Essential Baby Gear

There are a few items that friends have recommended to me that are just lifesavers. Also, my friends tend to do alot of research before buying baby gear, so I get to piggyback off their work. Now you can too. Here are a few of their (and my) favorite things for Year One.

Graco (or Baby Trend) Snap'n'Go - it's much lighter than the all-in-one travel systems. Not to mention way cheaper. You'll have to get a front-facing one when baby gets older.

Graco car seat - adorn the inside handle with stickers from the pediatrician's office. You will thank yourself later. Don't forget your take-along tether (see post of September 2007).

Graco Bassinet - like the one pictured, but get the one with an underneath storage basket.

Boppy with Cover

Baby Bjorn, along with a bib to keep the carrier dry and clean under baby's chin.

Baby's Bliss Grip Water (Very important!!)

Baby nail clippers and file - and don't forget to check baby's nails when you get home from the hospital.

Fisher Price Kick'n'Play Infant Seat

Medela Pump in Style - take it to the hospital with you, just in case.

Fisher Price Healthy Care booster seat - you won't need this till later, when he can sit on his own, but it's a great spacesaver, easy to take to restaurants, and eliminates the need for a highchair. Also, it teaches kids to sit still when they are eating (I hope!).

Gerber 100% cotton footed pajamas. They come in three-packs at Target and your kid will live in these for the first three months.

Munchkin bottle rack, bottle brush, dishwasher basket, formula travel container

An exersaucer and an automatic swing are also items to consider.

Also, it's definitely not essential, but the Kiddopotamus snuzzler for the car seat would be a good idea if your newborn will spend alot of time in his or her car seat.

Order the biggest box of Size N diapers from Amazon - it's a great price and ships for free!

Repeat for bigger sizes as baby grows. Have at least 100 Size N diapers ready when you come home from the hospital. That'll last you about 2 weeks if you're lucky.