apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

As an Interior designer specializing in nursery design, I have seen so much STUFF that is unnecessary put into the room. What you do not need are:a diaper dispensing hanging sack which gets pulled and pulled out from, as soon as they can.Use the drawers of the changer or the shelf underneath.A properly designed changer should accommodate diapers. You do not need the ottoman that often comes with the rocker or glider.They are unused and take up space. Most of all what you don't need is everyone telling you what you need. Hire a professional Interior Designer with this speciality and they will know just what should be in the room. If you live in the NYC area, contact me. Best of luck.

A stroller! You don't need one until that baby gets too heavy to carry, and babies (my baby at least), strongly preferred a sling. At that, he prefers the Moby Wrap, which I thought would be complicated, but isn't. Compare: $65 wrap, weighing 1 pound, to $200 stroller weighing 25 pounds and up. You'll need a stroller eventually but not for many months.

Everything except diapers, onesies, and a carseat. Honestly, you can get by with repurposed stuff for everything else. Really.

I would say some sort of baby carrier (or sling, wrap, moses basket etc) would be the only piece of equipment I'd actually recommend getting, especially if you're going to be moving often. Having two hands free is an enormous benefit and carriers are so easy to pack up when it's time to move again.

I respectfully disagree with the decorator. I used an ottoman on a regular basis -- when nursing, and later while reading to my monkeys. People insisted I needed a stroller, so I got one. Two children later and it was used once. My kids loved being in slings so we never needed the stroller. We also never ended up getting a changing table. I couldn't find one I liked before the first came. We improvised by making some towel-waterproof layer-towel pads, had a couple of those and put the diapers in a basket and never looked back. There were several other things we really never used -- but my advice would be, if you're not sure, wait until after the baby comes and see what you need. Granted everyone is different, but there were so many things we never used (and since they were still in the packaging we donated them).

You don't need a wipe warmer, a moses basket, a bottle sterilizer, newborn size clothes (they grow out of them so fast), baby shoes, a bunting (unless you live somewhere extremely cold) or a pack n play. At least these were the things that I was given that I didn't use enough to warrant the cost.

yay!!!!!
bmfree really hit it.
i'd add a changing table to the list of don't needs.

Im just like you- less is more! You dont need : playmats (just use a nice fluffy comforter or quilt); unless you like all the matching lamps, bumpers, wall decals, scrap them; Mobiles- make your own - very easy, this website has alot of good ideas- plus you can change them out whenever you feel like it. Big fancy bassenetts - borrow if you can- they take up room and the babies are only in them for a few months. bathtubs- use the sink! little babies dont need all that much, basically you, a bed, diapers and food , you can always go get the "stuff" later if needed. congrats on your new addition!

Any bedding except for plastic sheets and fitted crib sheets. Bumpers are considered a SIDS risk. Quilts and pillows are also considered a SIDS risk until the baby is about 6 months old. Also, you probably do not need an infant detachable base car seat; instead get a convertible carseat that can be used both rear- and forward-facing. That way, you only need one carseat instead of two. (There's an article in the Chicago Tribune that claims the detachable base carseats are unsafe as an extra reason not to get one...)

I totally disagree about the stroller. I cannot imagine not having my stroller. Do you need a giant one? no. But an umbrella stroller at least.

We also use our packnplay daily. It's the only way I would get a shower without worrying that the baby is going to be hanging from the ceiling fan or climbing the roof when I get out!

Since you're moving a few months after baby arrives, I would hold off on buying a crib. A bassinet is an easy smaller solution and what my son slept in for his first 5 months. We wanted him in our room for that time, but even if the baby was in their own room a bassinet would work just fine.

Also, a changing table is the least useful piece of baby furniture. We use a changing pad with cover and the floor. Much easier, especially with a wiggly baby.

This question has definitely been asked before, so be sure to search through the archives if you don't get a flood of responses here.

