Thursday, July 19, 2012

New Baby - What to Buy/Borrow

No matter how minimalist you want to be, there are going to be lots of things purchased/borrowed/gathered for a new baby.  Since I had gotten rid of everything, I had to do it all again for George.  Some items are not used for long and are easily gotten off of craigslist (bouncer chair, playmat, snap n go).

This is the list I developed:


Baby Bjorn (best after first 8 to 12 weeks)

New Native Sling (any simple sling will work)

Diaper Pail (must have a lid and a foot lever)

Diaper Covers (this is if you are going to use cloth)

Crib (and sheets and bumper)

Mobile (forget color coordinating with your room - get a super interesting one!  I like this one.)

Stroller (I abhor stroller systems!  Get a good quality stroller that fits in your car and is easy to push.  I have the 
City Mini, and a Maclaren in my car.)

Infant Car Seat

Snap n Go Stroller (Don't doubt me on this one.  You don't need a giant stroller system.  This Snap n Go is awesome, light, and a must-have for the first 3 months.)

Swaddling Blankets

Sleep Sound (sound machine)

diaper bag

Dresser/changing table

Baby Bath (I loved my Spa Baby but some people thought I was bonkers.  If you don't like the look of it, consider this ramp)

Baby wash/oil (Forget anything that isn't all natural.  Babies don't need to be slathered in chemicals!)

Diapers (We preferred cloth for the first three months.  I washed my own with one of my kids.  I highly recommend NOT doing that!  Use a service.)

Wipes (Again, as natural as possible! And, for the first 6 weeks, just use little washcloths and warm water.)

Baby Book (Write down some of those milestones!)

Baby Monitor (My cousin got me a video monitor with my 4th child.  It is fabulous!)

Burp Cloths

Bedside sleep spot (bassinet, co-sleeper etc. - I loved this one. )

Infant Gas Relief Drops

The Happiest Baby on the Block Book

Dr. Spock Baby and Childcare Book

Glamormom nursing tank tops

Nursing Pillow (Honestly, I have no idea why the Boppy is popular.  It stinks.  Go with the BreastFriend nursing pillow.  It is awesome)

Upholstered glider

exercise ball (I have no idea how new parents live without one of these!  Babies love the bouncing motion and mom or dad can 'sit' while soothing the baby)

0-3 months onesies and pajamas