apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

It's hard to just pick one! I found this all overwhelming a few months ago when I was getting ready for the baby! However... to add to the list above I loved the pajama's or onesies with the little hand covers for babies. I know it’s simple, but they kept my little guys hands warm at night and worked much easier than the little mittens you can buy. Good luck with everything and have fun with it!! :)

I have been to 4 baby showers recently..one of the dads told me about the best gift he had received so far. Now it is my favorite present:

swaddle/wrap
http://www.slumbersounds.com/swaddle-newborn-wrap.htm

gripe water
http://www.slumbersounds.com/gripewater.htm

and the gift that my brother couldn't stop thanking me for:

http://babymusic.stores.yahoo.net/happiest-baby-video.html

In the beginning, when my son was still *so* tiny, I hardly ever put him down. I was home with him all the time, he was just too stinkin cute and I couldn't get enough of him. Unfortunately, he got very used to that very quickly, and was not receptive to just hanging out on his own (and consequently didn't crawl till he was 10 months old, but I digress). The one item that saved my sanity was our swing. It would soothingly rock him, but I think he also liked it because, rather than lying on his stomach or his back in a play yard or on a play mat, he was able to sit upright and see what was going on. I don't know what I would have done without it!

That may fall into the category of larger, more obvious items on your list, or it might not. Outside of that, the things I used most were burp cloths/receiving blankets. Man, that kid spit up like a champ.

A boppy!

I agree, it is hard to pick just one. Babies really have pretty simple needs, but they are a lot of work so hence the extra equipment that is really all about making parents' lives easier.

My vote would be for the Boppy pillow, good for nursing or propping baby up so he/she can sit. Hmmm...though my swing is indispensable so I can put my 4-month-old in it when I need to cook, do something with my older one, or just get a little break.

The best thing I did when I was pregnant with my first and had no idea about what I needed was to take an experienced mama with me to the baby store to help me out. She gave me tips like, forget a wipes warmer since what do you do when you are out away from home and have no warmer? On the other hand, some parents' advice on their "must-haves" don't work for all parents. Another experienced mom gave me a swaddle blanket, which both my kids hated so I never used it for more than a few minutes. Just save your receipts because you will likely be returning a few items once baby arrives.

I agree with what everyone has said already and I would add a baby lounger so you have some place to put the baby down that is safe and secure...

http://homepage.mac.com/rosenfeldesther/buymodernbaby/buymodernbabyseats.html

I feel like Keely is asking for a list, not one. so here's my list, from what I remember ("baby" now almost two):

- diaper bag or regular bag big enough to haul baby stuff (like to go to the ped's: extra diaper (baby has to get naked to be weighed), change of clothes (accidents happen - a lot), blanket, burp cloth, pad and paper for your notes.)
- winter warm stuff - for a feb baby you need things like a jj cole bundle me for the stroller/car seat, hat, fleece snowsuit.
- no "real" clothes in the 0-3 mos size; just footed cotton sleepers and onesies.
- bath/toiletry stuff: hooded towels and baby washcloths, nail clipper, aspirator, mild baby soap.
- some kind of changing surface - just a portable mat, whatever. we changed DD on our bed on a portlable mat.
- humidifier - little babies can be v congested. and you'll want one for when they get colds, etc., later on.
- nursing stuff: nursing bra, lanolin, pads, and the phone # of a lactation consultant (ask your ped). maybe a pump and bottles - ask lactation consultant for rec. nursing doesn't work for everyone, so maybe wait to buy the pump.
- burp cloths
- carrier: bjorn, sling

and agree with other recs on boppy, swing, swaddling blanket.

you'll buy lots more stuff of course, but no one wants to go shopping the first few weeks, so these are good starters.

congrats!

I am a dedicated apartment dweller with the accompanying lack of space issues. This is the list I send all my friends and I truly believe that it is all you need for the first 3 months. Also, they wear so few clothes that I exchanged all the gifts for anywhere between 6 and 18 months. Congrats and all the best.

