What is the most essential baby item you can buy?

Question

To all you who have babies, or kids, what are the baby items you "couldn't live without?" We're trying to decide what we actually need from all of the swings, play pens, bassinets, bouncy chairs, etc. What did your kids love? Any recommendations? Thanks!

Answer 1

besides diapers and wipes , I would say either the bouncy chair or the swing. my first daughter loved the swing, hated the bouncy chair, my second liked both. so it depends on the baby.

Answer 2

My son and daughter both really like the bouncy chair, we have one that can be turned into a rocking chair so we were able to use it when my son was older, and will do the same when my daughter is older.

Used a bassinet with my son, my daughter has reflux so she either sleeps in her bouncy chair, swing or my favorite thing the Fisher Price Soothing Motion Glider - I wish they made it in adult sizes.

I have never purchased a changing table, I would change my son on the bed, and with my daughter I have an area set up on a spare couch. I didn't want to spend the money on one and it's worked fine without one.

I went and purchased one of the big square play pens, my son didn't much care for being put in it and because it was so big I didn't use it unless his little cousin and him were playing together then I could throw them both in it.

My daughter likes her swing now, and my son liked it after a couple months also; they make one now that has a mirror above the baby so they can look at themselves, my friend had it and said her baby would wake up and just stare at herself and she loved it.

Answer 3

If you are going to breastfeed then you have to plan on having nursing pads and supplies such as Avent bottles in case of emergency. If you are going to work, then you will need supplies for the pump and lansinoh cream. If you don't know if you are going to breast or bottle feed you certainly don't need to stock up on related items now. Balmex, baby tylenol for when baby gets shots, diapers in the size 2 and 3, things like extra crib sheets, a little medical kit with a hairbrush and special nail clippers, a good baby thermometer, the bumpers that attach to the railings and a safe crib blanket, toys that are for different developmental stages, most babies do enjoy a walker and bouncer, baby clothing suitable for the weather when baby will be born in the newborn but not too much and a few outfits for the 3-6 month stage and the 6-9 month stage will help you down the road. You can never have too much baby wash, lotion, and along with a teething rings for the teething stage. You put a variety of things on the registry from very cheap to more big ticket like a changing table, diaper genie and bags. Then, you will undoubtedly get gift cards too that you can save until after baby because alot of things you will only realize that you need as you go! If you don't have a stroller, you will want to have one - an infant car seat is a given. If you don't receive one, then you have to buy one of those of course! It is nice to have the car seat that fits right into a stroller for a newborn. If baby is born in winter and it's cold where you live you'll want to have a car seat cover to keep baby warm while in transit.

Answer 4

We used our bouncy chair a lot when our son was young so I would reccomend one of those. If you're watching your budget but want to get a variety of items you might check out craigslist for your area. There are lots of good deals on baby stuff there. :)

I would skip a bassinet (they grow out of them so soon). If you plan on having baby in your room with you you could buy one of those playpens that can also be raised up and use that as your bassinet. Some of them even come with little changing table things on them. If you aren't going to have baby in your room then I would say wait to buy the playpen until baby is older and you need to contain them.

Good Luck!

Answer 5

Truthfully, If you go to babiesrus.com, a go through their link list to the different categories, almost everything there is there for a reason. With my son, I used a playpen, bouncer, swing, excersaucer, car seat, stroller, bassinet...then a crib with a bedding set, highchair started around 4 months, ONSIES, SLEEPERS, THERMOMETER, A&D or desitin (or balmex), hand held toys and baby soft books with mirrors...Diapers and wipes, Baby bath wash, baby lotion, baby hair brush, finger tooth brush...etc. I breastfed so I had a breast pump with the freezer bags and bottles. You might also want a bottle warmer and a wipes warmer. I had the diaper champ but NEVER used it...waste of money. I also bathed my son in the sink for a few months...about 9 actually. I never used one of those baby bath tubs. Just use your instinct. I am sure you will do fine. I know it can be over whelming before the baby actually comes, but once you give birth, it all just kinda comes to you. Good luck with the upcoming addition to your family.

Answer 6

bouncy seat, is what 4 week old daughter lives in during the day. My son loved the swing, but as a parents, an umbrella stroller has been the best thing. You cna get it cheap, and put it in your car and leave it there. We spent themoney on a big fancy one but we use my little umbrella one MUCH more.

Answer 7

Diaper Genie- but get the one that takes reg. kitchen trash bags and not "refills" I don't remember the name of it.

Pack n Play-w. bassinet...Instead of bassinet/play pen. Good for around the house and for if you go on vacation/overnights w/ family. In the bdrm. as a bassinet.

Good stroller, but not necessarily a travel system.. We barely used out stroller, just the infant car seat which our baby grew out of quicky.. A good lightweight, easy to use stroller. I like the one step ahead (catalouge/online) it's $40 but only weights 7lbs and it has a canopy/carry strap..

Good quality convertible Infant/Toddler carseat...Get more mileage out of than the travel system stroller combo....

Good quality diaper bad.. I like the Eddie Bauer- it's plain , but has nice storage. I used it as my hospital bag and with 2 chldren under 5 it's great for daytrips and overnights... Also, after life as a diaper bag it would be good for them to take elsewhere, when they are older... It doesn't look like a diaper bag.

Exersaucer- great for babies that can hold head up ! Very stimulating and gives you a break throughout the day.. We used ours for both our children and it still looks good... Easy to clean...

Baby Einstein DVD's great for baby when in exersaucer and you need a minute or two to get things done or shower.

Outlet Plug Covers.. .This sounds silly, but I keep a few in my diaper bag and if we go to a friends/family member I'll pop em' the outlets...Just to be "extra" safe.. Also, really great for on vacation (hotel rooms, condo's etc...)

Folding High Chair- If you can get one that folds up- great ! We took our on vacation... We don't drive an SUV or mini van we have a full size sedan and we were able to pack the high chair/double stroller... Plus Pack n Play and all our clothes,diapers etc...

Bj's membership- that's where we get all our diapers, baby soap, lotion etc... The diapers are great and both our children use them... They also have a money back guarantee... For 176 diapers it cost under $20...Even less if we use a coupon. We use a box a month for 2 children..

Find a babysitter/helper early to get to know your baby so if you decide to go back to work or even better go out with spouse you already know someone that's not family related...

Good luck/congrats...

Answer 8

Out of all the things people have listed...I would have to say the swing. It has the rocking feeling that babies love and during midnight feedings, I put my son back in it when he is wide awake and lay down until he falls back asleep. Plus when he got his shots and I needed a break from him clinging to me and wanting to be held, I put in it and he loved it.

Answer 9

I loved having the playpen, my baby monitor, her crib mobile, and her little travel size swing. That got a lot of use, and it didn't take up a lot of room. Had music on it and some toys and a mirror. She loved it!

Answer 10

The most essential baby items that you can buy are those that are perfectly made and fitted in accordance with your baby's age.