apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

You really don't need a dresser that is also a changing table. The bed will work fine as a changing table. Just a pad and something to hold diapers and ointment should be portable and small for the apartment.

When I had my son we were living in a small London flat. The only big things we got were a crib and a dresser. The dresser was too high to use for changing so we got a small changing mat and used it either on our bed or on the floor. Some cribs come with a changing "tray" you put on top of the crib and can then store it under it when not in use.
I used the sofa or our bed for feeding.
An area for floor play is necessary, it's a safe place to put baby down while mummy makes a cup of tea or nips to the bathroom (oh just a tip: enjoy nipping to the bathroom without rushing while you can :)

Hi Justine, i belong to an amazing Parenting Listserve (made up of CDC employees) one of the responses to a new mother asking what she really needs, came from a self-proclaimed minimalist. This was her reply:

Here’s what I found to be necessary. I’m a minimalist and live in a 1 BR apt with my 2 year old.
The list that you get at Baby’s R Us is enough to make you cry!
• Cheap crib, mattress ($25-$50), plastic cover, 2 cotton sheets, bumper, a few light weight small blankets
• Changing table, or changing mat to put on top of dresser. You don’t want to be bending over on the floor for 2 years.
• High chair (get a cheap one that’s easy to clean. Mine is wooden—no wheels. I think I paid about $90.) I took off the cloth seat cover because I got tired of dealing with the food mess. You don’t need the bells and whistles and toys and other gadgets.)
• Pack ‘n’ play (for travel to places without a crib or when other kids stay with you.)
• Travel booster seat with tray ($15) (to feed kid when visiting others’ homes)
• Maya wrap or some kind of baby carrier. I like the Maya wrap best. www.mayawrap.com. The Ergo baby carrier is good when your child is over 35 lbs (that’s over 2 years old)
• Sit ‘n’ stroll car/seat Stroller $200, search on the web for it.—essential if you plan on traveling with your baby. It’s not the best car seat and not the best stroller, but it truly the BEST carseat/stroller combo for traveling.
• Big huge duffle bag that holds the pack ‘n’ play, travel booster seat and other baby stuff, to check as luggage on the plane. Then it only counts as 1 bag!
• Cheap, light weight umbrella stroller. They cost about $10-$20 at Wal-mart, Costco and Baby’s are us. Easy to unfold, and pack in trunk. We have 5 strollers (!!) that we inherited from others. The only ones we use are the cheap stroller and the sit ‘n’ stroll). Unless of course, you plan on jogging with your baby.
• Convertible car seat—one that you can use rear facing and then forward facing. Doesn’t have to be the most expensive car seat. Try not to get one that’s so wide, it makes it difficult to fit other people in the back seat. Try the locking device at the store and make sure you get one that’s easy to use. Ours is a puzzle locking device and it’s a hassle! Make sure you get your car seat checked at the hospital or elsewhere. Most people incorrectly install their carseats. I was one of them!! Reading the instructions is not enough. Check out www.safekids.org for a carseat inspector in your area
• Rectal thermometer. The ear thermometers are a joke and cost way too much money! Rectal temps are much more accurate
• Lots of baby motrin and Tylenol, diapers, wipes
• Grooming kit with nail clippers, suction bulb, medicine syringe.
• Plastic basket that hold bottle nipples in the dishwasher
Not essential:
Exersaucer
Door Jumper
Swing
Vibrating seat
Bassinet
Diaper Genie. Your regular trash is just fine.
All those loud, noisy, toys!! Ugh.
Baby Einstein, Baby Genius, etc. They’re a farce. Children should not be watching TV or videos for the first 2 years according to the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Justine, the one comment I'll make is that I've heard people swear by needing either a swing or a bouncer. Many people do find those items absolutely essential.

apologies, i didn't realize bullet points and apostrophes would come out looking like that.

I was in the same situation before we move to a bigger appartment. And I would say you need a bassinet, diaper, a changing pad and make some room in your dresser to put some baby clothes. That's all you need for the first 3 months. Also we had a baby carrier because a stroller was complicated to bring the stair. Really that's all you need.

Whoa, Carrie's list seems like quite a lot of stuff! For example, we went straight to a convertible car seat because I can't stand lugging those infant seats and we walk with the baby in a sling or Ergo. Also, if you get a co-sleeper that eliminates a bassinet plus Pack and Play and you can use the booster seat for feeding at home and eliminate a high chair. Finally, bumpers are a necessity? According to the AAP and others you shouldn't have bumpers in the crib.

I've heard that all a baby needs is "tits and a blanket". A 3 month old baby hardly *needs* anything.

