What are the most important baby gear items (bouncer, swing, baby bath, high chair, etc) for a newborn?

Question

Just wondering what items I should focus on buying before I go into labor. We already have things like the baby bed, baby bjorn carrier, and bassinet) but I was wondering what other items I need and what were most useful for your newborn during the first few weeks?

Thanks for the answers so far. We already have a travel system with the stroller and car seat. What else? Thanks. :)

Answer 1

Rocking chair with a footrest! I bought a glider rocker with a glider foot rest when my daughter was born and it is the best purchase we made! She is 3+ now and I still rock her to sleep in it!

Answer 2

A good sling is the best! You also need lots of big receiving blankets (mine were made from 1 yard of flannel) for swaddling baby. The sling is a lifesaver when baby gets too big for the Bjorn, and you can use it while nursing on the go! Don't worry about a high chair now. Most people like to have a bouncer or swing, but it's hard to tell which one your baby will like. I liked The First Years sleepers because the zippers were so easy. Gowns are great for staying home, but not for the carseat. Really, you can get by with just clothes, carseat, blanket and sling. That's all you need, the rest is just for fun. Good luck!

Answer 3

With my son a bouncer was a God send and with my daughter it has been a swing. A Boppy pillow has been very helpful as well. A high chair you can wait to get it will be a few months before you will need it and you could find one on clearance or something. A bath seat can be helpful but some people can use it and others can't. You won't need it for the first week or so. Good luck with your new baby!

Answer 4

I got a baby bath at a shower but found it much more work to use and clean up after then to just give baby a bath in the sink. You shouldn't need a high chair for at least 4 months when you introduce solids. I found the bouncer to be the absolute most important item. In the beginning I was afraid to even put baby down but the bouncer seat made it easy to do things like use the bathroom, take showers, dishes and other chores we would prefer not to do. My advice would be the bouncer!

Answer 5

Well the only thing I can think of that a newborn will use in the first few weeks is a carseat.

Besides that the only thing your baby needs is your arms and baby's bed and a baby bath. Baby is going to sleep, sleep, sleep, and sleep some more.

I also agree with the rocking chair-my daughter loved and still loves to rock.

You may also want a stroller to stroll your little one around-if your even up to it after giving birth.

1 month on up-Swing and/or bouncer

3 months on up-Mobile when baby starts sleeping in crib (I reccommend the dreams in sight mobile)

4 months on up bumba baby sitter and highchair

5 or 6 months on up activity center/entertainer

Congrats!!!

Answer 6

It is personal preference but for my three children I found that it was most useful to have a swing and bouncer for the first few months of their lives. The swing and bouncer can be rotated and keep the infant 'entertained' while you rest and do misc. things for yourself. A baby bath isn't really needed right away (in my opinion and personal experience) as it is easier to bath the infant in the kitchen sink until they are a bit bigger. Did I mention that onsies are life savers- especially for summer? Good luck~

Answer 7

A swing and a bouncer are great to have! You need a baby tub pretty soon too. The other things you have listed are stuff you wont need for a few more months. Good Luck!

Answer 8

Receiving blankets, inexpensive and (they have duo uses), a pack of cloth diapers, works well for shoulder and burping clothes. Socks, hooded-lightweight shirts, a mobile which makes music, or a wave noise machine, A Baby Monitor (one of those kind-s you can hook to your belt or pocket with a bedside unit so you can hear it when you get the chance to have an hour nap :) , a sun-screen for your car window to shield the child's face, and a mirror which sits in your back window so you are able to see the baby better. Also a head pillow is wonderful helps the child's neck and sit in their seats better. Pads for yourself. If nursing, all the appropriate items :) Many, many diapers.!! Also, my daughter really liked hooded bath towels and a portable changing table. I wish you much luck :)

Answer 9

This may seem obvious but, blankets! I had no idea how many rags and blankets I would need after my son was born. Receiving blankets are the most helpful for spit up and things of that nature. If you are going to use a pacifier, get a leash for it that attaches to their bib so it doesn't fall on the floor. A bottle brush! A grooming kit with nail clippers. I know all of those are little things, but they are very important! Congratulations on the baby :)

Answer 10

i highly recommend getting a swing for when they are newborn, they REALLY help. and definately a baby bath. as for the bouncer, my daughter never really used hers, she didnt like it so much, and a high chair can wait a few months, it will just sit there if you buy it now. another thing i recommend is getting one of those floor gyms for babies. i think those three things were very helpful with my daughter. and congrats!

Answer 11

travel system (carrier, base and stroller) and then a swing. Don't worry about a high chair yet. You can always use the carrier. We actually got a portable booster to save money and space.