Carseat or Carseat Stroller Combo (use rolled up spit up rags to keep their head from lolling over while they're really tiny)

Something to sleep in, i.e. bassinet, crib, etc. (rolled up towels work just as well as those bumper things to keep them on their side for sleeping, I learned that at the hospital)

Diaper Bag

Baby Bojrn or Sling

Boppy Pillow (even if you don't breastfeed they are great for taking the weight off one arm, it's great for elevating them while they sleep when they have a cold and can be used later when they're learning to sit up)

Swing or Bouncy chair (use rolled up towels to keep them straight when they are really tiny)

Stacks of spit up rags (can be cloth diapers)

Diapers and wipes

Boudreaux's Butt Paste

Baby nail clippers (or you can just bite them off, either way it should be done while they are sleeping)

Rectal Thermometer (you'll kill yourself in the middle of the night if you think he has a temperature and you can't take it)

Bottles, Infant Nipples and Formula (even if your breast feeding)

Bottle warmer

Monitor

Couple of Infant Pacifiers with the little clip on holders

At least 4 Waterproof changing pads (2 for home, 2 for diaper bag, you'll find yourself changing him everywhere but the changing table,which isn't really necessary either)

4-8 soft "Receiving Blankets" (swaddling will be your best friend for about 4-6 wks.)

10-12 Pajamas (Some of them have feet, others are like gathered skirts)

10-12 little onsie t-shirts

3-4 soft, stretchy hats

If you're breast feeding, the number of the lactation consultant

If you're breast feeding, a rented pump for the first month (sometimes it doesn't work out and breast pumps are expensive)

Dreft Laundry Soap

A few baby wash cloths and bath towels (they have a little hood)

Baby Bliss Gripe Water (check health food stores or it's cheapest at drugstore.com, amazing stuff for infant gas, much better than mylacon)

Breast Pads (even if you're not breast feeding)

Sanitary Pads (the ones you get at the hospital are gargantuan!)

Run, don't walk, to the library or bookstore and buy the Baby Bargains book.

It will tell you what you *really* need, and what you can do without. What you can buy used, what you should buy new, what you should skimp on and what is worth splurging on. They even review particular brands.

Best of all, their recommendations are not based on the input of a few dozen parents, but THOUSANDS. That beats asking friends and family -- and even the folks right here.

Kimono-style tshirts. It's hard to put things over their little heads at first, and we much preferred buttoning them into these.

Infant carseat: borrow one of these from someone you trust. You can only use it for a few months, so it's a shame to buy a new one. If you use your car a lot, borrow a stroller/cart to attach the carseat to; you will find yourself transferring the baby from car to walking/ home/restaurants often, and this is your only chance of not waking him/her up while transferring!

When your baby reaches highchair age (4-6 months), skip the fancy stuff and head straight to Ikea for the Antilop high chair, approx $20. It's modern looking, small, and extraordinarily easy to clean (no crevices or fabric). Use it with the inflatable pillow insert until your baby sits up well.

Don't listen to people who tell you that you will need at least a dozen recieving blankets; we found we only needed 3 or 4, if that.

We find a wipe warmer absolutely ESSENTIAL, as we use cloth wipes (8 x 8" velour/sherpa wipes) with our own wipe liquid -- only 1 wipe needed. I've posted the recipe in earlier posts on cloth diapering (yeah, we do that too). We've used it through 2 children, and when we moved to Europe, I spent a couple of months tearing out my hair before I managed to find an online source for the same wipe warmer in the correct voltage (I missed it more than anything else in our move!).

I still use the swing for our 1 year old -- after his afternoon name, while he is still a little sleepy and quiet -- he sits and watches me in teh kitchen as I make dinner. I couldn't cook without it.

I still use the boppy to feed, and my 4 year old uses it for playing, so another vote for that.

I liked the single-layer white terry washcloths (maybe a couple of dozen) from Kushies for bath time.

California Baby diaper cream, calendula cream, shampoo, conditioner and bubblebath. (limit scents until they are around 3 months though)

2 to 3 blankets of different weights -- light ones for barely a chill, heavier ones for cooler days.

Personally, my favourite sheets, boppy cover and changing pad cover are the chamois ones at PotteryBarnKids.

A digital read thermometer. We were told NOT to get the ear read one, but instead, to get a regular one to do under-arm readings . It has worked so far.