Baby eats: your breast or bottle feeding supplies. If you already have a comfortable chair, you don't need to buy a glider. I would often nurse in bed.

Baby sleeps: you don't need a full size crib early on, and a moses basket (see photo above) may be nicer because you can keep the baby very near you, or move the baby's bed around easily.

Baby poops: diapers, wipes, ointments. Changing tables aren't necessary and take up valuable space in a small apt and add to the hassle of moving. You can decide to buy one after you move. You can either buy just the changing pad to put down on a safe surface, or even just put a towel down.

Baby cries: swaddles, mobiles, white noise machines, exercise balls, bouncers, swings - any might help, though you won't know for sure until you try them. I recommend Harvey Karp's Happiest Baby on the Block DVD, swaddles, exercise ball (you can also use for your own back exercises, and can take the air out when moving), and a bouncer, because that's a safe place you can put the baby down when you need a break. Good for taking pictures too.

Remember - you can always buy it later.

Congratulations!

I have a five month old, and what I've realized is that you really don't have to buy things all at once...I think if I did it in stages, it would have been easier. For example, we had a bouncy seat, but our baby has acid reflux and would scream when you put him in it. It sat unused for at least three months. The only thing that would calm him was the swing, which was a great investment. You do need basics like those mentioned above, but once you get to know your baby's rhythms a bit more, that helps determine what you need and what you don't.

You might consider purchasing a Boppy if you are nursing. It was a lifesaver. And if you have a small apartment, a pack and play may be more cost effective than a crib, because you can take it with you or fold it up if need be.

We also didn't want to spend the money on a glider because 1) I hate how they look and 2) they just weren't that comfortable for me, so a comfy chair and ottoman works just fine...and when the baby's sick and you need to sleep near them, it sure makes a difference.

Good luck, it really is overwhelming with so much "stuff!"

Justine -

You really don't need all that stuff. I highly suggest co-sleeping with the baby in your bed. You may be nervous about it the first few nights...but once you get over that hump, it really is very easy and comfortable for everyone, and takes up even less space that the co-sleeping equipment that's out there (i did use a cosleeper that goes in the bed for the first few months to get used to the whole thing, it's called the Nursing Nest be Peaceful Pea). My daughter is almost five months, and I can't imagine if i had to get out of bed to get her for feedings (and i love the benefit of getting to spend extra time with her).

- changing pad and 2-3 covers (this to go on a low dresser if you happen to have one), and we've dedicated 1.5 drawers to diaper storage, all the extras get stored underneath the dresser
- 2-3 heavier blankets (1 for covering up when it's just generally chilly, 1 for a car if you have one, 1 for when the first one is dirty)
- a few lightweight blankets (for any time you put baby on the couch, floor, etc...ours liked to spit up a lot)
- area to store baby clothes/blankets (we have a tiny closet that all three of our clothes go in, baby has a 6-Compartment Canvas Hanging from container store with drawers that store all her clothes, bibs, socks, blankets)
- an area for baby to 'play'...we have one of the gym things, but you could easily get away with a blanket and something to put over baby for them to look at/play with, look on www.oompa.com for playmat ideas
- a few toys, 3-6 is really all they need, especially the first few months...they can't hold objects, see that far, and they'd rather stare at mommy and daddy then a toy, but you'll need a rattle and stuff to keep them entertained and teach them about sound, etc.
- a foldable small bathtub. you can get away without this. we used our for the first four months, it was small and got stored next to the sink in the bathroom, came out to the kitchen for bath time...she's now outgrown it and we've discovered that she loves to take showers with us and it's way easier to clean her (or you can take baths with baby)
- 2 bathtowels (one for drying, one for covering baby to keep them warm while you're bathing, this will then get soaked), 2-3 washcloths, baby soap, lotion (don't bother getting the adorable baby bags for bathing...my daughter outgrew hers within 2 months, we had a square towel with a hood that worked way better...and i had so many baby towels given to me that i've yet to use)
- wrap or sling. you don't need a stroller or any of that stuff. they're so small when they're first born and easy to carry. we got a wrap from Moby and we LOVE it! we love not having to have all the stuff.
- diaper bag or large purse or backpack. (make sure you have one with multiple big pockets rather than all these little item specific pockets...they're frickin' annoying.)
- highchair for when baby is about 4 months. baby probably won't start solids til about six months...but my husband finds that when he's making dinner, she likes to be with him and just watch what's going on.

