What "big" purchases do I need to prepare for a baby?

Question

Things like crib, car seat, changing table, stroller etc...

Answer 1

The only thing you "need" to have is a car seat, so you can bring the baby home. Everything else just makes life a bit easier. ;-)

One thing I had to have was a bassinet so the baby could sleep next to me in my bedroom.....you don't even need a crib until the baby is a bit bigger and starts rolling over.

Things that are nice to have
-swing
-changing table
-bouncer
-stroller
-pack and play (this is nice if you plan to go on any over night visits OR...you could use this instead of a bassinet....)

When baby gets a bit bigger:
- Mega saucer
- high chair
-jog stroller
-crib

Answer 2

The only thing that is absolutely mandatory right away is a carseat. A sling would be second on my list- great for having a baby close to you (which they love) while you have your arms free.

A crib is a good idea if you don't want your baby to sleep in your bed (which also works if you want to do that) but you don't need a crib right away because you will probably want to use something more portable like a bassinet or a pack and play in your room for the first few months.

You need a dresser or something to keep the baby's clothes in. I never had a changing table and you don't need one but you can buy one if you like one.

A stroller isn't a necessity but it's nice. We just used the sling for the first six months. After that we still mostly used the sling but as she got older sometimes we used the stroller. Personally I think the umbrella strollers are best. They are cheap, they fold up small, and they're not bulky to try to steer. You can get one with a rain hood or a basket for your stuff but personally we didn't go out much with the stroller in the rain and we just hung the diaper bag over the handles. We had a bigger stroller that someone gave us and we didn't like it at all- it was just too big. So we gave it away and kept using the umbrella stroller.

A swing is nice if your baby likes it. Same thing with an exersaucer. You don't need the exersaucer right away, though.

A highchair is great, too, but you don't need that for several months.

Answer 3

There are few that you "have to have". A crib is an essential as it is dangerous to sleep with your infant. A good alternative would be a pack and play. Most come with accessories so it can be used as a bassinet, a changing table, and a crib all in one. If you don't have a lot of money right now, this could be used as a temporary help. Car seats are mandatory and of course you want to protect your newborn. Stroller also up to you. Most car seats double as a carrier that you can put in carts, etc. while you shop. I would suggest a sling over anything. It is soothing to the baby (huge help with my son's colic), and you can take it anywhere easily to carry your baby. I would also invest in a swing as it too may be a lifesaver in helping you soothe a colicy baby as does those vibrating baby bouncers. Of course the only things you really need are the carseat and lots of love!

Answer 4

Things you NEED...crib, car seat, highchair

You dont really need a changing table. You could just buy a pad to put on the floor and change your baby there. You dont really need a stroller unless you plan on using it when you go out in which you can use a babysling which are cheaper.

My point...you dont need every luxury. Those are just wants which are ok but you can get buy without some things.

Answer 5

Well everything is now a big purchase for a baby. But you need a stroller, a crib, a car seat, changing table. Formula, baby proof the house..... and never forget Diaper diaper diapers.

Answer 6

Travel system, has infant car seat and stroller...
A crib can wait if you have like a bassinet or moses basket to use until the baby is like 3-4 months.
But the baby cant leave the hospital without the infant car seat, I would definitly purchase this product brand new!! you never know what has happened to used ones, and you want your baby to be safe.

Answer 7

Changing table is un-necesary. You can just buy the changing pad ($20) and place that on ur dresser top or on teh bed or even on the floor. I did all my daughters diaper changes on the floor. Crib is something you will need, but not necessarily the day you get home from the hospital. Alot of parents will use a bassinet or a pack and play (most of which come with a built in bassine) and put their new born in that for the first few weeks/months. Car seat is the most important purchase you will need for the birth of your baby. Infant carriers are convenient as you dont need to disturb your baby or expose them to cold air when brining them from house to car, etc. But at 20lbs youll need to switch to a convertable car seat. Those will turn to forward facing toddler seats once they're ready for that and will be a money saver in teh future. Mine goes up to 100lbs.

Other than that, you'll need diapers and wipes and bottles and clothes and LOVE.

Dont forget to take LOTS and LOTS of pictures!

Congrats and good luck!

Answer 8

You pretty much named most of them in your question. Car seat and crib is probably the two you can't do without. A stroller and changing table are definitely helpful. Down the line you'll want to get a highchair, but that's not necessary till closer to 5 months. Another big expense for me (I have a 7 month old) was a breastpump. You'll probably want to get a pack-n-play (those are so helpful) and it can double as a bassinet if you don't want to get one separately. Also, like a tummy time mat. Baby Monitors aren't too expensive, but it's definitely something you'll need. Good Luck and congrats!!

Answer 9

for a newborn you can easily get by with a bassinet, changing table, car seat, stroller (or a Snap-'n'-go if you really want to save money), and a soother such as a swing, bouncy chair, etc.
In a study that was recently done, 80% of new moms said that a crib was the biggest wasted item. Most babies will sleep comfortably in a bassinet until they are 6 months old or can sit up by themselves. So if money is tight, you can delay that purchase.

Answer 10

You sound like you have all the major bases covered. Make sure to get a swing. Most babies enjoy them. They can give you some much needed free time. One thing that you should do is stock up on diapers! Don't get too many "new born" packages though, baby will grow out of them quickly. Get sizes 1 and 2. You may as well stock up on wipes too. Trust me, you don't want to run out of those!

Since you have at least a year before you need an actual car seat, do some homework on them. That is not an item you want to skimp on! There are several that are convertible, or go from car seat to booster seat. They almost have more features than your car!