Of the slings we tried, the pouch style ones worked best. (I got a http://www.momandmepouch.com/

Nipple butter (I didn't like lansinoh)
http://www.earthmamaangelbaby.com/organic_nipple_butter.html

And I don't know what I would have done without booby tubes -- especially at the beginning when I was getting engorged
http://www.earthmamaangelbaby.com/booby_tubes.html
(they not only feel good, they smell lovely and soothing)

One thing I wish we had had is a Topponcino, which is used to hold, carry, burp, or hand the baby over to another person. It helps older siblings hold the baby safely (as well as elder relatives, who are uncomfortable or unused to holding infants). http://www.michaelolaf.com/1JC1stgentle.html

Lullaby music -- these are our essentials:

http://www.amazon.com/Planet-Sleeps-Sherrilyne-Blakey-Smith/dp/B000002BOW

http://www.amazon.com/Martha-Stewart-Baby-Various-Artists/dp/B00005NQK6

and Elizabeth Mitchell cds
http://youaremyflower.org/home.html

Forgot to mention -

2 sleepsaks for night time

We never bought a monitor, nail clippers, baby towels (we just used super fluffy bath towels)....

The best information preparing me for the arrival of our babies was in this book
http://www.amazon.com/Baby-Love-Maud-Bryt/dp/0440508223
It is the most beautiful and useful baby book ever.

Good luck, and enjoy ever fleeting moment

My son is 1.5 months, and I don't think we've used a nasal aspirator yet...

One thing I've told first time parents is don't donate that formula you get for free yet. No matter what your best intentions are, and how determined you are to breast feed, you never know what can happen. Some women just cannot breast feed, or have difficulty right away... and formula is expensive. Hold onto it just in case, and you'll feel that much better when you donate it a couple months from now.

I live in a small apartment and really wanted to keep stuff to a minimum. I got some hand-me-downs from friends (boppy, Bjorn, sling, bathtub) and if there's anything you can borrow or that people are offering to unload, take it. You may or may not need it, but things you never thought would be useful, just might be. And vice versa. So, here's my list, which excludes the obvious crib/ stroller/ car seat.

Here's my two cents:
-carrier - but might be good to get this as soon as the baby arrives so you can try different ones to see what you like
-3-4 blankets
-2 pacifiers 1 clip on holder
-boppy
-baby bathtub
-baby soap (I'm partial to the California Baby bath & shampoo all-in-one - your baby doesn't need conditioner)
-baby lotion
-case of diapers
-case of wipes
-some sort of diaper rash cream (I use aquaphor - good for chapped winter skin and other body/ face rashes too)
-4 bottles (2 large, 2 small) with newborn (size 1) nipples
-activity mat (you don't need something crazy with lots of bells & whistles - we picked a mid-range $50 one and it's been great - good to entertain the baby so you can go pee or get a glass of water!)
-7-10 pajamas, either footed or sleep-sack style
-10 long-sleeved onesies (don't bother with short sleeves in the winter) of various colors/ designs (no need to stick with the white ones!)
-2 skull caps
-burp cloths (we got 2 packs of 6)
-4 washcloths
-2 hooded towels
-nail clippers
-super-sized maxi-pads (bring a pack with you to the hospital)
-wee wee pads (if you don't have a changing table, and I didn't for the first 3 months, you can put one of these down on the floor/ bed to protect from getting peed/ pooped on)
-any eco-friendly, non-toxic, fragrance and color-free detergent (don't necessarily need Dreft - we use 7th Generation Free & Clear)

You can get the nasal aspirator from the hospital, as well as formula samples (take them even if you're breast feeding - you never know, and your caregiver can use them when you go back to work months later). Everything else you can get when your baby arrives - like a bouncer (bring your baby with you to test it out and see if s/he likes it - my son was indifferent to his until he was about 6 months old), or a swing (we don't have one, and what they don't have they don't miss), or Lanisoh if your boobs kill (mine didn't and I never used the tube I had - send hubby to get this at the drugstore if you need it - you'll know if you do by the time you leave the hospital), or a breast pump/ pads if breast feeding is going well. Friends gave us lots of clothes for the first few months, so keep receipts for any clothing you buy - you might end up with more than you need! Anyway, I'd rather go to the store to buy more stuff than to return an bunch of stuff I don't use.

Congratulations & good luck!

wow these are some lists!

I would say a nursing pillow is definately a must. If it's cold where you are get a bunting bag for your infant car seat (saves on those tricky snowsuits)

PS Sorry daisyh but DON'T take the formula samples!!! Breastfeeding is tough in the beginnning you don't need those samples taunting you and your husband the whole time. In many hospitals in Canada they don't even give them out anymore... think about it.