it's important to keep in mind that the amount of cloth goods you'll actually need (bath towels, clothes, blankets, bibs, etc.) is all dependent on how often you plan on doing laundry. ex. we use g-diapers which have washable pants and liners...so when we only had 6 of these and our daughter would get them wet, we'd have to do laundry every other day. we now have 10 of these and are able to manage to do her laundry every 3, sometimes 4, days. also...don't bother with the swings or bouncers (at least for a while), some babies don't like them, so wait til yours is older before thinking you have to have one. btw. cracks in couch cushions work well for a sleep area when baby is 0-3 months (although most times i let her sleep on me because it felt so darn good)

- burpcloths = we just use washcloths

We lived in 1BR rental in Brooklyn.
Couldn't make it without:
-Rocker.
-Changing table with a lot of storage. Go for something simple, as you'll only need it for 10-12 months at most.
-we used a boppy pillow and a playmat on the floor since she turned 2-3 months.
-we have a SnugleNest, which we never used (my husband snores, and the baby could not sleep next to him), if anyone wants it...

the boppy is the #1 thing I could not have lived without. I have a 2 month old & live in a 2 bedroom so I am very familiar with what is necessary.

You don't HAVE to have a glider but it sure does help. I just got one last week and it makes a world of difference.

You do want a bouncy or swing, something to put the kid down in. You're going to need a break once in a while.

I also love Halo sleepsacks or the Swaddle Me. And mylicon drops. And lots of baby hangers.

Hope this post and comments have been helpful so far. Here's what I suggest, just to smooth your confusion hehe.

1. Look up a list for a layette, things a baby will need to wear for the first 6 mos or so. Have those handy.
2. Buy a USED bassinet or moses crib, or a new small crib. This really depends on whether you'd like to bring the crib to wherever you move to. Weigh the pros and cons. A bassinet or moses crib will only last for 3-4 mos, less if the baby is big or starts rolling over early. I suggest a Gulliver crib from Ikea.
3. You'll need a space on the floor for tummy time.
4. An area where you can store the baby's things, then just have a basket/tote that you can bring portably around with you after filling it with the essentials: diapers, wipes, burp cloths, rash ointment, change of clothes.
5. Car seat, snugli or carrier and then if you have space, a stroller.


That is it. Really. This gives you time to evaluate what you really need, and whether the item you wish to buy, if it's large, is worth it or whether you can make do without.

For example, some people swear by an infant swing. Guess what, generations of people have been able to go without an infant swing and have been fine.

Good luck!

We live in a small condo and kept things to a minimum. The first few months are all about the breastfeeding and sleeping. For feeding, make sure you have a comfortable place with decent back support or you will suffer a lot. Also, I found it worthwhile to invest in a good electric breast pump and lots of cooling gel pads called "soothies" for the early weeks.

Beyond that, buy a few light flannel blankets for swaddling. We swear by the Happiest Baby on the Block book and methods. Our baby hardly wore all the new clothes people bought us during the first few months. We had him in little cotton t-shirts (esp. the ones with snaps in the front) and a diaper. Then the swaddling blanket over that. When you have to constantly change wet diapers, complicated clothes are a burden. I didn't have patience for anything that closed in the back, for example.

We also did not buy a stroller for the first few months. We had the car seat and picked up a snap-n-go for pushing it around on craig's list for a few bucks.

We also found it useful to have some kind of source of "white noise" to help the baby sleep. At first we downloaded white noise tracks onto an iPod and set it up with speakers, but then we found that setting our radio to a static worked even better. As for the crib, a newborn doesn't really need a bumper as s/he doesn't travel in the crib, but a good mobile will keep them fascinated.

I didn't bother with an official diaper bag, but got a vinyl fold-up changing pad that was essential when changing him on surfaces at friends homes or in public restrooms, or on a park bench. I would stick it with a spare set of clothes and diapers into a backpack or whatever bag I was carrying, and that was fine.

Also, if you have a boy, wherever you elect to change him (we used an old desk as the changing table) -- make sure you put something down on the floor because those little guys can spray a few feet away. We had carpeted floors so we covered the area in front of the changing table with a clear plastic pad from Staples that you put under a desk chair. We also got a second one to put under his chair at the dining table once he started table foods. Easy to mop up and less visually jarring than garishly colored plastic mats they sell for kids.

Because we live in a small space, we did not bother with a high chair. We bought a plastic booster seat that straps into a dining chair and comes with an adjustable tray. It has grown with him and he still uses it at age 2.

We didn't have much success with the baby bjorns and slings, but we loved the little lounger chair that we could strap him in while cooking or cleaning and he could watch in fascination.

Other things you can buy as needed: our son loved the door bouncer, the crawl gym, etc. But that was some months later.