What one parent needs may be completely extraneous to another. All babies are different, and what works for my lifestyle may not work for yours. My general advice would be to register for a few big ticket items and a car seat and request gift cards for everything else, which you can easily excuse due to your impending moves.

Here are "extraneous products" that worked (or didn't) for me. None of these items were critical to our baby's survival, but they did make the first three months easier (for the parents). It's all a matter of priorities and lifestyle. Your results may vary:

If the baby is born by cesarian--or the mother has to have postpartum surgery, like I did--a sling or baby carrier may be incredibly uncomfortable, and a stroller a god-send Some babies hate swings and bouncers, mine adored it. She also loved her Bumbo seat, which she used until she was able to sit up straight at 5 months. She still sleeps with a Sound Machine at 22-months and the Itzbeen Baby Timer kept us from losing our minds in the insanity of sleep deprivation. We watched The Happiest Baby on the Block DVD and were swaddling fanatics, using both receiving blankets and commercially-made swaddlers with velcro. Pacifiers are lifesavers for many parents, they were garbage in my house.

A Bumbo (we got one and returned it) and a high chair, at least until they're eating solids at around 6 months. We did away with the changing table and instead used a desk with a changing pad on top.

We used the ottoman with our glider when we nursed late at night, but put the ottoman part in storage once we just started using the glider for reading stories and snuggling.

And I agree with previous folks -- you don't need a wipe warmer, bottle warmer and feeding stuff (again, at least until they start eating solids)

diaper genies... useless, i cant even GIVE ours away. i can't imagine what i thought i needed that for.

My kids all slept in a large wicker laundry basket (with padding in the bottom) next to our bed until they were about three months old- so I guess like a bassinet but a whole lot cheaper.
A stroller is a must if you have big, heavy babies like mine- my back would have been a mess if I had used a sling after about month 2. And I would advise an umbrella stroller as the big giant plastic ones they tend to sell are cumbersome and just too big, especially if you use any type of public transportation.
We didn't have a high chair for any of them, but I can see why some people use them. We just put them on our lap when it was time to eat until they were tall enough to sit at the table on their own.
And definitely buy bigger size clothes earlier than you think you need them! Mine grew too big for newborn size clothes inside of a month and too big for 3-6 months by the time they were 4 months old. Granted, not all babies will grow the same, but ask for clothes in the later month sizes as everyone always wants to buy the little, cute ones.
And babies don't really need shoes unless it's cold where you are.
I agree with others- no changing table, no wipe warmers, no bottle warmers, no ridiculous amount of bedding (As it will all just get peed on and barfed on anyway- more to wash).

Hi there... The rampant consumerism associated with babies is really terrifying! When it comes to baby furniture we bought none! We did have a plain old table that we used as "his spot" for his special goodies... kept his clothes in a basket, and changed him. The point of a table was that he could grow up with it and have a table to work at and for projects when he got older.

I wrote a post on the se7en things we absolutely didn't need, regardless of pressing opinion all around us!!! Here is the link: http://www.se7en.org.za/2008/10/23/se7en-things-you-absolutely-dont-need-when-having-a-baby

we really needed our stroller and our sling but we opted for a chicco reclining umbrella stroller those huge travel systems are ridiculous.
skip the wipe warmer, and sterilizer. for our second child we opted for the highchair seat that attaches to the table, its for 6 mos and up so that makes perfect sense.

i have 2 kids and i think i used the pack and play once for a playpen but i did use it w/ bassinet thing for the first few weeks with my son it was actually helpful in that respect.
skip the changing table buy a crib sized waterproof mat, we change our kids on our bed or on the floor.
skip the "take and toss", stuff ....seriously take it home and wash it people come on
basically you need some one piece sleepers, a way to transport the baby (stroller sling) a safe carseat and some diapering equipment

Talk to ten different sets of parents and you'll get ten different answers so my advice is to buy what you'll need for the first month or so - diapers and wipes and a place to put the dirty ones, a couple swaddling blankets, carseat, changing pad with something to put it on (we put ours on the bathroom counter) and something for the baby to sleep in be it a crib, moses basket, co-sleeper, whatever your fancy, and maybe a sling (lifesaver for me and many others, totally useless for others). Unlike a lot of parents, I actually was gifted with so much bigger sized clothing and really appreciated the few newborn sized outfits I received. They have to wear something~ when they're seven pounds, right?