Great detergent to recommend (if you can no longer find Amilya's Soapworks) -- Sensi-Clean, otherwise known as Sport-Wash
http://www.atsko.com/products/laundry-care/

And for help with breastfeeding, North America's leading expert is Dr. Jack Newman. He has a great website, books and dvds, and he actually ANSWERS QUESTIONS. I sent him a question yesterday, and he personally answered it within 24 hours.
http://www.drjacknewman.com/

Great advice so far! Here's my $.02:

1. "Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child" by Dr. Marc Weissbluth.

I am so evangelical about this book it's not even funny. Before I had my first baby, I figured that the phrase "sleeping like a baby" held true for a reason, right? Well, whoever coined that phrase obviously wasn't a mom. Holding and rocking her newborn. For hours on end.

Seriously though, RUN and get this book. It explains the biology behind infant sleep and how to work with your baby's natural rhythms to maximize his/her naptimes and bedtimes. The author is a practicing pediatrician and the foremost researcher of infant sleep and infant sleep patterns. For example, who knew that you shouldn't keep little babies up for more than an hour? Or that infants' REM patterns are completely different from that of adults? I certainly didn't!


2. Ditch the Bjorn. Instead, get one of these:
- pouch: www.hotslings.com
- ring sling: www.kaleababy.com
- buckle tai: www.kaleababy.com (click on "pikkolo")
- mei tai: www.babyhawk.com

3. Get something for yourself, like an indulgent night cream, those express pre-wet facial cloths, a lovely (and hyoallergenic, for the baby) hand cream. You'll want a bit of luxury to look forward to when it gets tiring and hard :)

Wow! Thanks so much for all your input, this is really invaluable, and its so lovely for all of you to take the time to share your recommendations. Thank you!!

Hi, I have a four month old and have way too many things stored in my basement. These are the basics that I use day to day.

Swing!! I like this one better than the Graco one that I own.
http://www.amazon.com/Fisher-Price-Baby-Papasan-Cradle-Swing/dp/B0001IU5HY/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=baby-products&qid=1195255481&sr=8-1

Bouncy Seat
http://www.amazon.com/Fisher-Price-K2564-Fisher-Price-Rainforest/dp/B000I2WB6G/ref=pd_bbs_1?ie=UTF8&s=baby-products&qid=1195255525&sr=1-1

Bottle Dryer
http://www.amazon.com/Skip-Hop-302001-Splash-White/dp/B000I0YYYK/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=baby-products&qid=1195255605&sr=1-1

My favorite shirts and pants
http://store.americanapparel.net/7041.html
http://store.americanapparel.net/7041.html

Portable Change pad. I like this one because it isn't bulky....therefore your diaper bag isn't over flowing.

http://www.amazon.com/Spark-Skip-Changing-Wallet-Charcoal/dp/B000QCN8II/ref=sr_1_15?ie=UTF8&s=sporting-goods&qid=1195255837&sr=8-15

Born Free Bottles (Wide neck is good if you're breast feeding). If you aren't then it's good to have about a day and a half worth of bottles.

http://www.amazon.com/Born-Free-Wide-Neck-Bottles/dp/B000MRK5MO/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=baby-products&qid=1195255903&sr=8-1

Bundle Me
http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2266848

Changing Pad & Cover
http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2402347

Diaper type burp cloths.


I used the baby bargains book to find car seat and crib etc.

Also, the Elizabeth Mitchell CD's are my favorite!!!

Best of luck!

Oh, one last thing. Get a mobile for the crib that is battery operated and will run for 15 minutes. The wind up mobile drove me crazy.

This is the one I have now:
http://www.amazon.com/First-Years-Wave-Sleep-Mobile/dp/B0008JIL3Q/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&s=home-garden&qid=1195256614&sr=8-4

I think Swissmiss's list is really great. I loved having my Daphne bath, it helps to hold the baby in the sink or tub. As much as I hate the name, My Brest Friend Pillow was also essential for the first few months.

Thermal stretch-y receiving blankets were the only blankets that held my little Houdini swaddled.

California Baby all-in-one soap, lotion and diaper cream are totally worth the expense.

I agree with much of the advice above. Though I would say Val might be over-reacting--I didn't find the samples taunting, and never had to use them, but my hormonal self found it reassuring to know that if I had a problem, my baby wouldn't starve, especially before I ponied up for a pump. (Ours was very colicky, so our desperation was real, and our patience was stretched.) She's 5 1/2 months old, and hasn't ever tasted any formula, but I'm glad it was there in the cupboard if I needed it.

