This is a definite "Do Not Need." Instead, buy one of those sponges that go in the tub or sink (for around $5 at most retailers). You can bathe the baby easier that way and you can replace it easily if it gets gross from extensive use. Plus, it can be stored quite easily as opposed to the behemoth baby bathtub.

This is a definite "Do!" Most of the time I tote my son around in the Moby Wrap, but this thing works great too. It collapses and stores easily in the trunk of our compact car. It's relatively easy to unfold and use, and we've not had trouble on any terrain. Pair this with the Graco Snug Ride or Safe Seat and you've only spent around $150--less than a travel system!!

You "DO NOT" need a wipes warmer!!! Yes, wipes are cold. They will not hurt your baby (sometimes during a diaper rash episode cold wipes actually feel good). You can't have warm wipes everywhere you go. Also, this is just one more thing to fool with on a daily basis (not to mention the frustration of burned & dried-out wipes).

A baby gym is actually a decent item, but I wouldn't spend more than $30 on one. Whenever I saw them in stores (BRU, Target), I was looking at paying $80! Luckily our Walmart had one for $30. I'm glad I didn't spend more as our little one doesn't use it enough to justify a large price tag.

Soft books are a "DO!" Even when bright pictures and sweet phrases in regular books capture their attention, the soft books are ones you can "give" your little one and not worry. Everything seems to make it into my little one's mouth, so the soft books are better than board books in that respect.

A good pump is essential if you intend to do so for a long period of time, but WAIT to purchase one until you know for sure you'll use it. Rent a hospital pump to try out while you're getting the hang of breast feeding...then if you still want to pump extensively, make the purchase (and this pump is the best). You can't return these things!

"DON'T." I have 4 words for you: "take out your trash." Even with stinky, teething-diarrhea diapers, taking out the trash (at least emptying baby's trash) each day will remedy any stink issues you may have. Spend your money ONCE on a trash can with a lid on it--don't buy something you have to maintain with "refills" and the like.

"DO!" Doesn't necessarily have to be these, but I can't stress enough the importance of some decent car seat toys. If you spend any time in the car with your little one, these create a nice distraction for them if they end up hating to ride in the seat. You don't have to spend a lot, but rotate in new toys every couple of months and you'll have a happy traveler.javascript:saveCommentAction();

"DO!" These are great! I use them to clip toys to things I wouldn't otherwise be able to. Our little one also likes just a few linked together as a toy by itself--makes a great teether! Easily washable and very durable. Good investment.

"DO!" These spoons are WAY better than the Gerber spoons. The shape of the "bowl" of the spoon is so much easier for baby to take, and they are easier to handle when you have a novice eater!

"DO!!!!!!!" For goodness sake, buy something that will actually get the snot out of the nose! This sounds disgusting (and it took a long time for me to try it), but it WORKS! My youngest still hates anything getting near his nose, but I know it's not hurting him the way a bulb syringe would.

"DO" A good and easy-to-use rectal thermometer is a must with a little one. It's the only way to get an accurate temperature. You'll need to use it until about 4 - 6 months, then you can switch to a good ear thermometer. My baby never minded getting his temp taken rectally, and I attribute that to having a good thermometer.

"DO" I think sleepers are the perfect outfit for a baby 3 months and under! Can't have too many. Beware with Gerber, you have to buy the next size up due to shrinking. Also, try not to buy too much in the "Newborn" size--my little one was too big to wear any newborn stuff even at the hospital.

"DO" You can't have too many of these--especially if you're cloth diapering and use them as wipes like I do. The package here is about 50 cents per washcloth (currently), so that's cheap enough that you can get quite a few. Runny noses, messy faces, dirty hands, poopy bottoms, soapy bodies--you name it, you can use these super soft washcloths for it. BTW, I found these at our local Baby Depot.