We had SO MUCH STUFF for our first baby and I ended up re-selling or giving away most of it (swing, bouncer, big stroller, bumbo seat, loud plastic toys, etc.). Then with our second I bought practically nothing new, but then I discovered he absolutely LOVED swings and so we ended up getting one after he was born. Kids are different. On that note, whatever you can borrow or buy used is probably a good idea because even if you buy, say, a baby bjorn, you and your baby might end up never using it and totally preferring a moby sling or what have you.

Here are things that I found to be pretty generally useless - wipe warmer, bottle warmer, big stroller unless you jog and use a jogging stroller.

Yeah, y'know I have had 2 kids so far and never needed a changing table. Maybe it's just me, but I found it easy to just lay them out on the couch/floor/bed with a changing pad underneath or else get one of the pads with the high sides and buckle and put it on top of a dresser.

I always just laid the wipes on my thigh or arm while sitting and changing the baby. By the time I got to the point where I needed it, the chill had been removed.

The 2 things I used the most were the portable highchair (booster with seatbelt) and my sling. I used the sling past 2 years of age because it was easier to throw on and carry them on my hip while running into a store than to drag out the stroller.

I know they're popular, but I did not like the front-carriers. To me it felt like being pregnant but with a much older baby. All the weight was in the same place and just killed by back. It always seemed to me that nature intended for us to have those babies sit on our hips. :)

The route I would take is buy things you know you will need like a carseat. If there are a few things you don't "need" but know you would use, get them.

Other then that, you can always get things later when you need them. Take the stroller debate (above). Don't go crazy and buy one right away. If you find out later one would really help you out, buy it secondhand. Then you have something functional without the guilt of overspending.

Best of luck!

You don't need to decide now. Wait and see. As you know, everyone's different.

I followed the advice not to get a changing table. We ended up buying a changing dresser at 6 months and it made my life so much easier.

We also followed the advice to skip the newborn clothes. When my daughter was born, even the preemie clothes were too small. She was wearing newborn at 9 months.

I'm also a big fan of 'renting' from Craig's List. Things like mobiles, bouncers, and activity stations are used so briefly. I'd buy at a cheap price, use it for 3 - 6 months and sell it for the same or close to the same price.

I, like many commenters suggested, would hold off on big furniture until after you move. A bassinet of some type would be good to have from the start. Even if you plan on co-sleeping, it is still nice to have some place to lay the baby if you and the hubby need some cuddle time, during naps, etc.

After the move, the two things I have found to be of little use are my rocker and pack n play. My rocker is from Ikea and has a wide arm base, but it still feels cramped and there is no good way to hold the baby. I see a lot of beautiful rockers in the nurseries on Ohdeedoh, but I always think to myself that they look even less comfy than mine. The only one that is comfortable for nursing, it seems, is a glider (with ottoman!), but unfortunately most affordable options are not so great in the style department. I prefer to nurse in bed propped up against the headboard, and my son prefers to be carried in a sling versus rocked.

I had big plans about hauling the pack n play around if we were going to spend the evening with friends or family but - ugh - it is so big and such a pain in the butt to set up that we just said forget it. Our alternative may seem like a silly purchase to some, but we got a Kidco Peapod, and it works great for evenings at somebody else's house or concerts at the park and the like. It folds up super small for storage and gives you a break from holding/carrying the baby while you are out.

