 | Maclaren Quest Sport Stroller - Charcoal/Flame
We LOVE this stroller. It's light, sturdy, nicely designed stroller that maneuvers well. This is pricy for an umbrella stroller, but well worth it. We've actually been using this stroller since birth, along with a Kiddopotamus Snuzzler. This is the only stroller you need.
|
 | BABYBJÖRN Baby Carrier Air - Gray/White, Mesh
Buy new: $59.95 Very comfortable, light, and easy to put on. I initially thought I could get away with just the Moby Wrap, which is very comfortable just not as convenient/easy to put on... I think the Baby Bjorn is more useful for going out of the house.
|
 | Ergo Baby Carrier Black with Camel Lining
Buy new: $104.95 The Ergo may be the only carrier you need. I enjoyed the Baby Bjorn until my son was 10 mos. old. I got the Ergo and noticed immediately that he felt much lighter. It is a bit thick, bulky, heavy in the hips and shoulders. If your baby will be carrying age in the summer, I recommend the Baby Bjorn Air; or the Patapum, which people say is like a less bulky Ergo.
|
 | Fisher-Price Healthy Care Deluxe Booster Seat, Blue/Green/Gray
Buy new: $29.99 You don't need an expensive/bulky high chair. This is easier to clean and stow away.
|
 | Kiddopotamus Snuzzler Complete Head and Body Support, Ivory Terry
Buy new: $12.99 Ok, you can probably just use rolled up towels or blankets, but the Snuzzler is not too expensive and can make the stroller, car seat, swing, etc. more comfortable for newborns, especially for smaller babies. Works great in the MacClaren Quest, which is actually rated for 3+mos.
|
 | Evenflo Tribute 5 Convertible Car Seat Fleetwood
We don't own a car, so it didn't make sense for us to spend on a travel system or dedicated infant carseat. Instead we opted to get a value-priced, light, no-frills convertible carseat. This works fine for newborns, especially when paired with the aforementioned Kiddopotamus Snuzzler.
|
 | Medela Harmony Manual Breast Pump
Buy new: $30.49 I didn't think I would use this so soon after I got home, but I was really glad to have this on hand... Our son had trouble latching on so we had to pump for some feedings in order for him to gain weight. It also helped me relieve engorgement. Simple design, easy to clean, nice design. I was able to pump 2-4 oz. in 20 min. during those first few weeks.
|
 | The First Years Breastflow Starter Kit
Buy new: $24.36 Along with the hand pump, these bottles really saved us those first couple of weeks. These bottles allowed our baby to gain weight and actually helped him learn how to latch and suck properly. No nipple confusion. BPA :(
|
 | Boppy Bare Naked Pillow
Buy new: $27.99 I spent the first week breastfeeding without the Boppy pillow. That was a long and frustrating week for a number of reasons, but once the Boppy pillow arrived it was night and day. It was a relief to be able to relax yet support my nursing baby. I also use the Boppy to prop baby up after feedings and for tummy time.
|
 | Boppy Cotton Slipcover, Contemporary Squares
Colors are actually more pastelly than they appear/I imagined, but it's still cute...
|
 | Medela New Pump in Style Original Breast Pump
If you plan to breastfeed when you go back to work, you'll need a good pump. On a good session, I can get 8 - 10 oz in 10 minutes. It's pretty quiet. Comes with everything you need.
|
 | The First Years Spinning Drying Rack, White
Buy new: $10.78 At first I thought I didn't need a drying rack, but then quickly realized I did when I saw all the pump parts, nipples, bottles drying on towels. This unit saves valuable counter space, dries well and is height adjustable so it will work with bottles to sippy cups. I looked at the Skip Hop (so design-y), but really this one is much more practical and does the job for half the price.
|
 | Medela Disposable Nursing Bra Pads - 60-pk.
Buy new: $10.70 Absorbent and thin, though they do tend to shift and bunch a little...
|
 | The First Year's Infant To Toddler Tub with Sling, Blue
Buy new: $17.98 / Used from: $11.86 Easy to use and baby is safe in the sling. Sturdy, big, bulky, but I don't mind that in a baby bathtub because I don't like the inflatable or folding tubs.
|
 | Boppy Rock In Comfort Travel Swing
This is nice to have, but not a necessity for us. Our son didn't like his crib initially, so the swing has been helpful as a napping spot and bassinet. He sometimes doesn't actually like the swinging; I'm wondering if he's more into bouncing... I like that it's not huge and that it's not hideous.
|
 | The Happiest Baby on the Block by Harvey Karp
Buy new: $9.22 / Used from: $2.32 Two words: swaddle and Shhhhhhhhhhh
|
 | Creative Labs Vado HD Pocket Video Camcorder 3rd Generation,120 Minutes (White) - NEWEST MODEL
Buy new: $129.99 The VADO HD is a great little pocket camcorder. Stick it in your pocket or purse, it's easy to whip out and capture those spontaneous moments. If you're on a Mac, check out the similar offering from Flip.
|
 | The Miracle Blanket Swaddler formerly known as the Amazing Miracle Blanket - Solid Blue
Buy new: $31.99 You need a swaddling blanket like this, or at least a very large receiving blanket. It's more expensive, but I think this blanket is better than the SwaddleMe (limited by velcro pads). You can get a better fit and will grow with your wee one better.
|
 | Safety 1st Hospital's Choice Complete Grooming Kit
Good to have this on hand when baby comes home. He had really long fingernails when he was born and these clippers are easy to use on such tiny little nails...
|
 | DaVinci Emily Mini Crib - Ebony
Buy new: $145.00 This is an impressive-looking crib and good for a smaller space. It's easy to assemble very sturdy, but the wood/finish is soft so be careful unpacking and assembling it. I just wish our son liked sleeping in it! Get portacrib sheets and mattress to fit this mini crib.
|
 | JJ Cole Logic Bag - Silver/Graphite
I'm not a "big diaper bag" person. This is a great compact diaper bag that hangs nicely off the Maclaren Quest. While it's not effeminate, my husband doesn't like to wear it because looks too geared-out. He says it looks cute on me though. The pockets are useful, well-placed, and quite roomy - more than enough for diaper bag and purse essentials.
|
 | FitBall Exercise Balls
Buy new: $43.89 - $49.99 Best quality exercise ball. I happened to own one of these before the baby came and have found that it's really useful for calming him down. I just sit with him in my arms or in a carrier and continue with my computer work. Great for toning those abs too of course...
|
 | Babylicious Sit and Spit Cloths - Blue
While I agree these are a bit expensive and a touch small, I really like these burp clothes. They are very thick, soft, absorbant and light, not to mention cute!
|
 | Tiny Love Super Deluxe Lights and Music Gymini Activity Gym
Buy new: $54.00 / Used from: $41.42 The only "toy" you need really for the first few months. Great for tummy time and other developmental milestones. Has a mirror and a bunch of detachable todays that rattle, crinkle, stretch, etc. I love how it folds practically flat with all the toys attached (very tidy), and springs open with ease.
|
 | Fisher-Price Rainforest Jumperoo
Buy new: $69.00 My son loves being in this thing. He can sit in it for 30 minutes or more at a time. While hasn't quite gotten the jumping or grabbing for toys yet, he just likes hanging, or gently swaying and jumping. Be forewarned though, it is kind of large for a small apartment but it's worth it.
|
 | BLING Knob Pacifier & Clip (0-6 mo.)
Buy new: $19.95 You need one of these...
|
Listmania!
