, or just shopping, do NOT go off of the store's list of necessities... they list way too much of some things. You are definitely going about it the right way asking other moms.
Consumer reports puts out a book rating a lot of baby items. I would recommend picking it up or getting a membership to Consumerreports.org. They rate how well things work, their average prices and safety ratings on things like carseats.

OK, so for the actual items...
A carseat is a MUST. They won't let you leave the hospital without it.
I LOVED my Boppy (a nursing pillow). It really saved wear and tear on my back.
I did not get one of those big comfy rocking chairs with matching ottomans (they were too expensive) but I would have liked one for those 3am feedings if I could afford it.
Of course you need something for the baby to sleep in. Whether you go with a crib, bassinet or whatever is up to you.
Get lots of fitted sheets and waterproof pads to go under them. That way you are not doing laundry every day. Babies are messy.
Forget the fancy pillows, etc. You can't have them in the crib anyway.
If you are planning to nurse. Get a breast pump. If you can pump then someone else can help you with a few of the feedings so that you can get some sleep.
A stroller is nice, but you won't need it right away unless you get one of the combo sets that the infant carrier can go into. The baby can't sit up by him/herself in a stroller for a few months.
And, definitely treat yourself to some supportive bras. You are going to be getting larger and you'll need the extra lift. Your back is going to be holding up enough extra weight w/o worrying about your breasts.
My son loved his mobile from day one, so I would invest in one of those too.

It's a lot of stuff, so get suggestions from other people. Spread out your purchases. If you are o.k. with it, buy used. But, be sure to make sure the used items are cleaned and in good condition and up to current safety standards. (Check out parenting sites for tips on this such as... how far apart the spindles on a crib should be, etc.) And, never buy a used carseat. It's too important.

And, again! Congratulations and God Bless!!! And, good luck with everything.

Answer 7

Well i have 2 kids and what i found was that babyies really don't need that many things of course a travel system (stroller/ car seat combo) and a crib... tho you could wait on acrib since the baby will be sleeping in your room if not in you bed for a few weeks (mine slept w/ me for months) a pack-n-play is great cuz you can bring it were. a bath tub. stock up on diapers... but not newborn they grow out of them in a couple of weeif the baby is big he may not even need them. sizes 1 and 2 are a good start. blankets lots they spit up on them so you will want to give him/her a new one. A regular back pack makes a great diaper bag in my opinion much better than the real diaper bags and much more styleish. good luck. there are list in parenting. com of esentials.

Answer 8

I would say the BEST things to buy would be your diapers you can NEVER have to many of those and your wipes. Depends on what YOU think your baby can not live with out! I had EVERYTHING you can name with my first child yet after my 3rd child I Mainly got the crib DIAPERS! bottles, stroller, t-shirts, plenty of blankets small ones, Car seat, there is a list of things! Use your judgment EVERY mother I am sure is different and have different opinions! CONGRATS!

Answer 9

Nursing pads and lots of washrags.
Once your milk comes in after the baby is born, nothing will stop it from soaking your shirt unless you have nursing pads. Some
brands do nothing, while others seem to hold a full cup of milk. These are a real life saver!
Lots of wash rags because you use them to wipe the baby when changing diapers. Apparently there are some things in baby wipes that are a bit harsh on the very fresh new baby bottom.
those are 2 things you will need immediately.
also dont forget to get a lot of pads for directly after the baby is born. Super heavy flow. :-P

Answer 10

YOU NEED A CRIB ALLOT OF DIAPERS CLOTHES SPIT RAGS IF YOU WILL BREAST FEED YOU NEED A PUMP CAR SET STROLLER YOU SHOULD NOT GET SWINGS THAT IS BAD ON THE BABY BACK YOU SHOULD NOT GET A WALKER THAT ISN'T GOOD FOR THE BABY BOTTLES WIPES BABY BATH IF YOU WANT TO KNOW ANY OTHER ITEMS GO IN WALT MARK AND GO TO THE BABY SECTION YOU'LL SEE THERE STUFF YOU NEED AND YOU MIGHT WANT ALSO GO TO A BABY STORE

ENJOY YOU PREGNANCY WHILE YOU CAN BECAUSE ONCE YOU GIVE BIRTH SHE OR HE WILL GROW SO FAST YOU WONT BELIEVE IT WHEN THEY TURN 2 YEARS OLD IT ONLY FELLS LIKE THE NINE MONTHS OF THE PREGNANCY SO ENJOY I HOPE YOU ENJOY YOUR BABY