As for strollers, here I differ from some of the previous commenters. Although I use a sling if I am just walking around the block, our jogging stroller is indispensible for longer jaunts to the coffee shop, etc. We have crappy sidewalks, so a regular stroller was not an option. We also have a stroller base that fits the car seat. Great for when you just need one thing at the store, going to the pediatrician, restaurants before the baby can sit in a high chair, etc. If the baby is asleep in the car seat, you do not want to disturb him or her by taking them out to put in a sling, carry them, etc. And, as I quickly found out, you don't want to be the dope carrying the 20 pound combined car seat baby very far. We were given an Aprica umbrella-type stroller that admittedly we have not used yet, but I think would be good once the baby outgrows the car seat stroller, which will be a sad day for me.

Best wishes!!

So, since you're moving when the baby is pretty little, I would start the list of what you don't need (and some of this you may well need or want eventually, just not for the first 3-6 months or so):

High Chair (they can't sit in even the best of them until at least 4 months, and most babies can't sit in most until 6 months; just skip it until after your move IMO)

Full size crib (again, assuming you're moving when the baby is 2-3 months old, a bassinette or cradle or moses basket will do fine and be easier to move)

Umbrella stroller (yet again, all the umbrella strollers will have big warnings on them not to use them for infants too small to sit up on their own. I love our umbrella stroller, and used it daily for a while, but it's not something you're going to use early on IMO)

Pack and play (again, this is for older babies, really, unless you use it as a crib)

Exersaucer (I despise the look of them, and neither kid was super thrilled with them when I used them at other people's houses. That said, even if yours loves it, you're not going to need it for the first several months)

Spoons, bowls, sippies, bibs. 4-6 months is the standard age for feeding. No reason to get all the feeding gear if you're moving before it'll get used.

The vast majority of toys and books. You may want to read to the baby, and the baby may like it. But a very small basket of books, soft teethable toys, a few rattles, and maybe a ball will about cover it.


Then what I think you WILL WANT for the first few months:
Stroller designed for infants, could be a car seat carrier variety

Car seat

Bouncy seat or fold up swing; I got great use out of our bjorn "baby sitter" bouncy seat. Somewhere to put the baby down asleep or awake with a little non-parent-created motion is great; if you do end up feeding before your move, a bouncy seat can serve as a place to sit the baby while feeding

Someplace to store diapers and wipes

Someplace to change diapers (could be a changing table, or could be a spot in the house you're designating. At an oft-visited family house, one particular bed is the change spot so we can keep towels and extra clothes, etc there in a designated basket.)

Baby carrier of some type (bjorn, mei tei, wrap, sling)

Diaper bag

Bottles if you're formula feeding; Pump and bottles if you're breastfeeding and need/want to be away from the baby; I had one bc I worked out of the home after the first baby, but found it kinda useless after the second baby... YMMV, and by then bf was old hat for me.

Clothes, more than you would think

Nail clippers, wash cloths, medicine droppers, etc.

Playmat, preferrably a foldable one

Someone said they had an umbrella stroller that reclines. You can definitely do a lightweight stroller, just ask about ages when you try them out in the store. The cheapy umbrella variety and my maclaren umbrella are definitely not for non-sitting infants. If there are now ones that are, that might be a great bet!

I just wanted to add that when we visited friends for the evening when our second was wee (as in not even rolling over so no hazards), we frequently slept in the bathtub.

also, what i found was that my idea of what was 'good' whilst filling out my registry was turned upside down after the baby when i really learned what was safe and healthy... and to some extent i don't think you fully realize that until after. i would have never bought our mattress or changing pad after learning about PVC and fire retardants. that doesn't mean that i went out and got rid of every potentially offending item but it has made me re-asses what i allow in the house now.
if i can suggest a book to help you decide try 'healthy baby, healthy world'.
i'd say decorate the room the way you want with things that are comfortable to you. just make sure you have a good chair to sit in to nurse... you are about to be sitting for long periods of time. after that buy things as you think you need them. that way everything is right for you.