I would second the Baby Bargains book (cheat and borrow it or check it out from the library.) I got a lot of things based on this book's recommendations, and most were borrowed or used (Craig's list was our friend). Also second (twelfth?) the Boppy, pacifier clips (the ones that have velcro on the pacifier end and a mitten clip on the bottom are the best), and kimono t's/kimono-style onesies. I also love Robeez (they keep her socks on!) and socks from Old Navy (they stay on best). Get lots of socks (they tend to run for the hills somewhere between the laundry hamper and the dryer.) I had a few pairs of knit pull-on pants for when she was tiny and in the car seat, so I didn't have to fuss with tucking blankets around her then. (She was born in June). We use Purex Free and Clear and Borax, and have had no trouble with her laundry. I had a reaction to Cheer Free and Gentle, but she didn't! I would suggest cornstarch baby powder--a dry neck makes for less of the dreaded Neck Cheese. Don't forget to get at least one extra cover for your Boppy--the baby will barf, pee and poop on it. I used mine for nursing, propping, etc., but also for help when others wanted to hold her when she was tiny--it was comfortable for them, and then they had a hand free and felt confident that they wouldn't drop her. My dad loved it. I also love the plastic links. You can hook stuff on to anything with those, and change the height of toys easily by adding more links. Work well, too, for securing a draped blanket over the stroller when the sun is bright. Very helpful.

Swaddlers were great when she was tiny (I liked the Boppy brand one best when she was really little.) Now I just use a that's shaped like a ray--she still likes to be swaddled at nearly 6 months, and it's the perfect size.

We love and use the Baby Bjorn and the Hotsling--and need both. But, used is fine on those (our BB was used.)

Another thing I love? The spare bed being in the nursery. I can lie down to nurse her (side lying position) in the middle of the night--that makes it much easier for me to get back to sleep afterwards, if I have been able to stay relaxed.

Oh, and Sophie. She LOVES Sophie. They make out on a daily basis. ;)

Why did I recommend the California Baby hair *conditioner* for a newborn as a must??

-It works wonders on cradle cap! Our daughter never got it, but our son did, and it really helped.

Oh, and definitely the Sophie. Sophie is the first toy he ever interacted with.

About diaper bags, there are whole posts on this, but I bring it up because everyone recommends getting a changing pad, and my diaper bag came with a great one. We always use the changing table at home (saving our abused knees & backs and using the wipe warmer), but on the fly, it is awesome (I had a bunch for my daughter, but with my son, this is the only one I use).

the diaperbag itself is awesome because it looks like a purse, and not like a diaperbag... makes me feel more pulled-together
http://www.storksak.net/home.php?home=home

It's hard to know what to recommend without knowing your parenting style. I lean towards the attachment parenting angle so I'm going to give you the recommendations that I find appropriate for me and my kids. I'm onto number three now, and suddenly realising just how much money we wasted on items we didn't really need!

First off, a pram isn't a necessity! With both my youngest, I bought a moby wrap from www.mobywrap.com and let me assure you it was the best money I've ever spent. I had two colicky babies with infant reflux, having them upright in the sling meant less puke and more rest for them plus babies love that tactile treatment! It could be worth your while looking into the different types of baby carrier - personally I haven't ever felt comfortable with the mei tai style of carrier but each to their own :)

I wouldn't bother with a baby bath either. I found bathing my babies quite daunting, and I don't have the upper body strength to lift a full baby bath onto the floor, so instead I bought an extra basin for the kitchen sink. It's the perfect size for a little one and much easier to hide if you struggle for space. Another option is the tummy tub style of bath which sit the baby in a far more womb-like position.

We use cloth nappies (diapers) and we've found a few resources that really helped with deciding which ones to go for. www.diaperswappers.com is a great starting point if you're interested as they have resources to explain all the different types of nappies and can help you decide which is best for you.

Sleepsuits are great, but I found that for the middle of the night nappy changes the nightdress-style suit with an open bottom was much less disruptive for a sleeping baby.

I express breastmilk for my daughter using an avent isis manual pump and a medela electric pump. Again, as I'm based in the UK I don't know if these recommendations are applicable to you but I've tried *every* manual pump on the market and avent wins hands-down.

www.parenthacks.com is full of bright ideas!

