What are your top 5 baby necessities?

Posted on August 22, 2009 - by Bradley Hebdon

We registered at Babies R Us today, an overwhelming task that is by no means complete.

The realization of having a baby really starts to sink in when you stare at 15 strollers blankly, with no clue which to pick. I mean, do you really need a stroller? We’ve managed for thousands of years without them. That’s pretty much my thought process when I look at every item on the shelf.

Any advice out there on what you would consider to be your top 5 baby necessities? And if it’s more than 5, then so be it.

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August 23, 2009

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Michelle said:

I agree that many things out there are not necessary. A stroller can be useful in many instances though… but you CAN survive without one if you must! A couple reasons we wanted a stroller: I’m not sure how great my back will be once I have the baby. It’s already hurting due to the increased weight, and afterward it will hurt due to the immediate lack of weight. I cannot carry my child everywhere with me outside of the house. Also, you can trip easily and if you have a baby in your arms it can be very dangerous. If you need to go shopping, or need to use your cell phone, etc., it’s pretty hard while carrying an infant! You can, alternatively, use a front/back carrier.

1. We did not get a crib, as they are so expensive and the baby doesn’t even use it for very long. We have a pack n play in our room that includes a newborn sleep center.. as well as changing table. Very convenient; plus we got it at a garage sale so it was very inexpensive.

2. We also have a simple bouncer so that when I am taking a shower or vice versa, our little one can chill out in a safe place and be comforted. We spent no more than 30 dollars on an organic bouncer from marshall’s, on sale.

3. 2 pack of swaddlers. Receiving blankets are too hard to mess with, and these keep your baby content and stops them from awakening themselves at night when they reflex.

4. Boppy to breastfeed. Makes life a million times better for mommy and baby. Your baby will also use it when older as a head supporting pillow and back support when he or she begins to sit up.

5. First years safety kit. Enough said.

Breast pump, bottles, formula, blankets, basic onesies, car seat, and baby soap/lotion are pretty necessary.

Good luck!
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  August 24, 2009
  
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  Bradley Hebdon said:
  
  Hey Michelle, thanks for the feedback — very valuable tips there! Did you (or anyone else for that matter) ever use a rocking chair?
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    August 25, 2009
    
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    Michelle said:
    
    We have a rocking chair – to us, it is a luxury. My mother gave it to me. She had it hand made when she was pregnant with me. If she hadn’t given it to us, I don’t think we would have bought one — although I really appreciate having it. It’s nice to have right beside where your baby sleeps for breastfeeding in the middle of the night and rocking back to sleep.
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August 23, 2009

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Mary Ellen said:

Hmmm…let me think way back then! I read the post above. We did use a crib and they slept in it until they were 2 or so. You can find lots of these second hand at Children’s Orchards and stuff (you kind find TONS of baby stuff there is near new shape). Since we have a 2 story house, we also kept a pack and play down stairs for our convenience and also brought it on vacations as many hotel cribs are pieces of you know what! If Denise breast feeds, I loved the My Breast Friend pillow (you have to get past the name!). I had a Boppy at first but Chloe fell in between it and you can’t move around with it. Definately need a bouncer. Our kids liked the vibrating ones. Get a stroller and car seat combo so that you can snap it in the stroller and not wake up the baby. Alot of people love the snugis, my kids were too heavy and my back didn’t like them. It’s a personal thing. The swaddlers are great too. Velcro takes the place of skills! Get a pile of cloth diapers…great cheap spit cloths! A large size changing pad is great. The ones that come with most bags are tiny. I like the ones where you can slip in a small pack of wipes then only take that when you run to the grocery store or something. Whew!
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