I cherished my sling (especially for my refluxy second baby, who needed to be held upright almost constantly), but found that one-shouldered baby carriers destroyed my wussy back. A Mei Tai carrier (not a brand, just a style) saved my life. I still frequently carry my youngest in one, and he's three. Totally comfy. Never used a stroller much.

Never used a wipes warmer either, just stuck them in my armpit to take the chill off while I wrestled with pants. Made me appreciate just how cold that would feel on the babe's nethers. Brrr!

Our crib was barely used, even by the third kiddo. Some kids need their space, but mine emphatically did not, and I was fine with that.

Good non-stuff to ask for (if you can do so directly without offending) would be portrait sessions, babysitting (especially during the move), pre-made meals, perhaps some baby massage classes or some other such outing. A diaper service would be a nice touch. Oooh, or a cleaning service! Wish someone had done that for me...

As for stuff...if you don't already have one, a video camera or superduper digital camera would be a fabulous pressie--not entirely babycentric, but will get years of use chronicling your child's life. Maybe a bunch of people could pitch for that, it's a bit big-ticket.

Well, I'm sure opinions vary, but I think that most of the "baby machines" are extraneous. They are handy, but far from essential.

My List:
baby bouncer
swing
exersaucer
jumper
infant carseat
travel system
most toys

I'd say just get ONE safe place you can put the babe down... That could be a simple play gym mat that folds up or a play pen or even just the baby's crib. If you decide you want an exersaucer or something more when the baby is older, you can always get a second hand one thus saving it from the landfill. All babies are different and most of the equipment has a limited life span for sure.
I think a baby sling/carrier is essential, a safe place for baby to sleep (that might mean co-sleeping with parents), diapers/wipes/changing pad and something to eat. You can start with a convertable carseat and skip the whole travel system/baby bucket thing. Again, convinient, but bulky and the baby outgrows the infant carseat quickly. A baby can go from sling to an umbrella stroller once they can sit up better.
And exclusively breastfeeding the first 6 months cuts down on a lot of stuff too. Though a good nursing bra, reference book and maybe a nursing pillow are very helpful!

I have to disagree with not buying newborn sized clothes - I followed this particular tip when my baby was born and was very sad when we had nothing in the proper size to bring him home from the hospital in. I thought I'd have a huge baby, but he was born small and stayed small for a while, so I ended up having to run out and buy a bunch of newborn clothes. Have a selection of sizes would be my recommendation.

Hah I am guilty of using a lot of what is deemed unnecessary.

My son is 17 months and we STILL use the changing table for every diaper change. It's the only way to change him without him wiggling away.

We used our wipe warmer the first 3 months of his life because he cried every time we wiped his bum with a cold wipe.

For months the only way he would fall asleep was in his swing.

The diaper genie prevented smells from radiating in a small room.

He was 8lbs 8oz when he was born but on the skinny side so he fit his newborn outfits for a month. Also the 3 months stuff would have been too big for a take home outfit.

He loved his Jumperoo.

Basically what I'm saying is, every baby is different, as is every parent. Not much is NECESSARY but a lot of it is convenient. We never bought a Bumbo and the Boppy was useless to us. Other mothers swear by them. Regardless of how hard you'll try you'll probably end up with some things your child will hate and some things you'll be running out to buy out of desperation.

I do recommend swaddling blankets. Lordy I don't know what I would have done without the swaddle!

Wow, I am sure you are completely confused by now!

My recommendation would be just to shop smart, (Craigslist, consignment, yardsales...,) so that when you realize you bought something aren't using, you won't have spent a fortune on it!

Something I do feel strongly about is the ottoman...it's not a neccessity, but it was very nice to have during the late night feedings during the first year or so. Even if it's just a little stool, you'll be glad you have something to prop your feet on while you're dreaming of being in bed!

Have fun!!!

Don't even bother registering for baby clothes. It's inevitable that you'll be gifted a ton of them.

I agree that which products you choose to use is very dependent on your baby and lifestyle.