I've never used a nasal aspirator myself, and I couldn't put a thermometer in my babies bum but I do have a phillips electronic ear thermometer. I like it because even when I'm fretting I have a readout in one second.

Dishcloths (the towels you'd use to dry dishes rather than the cloths you use to wash dishes) are great to use for burping the baby, especially if you've got a puker. They work out far cheaper than muslins, and you can recycle them into your kitchen.

Phew! I'm sure there'll have been lots I've forgotten too. Good luck!

I think the lists (esp. kjirsty's) are very comprehensive already. My baby hated to be swaddled, so I really needed almost no blankets, although now I am finding (since our building heat is turned down at night) that a sleep sac or (better yet) this zip-up blanket baby can wear are handy.

I did not use a nasal aspirator until she was 4 months, but you definitely want one on hand in case you need one. My baby HATED the bulb nasal aspirator, so we bought the Nosefrida (available on Amazon). It seems weird, but she didn't mind it at all, and it really works!

BTW, my baby did not like the swing at first, but it's now so helpful. She also hated the Baby Bjorn the first time, then grew to really like it. Just keep in mind that babies often need a few shots at something before they decide they like it!

If you live in an apartment without a washer/dryer you will need a bottle of spray and wash or other stain treatment and a plastic bucket for soaking stained onesies etc. Pretreating pooped or spit up on clothes will help keep them stain free in the wash.

Everything that I would recommend has already been mentioned. But I have a suggestion on an alteration of an obvious item: a backpack diaper bag rather than an over-the-shoulder one.

I ended up with this one:
http://www.strollers.com/asp/show_detail.asp?sku=EK1175&refid=FR67-EK1175

It really is fantastic. You'll find yourself having so many things to cary and balance with a baby (or just the baby alone may be enough to have your hands FULL), so throwing this on your back and out of the way proved incredibly helpful. This particular bag also has some really convenient features including a removable changing mat and an insulated bottle holder. Also, it doesn't look anything like a diaper bag - a feature that not only I, but my husband really appreciates.

Totally consider a Boppy Noggin Nest. It's a little pillow with a cutout hole for the wee one's head. If you use a bouncy seat or a swing with any regularity, the Nest keeps your baby's head elevated and less prone to flattening. We also used ours in the stroller for a bit. Note: It's not intended for use in the crib or car seat.

Newborns spend so much time on their backs. The Nest and the Bjorn (and lots of tummy time!) were head-shape-savers for my son.

Consumer Reports has an essentials list that's great. I recommend it as a starting point to every new parent to be.

http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/babies-kids/news/new-baby-basics-1105/overview/index.htm

I just had my first baby on the 12th and have found that I like the "my brest friend" nursing pillow a lot better than I like the boppy for breast feeding. The boppy is great for laying the baby in but the brest friend pillow is a little more stable since it straps around you. I had a c-section so it is great that I can strap it far above my incision site.

I second the kimono style tops. They are a lot easier to put on then the little shirts you have to pull over their heads. Also the little attached hand covers don't fall off like the little mitten type do.

I have found it great to have a ton of burp clothes (fabric diapers). You can use them to wipe up anything.

We have the baby crib in our room so it is great to have a very low wattage light that you can leave on all night. You will be up a thousand times a night to change diapers, feed, or just check on the baby and it is great to be able to see without turning on a bright light.

Swaddling blankets. My little one loves to be swaddled at night and she likes the blankets better than the Boppy swaddle me. The Amy Coe ones from target are a great size and they come in great prints. You can also use the blankets like the PP mentioned to stablize their little heads in the carseat by rolling one up and placing it around their head. And lastly you can also roll them up and use them to position a squirmy baby in the crib.

Good luck!

my guide to crazy-new age minimalist/war on "stuff" parenting.
all you need:

Sleeping with your baby, a parent's guide to co-sleeping (Book)
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1930775342/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top
great information for late-night breastfeeding, family bed, and co-sleeping. Or check out his website for information about the most comprehensive study done on the subject.
http://www.nd.edu/~jmckenn1/lab/

We bought a cosleeper from arm's reach,
http://armsreach.com/
it mostly ended up serving as a late night/early morning diaper changing station, and as a barrier.
See our room here: http://nursery.apartmenttherapy.com/nursery/small-cool-2007-entries/11-magnolia-livens-up-mom-and-dads-room-021557
Now that she's older, we just have a queen size bed on a box spring and a twin pushed together to give everyone plenty of room.

