Whether you have an actual changing table or not, you need somewhere to change diapers & dress/undress baby that is at a comfortable height. Trying to do these things in the crib kills my back & once you have to drop the mattress, will be impossible. These will sit on a table, countertop, or dresser if you don’t have an actual changing table.

Thank goodness I received these as part of a diaper cake at my baby shower! Otherwise, I may have never discovered them because they aren't sold in many stores. I use these every time I change Harper's diaper. These pads have saved countless couches, carpets, comforters, and changing table covers.

I take these to the hospital. Look for the kind that have an elastic bottom and sleeves that fold over the hands like a mitten. So convenient for frequent newborn diaper changes.

These things are lifesavers IF your baby likes to be swaddled. You won't need it at the hospital because the blankets they use are made for swaddling and the nurses are pros. But if swaddling comforts your baby, you'll want at least one of these at home.

These things have 100's of uses.

Whether you want a portable swing or larger, more stationary swing with more options is your choice, but most babies love to swing. I liked the take along because we needed things we could travel with.

A travel system worked out well for us. I chose a Graco with Snugride because of the safety ratings of the infant seat, the quick snap car base and the infant seat was well secured when inserted into the stroller. Look for a stroller that is easy to fold and unfold, has deep cup holders, a large basket and a smooth ride.

I made Seth stop at Walmart on the way home from the hospital to buy one of these. You have to be able to see baby while driving and a mirror is the only way to see a rear-facing baby from the front seat. In my opinion, these things should come as standard equipment with the car seat.

I love these and have the lightweight and heavy, quilted version, but it's also an optional item. You can cover baby with blanket, but these things won't blow off, fall off, or get kicked off. You can zip the front completely off if it's too warm or if you need something to lay the baby on for a diaper change on a public changing station.

No matter what, eventually you're going to need some kind of bottle. I liked these because they are BPA free and have the disposable liner (which is recyclable). There is nothing to wash except the nipples. When it comes to nipples, I like silicone - they don't get yucky and discolored or wear out as quickly as the latex.

Whoever invented this is a genius. Just fill your bottles with the appropriate amount of water and portion the formula in the dispenser and mix when you’re ready. Great for travelling and for sending to the babysitter...you don't have to keep anything cold, worry about someone else mixing the formula properly, and nothing is wasted because you don't mix it until you're ready to use it.

Wipes are a personal choice. I like these. They are perfect for getting into all the cracks and crevices. In my opinion, Huggies and other brands are too thick and rough. But everyone is different, so maybe you want to try out a few kinds before you decide to buy 800 wipes.

If you're diligent enough to take the trash out every day, you don't need a diaper pail. But if the diapers are gong to sit in the house for a few days, you're going to need something to control the smell. We have tried a few different pails and Diaper Genie definitely seems to do the best job.

Another controversial item-great for hotels & friend/relatives homes not equipped for baby. Some use instead of traditional bassinet/cradle or as a 2nd crib in multi-level homes. We take it to cookouts for diapers/naps/containment, use it outdoors at home & have left it at the sitter’s so Harper had her own bed. Versatile & useful, depending on your lifestyle. Get a sheet. I like the quilted kind.

Crib sheets...I have 3 but could have gotten by with one. I think two is all you should ever need.

I have friends that wash their baby's things in the same detergent they use on their clothes with no problems. Since I have sensitivity to certain dyes & material, I decided not to chance it and use Dreft for Harper's things. There are several baby detergents out there - you'll have to decide which way you want to go. Either way, I suggest washing everything for Little Dude before he gets here.

If I hadn't had a first year calender, I may not have written anything down except heights & weights from the doctor visits - so much easier to keep track of milestones and other events than with a traditional babybook. Hang it on the wall in the nursery & there is no excuse for not keeping up.