If you chose to make your own baby food, you can do it by using items already in your kitchen (ice cube trays, pot with a steamer insert, and a blender, hand blender, food mill, or food processor) rather than spending $100 on baby food cookware and accessories.

Although the all-in-one steamer/blender/defroster like a Babycook is convenient, a baby doesn't eat pureed food for a very long period, so it's a rather expensive investment.

Wow, I feel like the only mommy in the world who changes her baby on a changing table! She's 9 months and we've changed every diaper on it. I love the storage it provides and she loves looking at the pictures I put on the ceiling above it.

The pacifiers, Bumbo, Jumperoo, doorway bouncer and Boppy just sit in boxes...she hated all of them. You don't need to sterilize bottles or warm the wipes.

Best things we purchased: the Miracle Blanket, Maclaren Velo stroller and a $20 highchair from IKEA.

We were blessed to be given quite a bit. I asked family for larger items, like the stroller we used through all 3 kids. I saved baby gift money for a high chair, also well-used. Items I wasn't sure about, like the bouncer seat on a wire frame, I bought used. I did buy a bottle warmer for 50 cents, used it to heat breast milk on car trips a few times, re-sold it later. Glad I had it when I did, glad I didn't pay much for it.

My kids were very active, as is my granddaughter. We needed ways for them to sit up and move before they really could. Walkers then, and exersaucer now are so great! They can "do stuff" that makes them happy which gives you a few minutes to do your own stuff, like make dinner.

I was never a sling person. Being a stay at home mom, I had no guilt in putting the baby down for a while, in fact it was a mental necessity! It is a lifestyle issue, because I know several women who loved the sling, front pack, and backpack. Again, if you can buy used, or borrow some items, until you find your personal style, it really helps. Ask the women/parents you really respect what their favorites are. Offer to stay with a friends' baby and test those products out!

You don't NEEEED anything except basic going home clothes, a car seat and somewhere for the baby to sleep. My advice would be to get things gradually. The stroller/sling you choose will depend on your lifestyle and size of baby. Its difficult to predict this pre-baby. For instance, I imagine those rocker/ottoman things are more useful if your baby spends a lot of time in his/her own room rather than being carried by you or in your bed. However, a little like childbirth, whatever your plans, you won't really know what parenting style suits you before you have the baby (and even then it can be a little hard!)

I had really hoped my baby would take to her playpen/play-yard/pack-n-play (whatever you want to call it!), but she hated it. So it quickly became an eyesore in the living room. (When my husband started to keep his football-coaching gear in it, that's when it got folded up and put away for good!) Now it is at her grandmother's house in case she decides to take a nap there. In retrospect, I wish I would have borrowed a friend's for a "test-drive" first... I would recommend doing this for any unnecessary accessory, such as bouncers, swings, rockers, etc. If baby hates them, what a waste of space AND money!

Also, I didn't use a changing table, either. Just had MIL make up some waterproof mats and changed baby on my bed, couch, wherever. Sure, my back sometimes would have preferred the changing table, but it certainly wasn't that missed. Next time around, I think I will keep the mats, but also re-purpose a small dresser and put a proper change pad on top. That way I won't be stuck with an ugly piece of furniture that serves no purpose once the child is toilet trained)

I used my SUV-sized stroller a lot, so can't say it was a waste for me, but it certainly is a space hog. Delay this purchase until baby is too heavy to carry in a sling, but only if you expect to go on a lot of walks. Otherwise, buy an umbrella stroller when the baby is older.

As for a Bumbo-type seat? I LOVED it, and baby LOVED it! We took it to breakfast restaurants when she was 4-5 months old and put her right on top of the table (in a booth, her back to the wall, not the edge of the table, to be certain!) We had tons of parents come over to ask about where we had bought it. I'm sure we helped sell a ton... and we used it a lot around the house, as well. But again, borrow first, if you can. If baby hates it...