Fleece sling, very easy to use for newborns and first-time baby-wearers, also great for coldish weather. And naps. And nursing in public. And taking public transportation with baby, etc.
http://www.alongfortheride.biz/Black-Fleece-Hotsling-p/hotslings-fl-blk.htm

A boppy is great for the learning phase of breastfeeding. If you nurse on demand you are less likely to get engorged and have chapped nipples, eliminating need for products to help with that. Also learning to nurse while laying down on your side will do wonders for your morale :)

For a colicky baby, eliminate dairy or other common food allergens from your diet (if breastfeeding). Use the sling to rock away the tummy pain. You also shouldn't need a nasal aspirator, as a congested nose is also typically a sign of food allergy. Apparently a squirt of breastmilk in the nose is meant to be more effective, producing a big sneeze. Haven't tried that one though :)

You don't actually need to use soap all the time when bathing your your baby, and latest research shows that washing your baby to frequently can be counter-productive. "Bathing infants too often has been linked to the development of asthma or severe eczema according to some researchers, including Michael Welch, chair of the American Academy of Pediatrics' section on allergy and immunology." [wikipedia] My daughter will be 1 on Tuesday and we have used soap only once on her, and she still smells baby fresh. Seriously. That being said, you don't really need an infant bathtub either. This comic sums it up:
http://www.thecowgoddess.com/?p=785

These kimono shirts http://www.amazon.com/2-Pack-Long-Sleeve-Side-Shirts/dp/B00069SSQI
are pretty much the only thing my newborn wore. If you're concerned about organic cotton, get these: http://www.amazon.com/Under-Nile-Side-Snap-Shirt/dp/B000LPPO46/ref=pd_sbs_a_title_2
plus tiny baby pants or babylegs:
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_a/102-4940320-0334534?url=search-alias%3Dapparel&field-keywords=babylegs
If it's warm indoors, napping skin to skin with your a naked baby or in a sling promotes a strong immune system. And it's way too cute.

Cloth diapers are great, but if that's not your thing, Seventh Generation diapers are a good alternative. You can get them on the cheap and in bulk from here:
http://www.diapers.com/Shop/ProductDetail.aspx?ProductID=5735&From=Brand

And for when you just really need a break=
http://www.amazon.com/coco-stylewoood-baby-lounger-cappuccino/dp/B000U5HKNK/ref=pd_lpo_k2_dp_k2a_2_txt?pf_rd_p=304485601&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-2&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=B000HL0NFY&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=0S5FEWVRM4GBM2VK6R54

http://www.amazon.com/Yogi-Relieve-Organic-Breathe-16-Count/dp/B000CMIYWC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=hpc&qid=1195433668&sr=8-1

Congratulations and good luck!!

A few comments about everyone else's awesome lists.

-If you are breastfeeding, please get a "My Brest Friend" instead of a boppy. Boppys are pretty useless for breastfeeding, and despite the horrendous name, the My Brest Friend is awesome. it is supportive and straps on nice and tight.

-Also if you are breastfeeding, get the name and number of your local la leche league or lactation consultant. breastfeeding is very rewarding, but can be hard in the beginning. Having the right kind of support can make it ten times easier. Even better, attend a la leche league meeting before your birth. Then, when you're crying because of your swollen boobs, you'll know who to call :-)

-Weisbluth: You either love him or hate him. He works for some people, but other find his book a poorly organized, nonsensical nightmare. You may want to read it, but take him and any other sleep "expert" with a grain of salt. What works for one baby will be the worst thing ever for another. For some amazing common sense aleep advice check out "ask moxie" (moxie.blogs.com). FWIW, Weissbluth didn't work us and made my husband and I feel like huge sleep failures. Also, if you're opposed to crying it out ("CIO"), Weissbluth probably isn't for you.

-Boudreaux's butt Balm- amazing, nonsticky, and non-stinky diaper rash cream

-oh and get tons of washable bibs and burb cloths. the cheap kind, that you won't mind staining.

