Baby Stuff-- What do I Really Need?

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Permalink Reply by Susan Anderson-Newham on February 20, 2009 at 9:00am

From what I dimly remember, my baby (who is now nearly 18) seemed to need lots of blankies (they get messy), lots of onesies (they get very messy) and a really durable and roomy diaper bag.
We were pretty poor so we couldn't afford a lot of stuff, but lo and behold, my baby turned out just fine!
Very excited for you, Erin!
;o)

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Permalink Reply by Erin Okuno on February 20, 2009 at 7:05pm

Thanks so much Susan! I will definately look into getting a roomy diaper bag. My dad also cautioned to get one that a man wouldn't mind carrying too-- no frou frou flowers or bright pink bags.

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Permalink Reply by Nhi Tran on February 21, 2009 at 12:40pm

Not sure if this is a "need," but how about beautiful classical music for an hour or so per day? :)

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Permalink Reply by Nhi Tran on February 21, 2009 at 3:21pm

Oh yeah, a baby sling!!!

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Permalink Reply by Marina Espinoza on March 16, 2009 at 1:51pm

Hi Erin,

I have a 6 month old boy.
The following is what I consider essentials. Everyone is different and has a different definition of essentials, but here's mine: 4 recieving blankets, 8-12 outfits per stage (NB, 03, 3-6), about 10 onsies per stage (that's why we have washing machines), the health products (tylenol, gas medicne, diaper rash cream), thermamoter/nail clippers.., a stroller, carseat, baby bag (I use the one the dr.s office gave me) or back pack, & a good breast pump if you plan to pump. If pumping, you MUST have the hands free sling that goes around your neck to allow your hands to be free. I didn't know this even existed. To date, we've only used 6 small bottles & 6 nipples - we have not had a need to have more. The baby carrier is useful, but not necessary. If you buy a carrier, buy the Ergo one not the Baby Bjourne (sp??). The ergo is better for your body & lasts longer. The blue tooth (phone ear piece) very useful to talk and multi-task. Changing station as opposed to changing down low on bed - you don't want your back to go out while you have a nb. In the end, we found the humidifier to be essential due to congestion, but depends on your baby. Boppy pillow was very helpful for breast feeding. Used warm hats & lots of bibs = very useful. Small thermus is helpful when traveling to have warm water if you use formula to make warm baby bottles. We found 1 CD of classical music for when baby sleeps helpful. No need for more music CD's. Of course, you want a few books. Lots of burp rags essential.

What I could do without: The gym play station, the bouncie seat, cute outfits or new for that matter. Coats & shoes not useful. Babies don't need new clothes - they grow out of them too fast. You don't need more than 1 -3 toys really. You don't need the fancy matching crib set, a baby bottle warmer/hot water dispenser or the mobile stuff that hangs from the crib. Also you don't need that special baby food machine from fancy kitchen stores, a blender works just fine. Don't need the extra stollers recommended. We only use one stroller. You don't need that grocery shopping cart cover - waste of $ or baby monitor. Don't need a diaper carrier to put your diapers in that's cute - just get them straight from the bag. Don't need the little plastic case to put your bottle in dishwasher. You don't need the hygine kit with stuff like medicine droppe, scissors....Language CD's /videos waste of $. Research shows kids need to hear language from native speaker not CD's, videos or Dora explorer games.

That's my 2 cents.

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Permalink Reply by Erin Okuno on March 17, 2009 at 4:39pm

Thanks so much! I think we have just about the right amount of newborn stuff to get us through. I also like the suggestion about a Blue Tooth, that makes so much sense.

I haven't commited to a pump yet, but you are the third person that has mentioned the hands-free method as a must.

If you have more tips, keep sending them my way!

Erin


Marina Espinoza said:

Hi Erin,

I have a 6 month old boy.
The following is what I consider essentials. Everyone is different and has a different definition of essentials, but here's mine: 4 recieving blankets, 8-12 outfits per stage (NB, 03, 3-6), about 10 onsies per stage (that's why we have washing machines), the health products (tylenol, gas medicne, diaper rash cream), thermamoter/nail clippers.., a stroller, carseat, baby bag (I use the one the dr.s office gave me) or back pack, & a good breast pump if you plan to pump. If pumping, you MUST have the hands free sling that goes around your neck to allow your hands to be free. I didn't know this even existed. To date, we've only used 6 small bottles & 6 nipples - we have not had a need to have more. The baby carrier is useful, but not necessary. If you buy a carrier, buy the Ergo one not the Baby Bjourne (sp??). The ergo is better for your body & lasts longer. The blue tooth (phone ear piece) very useful to talk and multi-task. Changing station as opposed to changing down low on bed - you don't want your back to go out while you have a nb. In the end, we found the humidifier to be essential due to congestion, but depends on your baby. Boppy pillow was very helpful for breast feeding. Used warm hats & lots of bibs = very useful. Small thermus is helpful when traveling to have warm water if you use formula to make warm baby bottles. We found 1 CD of classical music for when baby sleeps helpful. No need for more music CD's. Of course, you want a few books. Lots of burp rags essential.

What I could do without: The gym play station, the bouncie seat, cute outfits or new for that matter. Coats & shoes not useful. Babies don't need new clothes - they grow out of them too fast. You don't need more than 1 -3 toys really. You don't need the fancy matching crib set, a baby bottle warmer/hot water dispenser or the mobile stuff that hangs from the crib. Also you don't need that special baby food machine from fancy kitchen stores, a blender works just fine. Don't need the extra stollers recommended. We only use one stroller. You don't need that grocery shopping cart cover - waste of $ or baby monitor. Don't need a diaper carrier to put your diapers in that's cute - just get them straight from the bag. Don't need the little plastic case to put your bottle in dishwasher. You don't need the hygine kit with stuff like medicine droppe, scissors....Language CD's /videos waste of $. Research shows kids need to hear language from native speaker not CD's, videos or Dora explorer games.

That's my 2 cents.

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Permalink Reply by fhaye on February 1, 2010 at 5:36pm

I've been taking care of my 3 month old baby those what had said by Erin are essential used by moms to the baby but when time pass by and starting to work, you needed the help that you can get from BF. I've been using a hands free pumping bra that moms would also love. This is very helpful for you and the baby as well.

I'm using mine for a couple of months now and very awesome to have for taking care of my daughter. It is great to own one.

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