Best of luck with your baby! Hope all these responses haven't confused you even more =)

don't need: wipes warmer, bottle warmer, large flashy blinky battery operated toys. Also, I advise against a changing table, per se, and opting for a dresser with drawers. Get one at a comfortable height for changing the baby and top it with a pad. I use the top drawer for dipes and wipes and cream, and just pull it out when I changing baby so everything is handy. The drawers offer much better storage for clothes and blankies than a typical changing table, which you'll have to replace with a dresser eventually anyway.

My 2 cents...and I know everyone is different! (child #1 is 2 yo and child #2 is almost 3 months)

Our changing table matches the crib, but is actually a dresser with cabinets and drawers, so it will be used for a long time as a dresser as well, even if it ends up in a different room than one of the kids rooms. We are tall, so a raised changing area is a must. I still change my 2 y.o.'s diapers up there to save my back.

A wipes warmer is not necessary, but is nice. We were given one, and so I figured I'd try it out. What's nice is that there's a light on it, which gives me just enough light for middle of the night diaper changes, so I don't have to turn on the overhead light. And the warm wipes are nice, but again, I wouldn't specifically buy a warmer.

I NEVER used my boppy, and gave it to my sister in law for her new baby, so I don't even have one right now for baby #2. And I'm doing just fine.

It seems from reading all of these comments that I'm apparently in the minority, because we used ALL of the following, extensively: pack n play (both as bassinet and playpen), bumbo seat, exersaucer, swing, infant carrier and stroller that goes with it (my son grew out of the carrier by 8 months or so, but it was indespensible till then for numerous reasons, and when I only have him with me, I still use the big stroller - great for shopping trips to have lots of cargo space for my bags), umbrella stroller, I now have a sit n stand double stroller, high chair, we use a recliner for the chair in the nursery - so "built in" ottoman, baby papasan vibrating seat, playmat (son loved it and daughter is just now getting into it), and I'm sure there's others that I'm not thinking of right now.

My advice (as I saw other say) is that you don't need everything right away, especially since you're moving. I would just get the stuff you need at the beginning - clothes, diapers, wipes, etc, and buy the other stuff as you need it. We moved a month after our son was born, so we didn't get a crib till we were in the new house, and just used our pack n play. And most of the other stuff I mentioned you really don't want/need till they are about 3 months old or so anyway. Babies smaller than that just eat, sleep and sit there looking cute anyway!

Good luck!

You don't *need* anything other than some boobies and a dozen cloth diapers.

But...it is nice to have a comfortable transport system like a sling and a safe place to put them down when at home. Just keep in mind that babies vary a lot in what they like sling/ jumperoo/ exersaucer so used or craig's list are great options.

Can I also add that you don't need to look at ugly plastic every day either. Look around-- there are beautiful things for baby to look at and none of them need to be plastic junk.

Finally, keep in mind that the US has no standards for what chemicals can be in children's products, unlike most of the developed world. In the EU, components must be proven safe. In the US, products are withdrawn years after they are proven unsafe. I would take a look at the Cosmetic Database and Healthy Child Healthy World before shopping.

I'd say just get ONE safe place you can put the babe down...

Agreed. Bonus if it is portable; then you can take the baby into the room with you when you are cooking or in the shower. We had a bouncy seat but a Moses basket or even a laundry basket would really do fine.

We do not have a swing or a rocker. I nurse in bed or on the couch, with Boppy. We have a changing pad for the dresser top, and keep supplies in a fabric bin from the Container Store.

The only furniture baby has is a crib. Definitely don't buy one yet if you are moving soon. You will not need a stroller or high chair right away either.

For newborn outfits, I cannot recommend baby gowns enough. Our baby outgrew the newborn footies in a flash but could wear her newborn gowns until she was almost five months old.

One "extraneous" item our baby loved was the mobile. It is garish and mass-produced and the exact opposite of an Apartment Therapy worthy mobile, but she smiles at those goofy jungle animals like they are old friends!