I have a 20 month old and a 4 month old. I could write a book on what "What to Expect When Expecting" failed to mention. I can tell you my two biggest life savers:

A Hot Sling - which I know has been mentioned above
(www.hotsling.com) the reson I love it is it can be folded and tucked into the diaperbag. The borjn carrier is a little more cumbersome. Yet, to each their own.

The second, a Bumbo Seat (www.bumbo.com). My eldest had congenital torticollis and our physical therapist suggested this seat. Addie loved it and used it until she was a little over a year. Now Quinn lives in it. My favorite part about this seat is it can double as a highchair for when you go and visit friends, the grandparents, etc.

Good luck!

Even though you mentioned that strollers are already in your list, I can recommend you to check: http://www.strollersdirect.com , they have a great variety, you can find them by: brand, capacity, type, color, age, etc.

1. Swing
2. A diaper bag with vinyl lining inside and out
3. Bumbo or Prince Lionheart seat
4. Baby Ergo carrier/ sling with all the accessories
5. Bouncer seat
6. Clear plastic shower curtain
7. Orbit baby travel system (pricey option)
8. Chicco cortina travel system (budget option)

Our daughter had colic and was 2 months premature. The swing was a life saver. Diaper bags get really dirty with milk spills, snack crumbs, leaky or dirty diapers (when there is no where to throw them out) and I have not had luck cleaning every stain. The bumbo or lionheart seat is a great high chair. I just put my little one on the top of the dining room table facing me, and fed her while I sat in a chair. We did this when we went out to dinner as well or traveled. We bought and tried every fancy sling/ carrier on the market, and the Ergo baby is the best. You can wear them on the front or back, nurse with modesty in public while wearing them, and they adjust great to fit any sized caretaker (hubby is 6 foot tall and over 200 pounds, I am 5 feet tall and petite). A bouncer seat is another great item. We could eat dinner in peace, get household chores done, and take naps when out traveling if we brought the bouncer. The plastic shower curtain is so that you can put the little one in the bouncer on the floor in the bathroom and he or she can keep an eye on each other while you bathe. This was another helpful item. We went with Orbit baby products and absolutely loved all of them. The only issue now is that we have another one on the way and they do not make a double stroller to go with their products. We have found the Bumbleride indie twin will work with our carseat, so we went with that. A few of my friends and family members have the Chicco and it looks smart and works great. Good luck and congrats!

Seriously? Essentials only?

1. Diapers / wipes ( a changing table is nice, but if you don't have the money or space, baby can be changed on any surface, lay down a towel and you're good to go.)

2. A few onesies, pants, socks in newborn and 3-6 months sizes.

3. A swing of some sort. We have both a full size and a portable, but I got so much use out of the portable swing. A swing is an absolute lifesaver.

4. Carseat

5. Some flannel swaddling blankets (to wrap baby in and to use as burp cloths).

6. Some place for baby to sleep, whether it be a crib, bassinet, sleep nest, co-sleeper, or whatever, and a couple of sheets for that sleeping area. If you plan on sleeping with baby (we never planned on it, but it always happened) just make sure that baby will be in a secure place in your bed, with a sleep nest or a bolster of some sort to keep dad from rolling onto baby or keep baby from rolling out of the bed. Google co-sleeping and you should find some good ideas.

7. Stock your medicine cabinet with a thermometer, saline drops, infant tylenol (for after the 2 month immunizations - don't do what I did and go unprepared then have to stop at a drug store in the rain with your screaming two month old to pick up tylenol), 1% hydrocrtisone ointment for diaper rash (if your baby has bad diaper rash, some hydrocortisone under a good barrier cream will clear it up quickly), desitin or some other barrier cream, mild baby wash and lotion (cetaphil is great for dry, itchy babies), and a vicks vaporizer or cool mist humidifier. We prefer a steam vaporizer, they just work better, but some people recommend the cool mist. Baby will be congested and snuffly, though and a vaporizer will really help.

And that's it. Even the swing in my list is not truly an essential, but something that is very nice to have. Once you have the real baby at home you will quickly figure out any other items you might want to have. And your needs will change as baby grows.

Good luck!

These new decals for newborns are great. They help stimulate eyesight and gross motorskill development.
http://www.wallcandyarts.com/item/smarts_bees_and_trees/414/c169

I also recommend getting a waterproof mattress pad for your own bed. You'll spend a lot of time cuddling and accidents from top to bottom do happen! Check out more ideas on our blog: http://www.milkshakesandmargaritas.com