Another tip for changing tables: we noticed that at our pediatrician's office had hung wind chimes above the examination tables in each room. It was a great way to distract a crying baby in order to measure or examine him or her. We hung one over our changing table and it worked wonders to distract our son if he was fussy during a diaper change.

Hope that helps.

My 2 month-old LIVES in his vibrating bouncer seat during the day. I would die without it. He doesn't like to be held or worn very much and since he's still too young to sit up and I can't carry him all of the time, I would have nowhere else to put him down for much of the day (actually, I don't know where else people put their babies if they don't own bouncers). The good news is that they are small (much smaller than a swing) and lightweight. It's definitely my one must-have item.

space saver highchair - our baby used it as an infant to just hang out with us and now that he's 17 months old we use it as a booster. we've also taken it with us to friends houses as it's pretty portable

snap n go stroller - small and light - we used this with the infant carseat till our son was almost a year old. when you're out of the infant seat you can move on to a different stroller. at the 11 month mark you'll have a much better idea of what you use the stroller for and what you really want out of a stroller.

we used the birdseye cloth diapers as burp cloths - much bigger, very absorbant and can be used as cleaning rags once you're out of the burp cloth stage.

Generations may have made it without "electric swings" but babies do LOVE to rock. So, whether it be a cradle that rocks or a swing or a chair that rocks you will need something to rock baby. I was adamant that we wouldn't buy a swing, but we broke down and got a small one at about 2 months and it was a wonderful baby rocking tool. However, the one thing that I wish we had sprung for was a really cozy chair that also rocks. We have a glider and it is just too upright to doze in, whereas at my parents house they have a comfy (stylish too) rocking chair & ottoman that you can rock a fussy baby in and doze comfortably yourself.

OK. We just finished living in 2 upstairs rooms, at my parents house, where our FOURTH baby was born. We had about 550 square feet for SIX of us, and this is how we handled it.
* We did need a rocker, but NO changing table. I agree with one commentor that the bed, with a waterproof pad works great for the first few months. Do you have room for underbed storage? Keep clothing and diapers and etc. in a basket/tub/whatever, right at your feet under there?
* Those glider rockers are HUGE. Can you find a smaller one? If you have a BIG budget, try www.zacandzoe.com/nurserybedroom/rockers.html, if not, maybe something like this http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/S09850954, from Ikea? I also did not need a "nursing stool", or ottoman.
* For sleeping, baby in bed is great if you're good with it. If you worry about rolling over on her, have you seen http://www.mommysthinkin.com/snuggle_nest.htm? Or a moses basket, or the very slim Cariboo Bassinet, http://www.cariboostore.com/cariboo_bassinet.shtml?srcad=cariboo-bassinet?
* We also put a few shelves on the wall, to hold little buckets and baskets and baby books, by the rocker...real estate being valuable, we had to go up! I needed a place to put my water, burb pads, a magazine, watch, etc. No room for a side table. Also, if you really want a changing table, there are several that go on the wall, and fold up. Ikea also has a couple.
* If you are very tight on space, you could double the use of your carseat not get a bouncy seat until after you move...just put baby in the carseat.
* For the first few months, I never needed a stroller, I used a sling, or other carrier. Much less space taking.
* After 3 other babies, and never using my boppy, I got rid of it and never missed it with #4.
* Clothing was just little onesies and sleep sacs, and a few footie things for the first few months. That, and diapers, didn't take up much space.
* And lastly, it is great to get as little as you think you can live with, and THEN send out someone if once the baby comes you feel you have to have an XYZ, or whatever. Go light, then add. Our baby is now 1 and we still have the small 10 buck diaper pail, and not the big ol' Genie. It gets stinky only on the inside. Lysol does wonders.
Good luck!

OH! One last thing...my grandmother always talked about cleaning out the top drawer of their chest of drawers when my aunt was born, and lining it with blankets for baby to sleep in! Don't close the drawer, of course...

You need very little.

The post above that groups purchasing suggestions by activity (eats, sleeps, poops, cries) is very helpful.

I wouldn't bother with a crib. Consider co-sleeping, at least in the baby. We didn't plan too but our son couldn't sleep apart from us. Co-sleeping makes nursing even easier. We just bought really large white flannel waterproof mats for our bed. (BRUS has the largest we found, but only in stores, sight) Arm's Reach also makes a mini co-sleeper. It has a small footprint and will hold a *lot* of stuff including blankets, towels, diapers, etc. The mattress is too hard IMHO but a standard changing pad fits in the co-sleeper perfectly. You can use it as a changing area and/or in lieu of an "infant positioner."

You don't need a special place to change an infant but I like to have a changing pad early on. You can put it anywhere, on the bed, floor, etc. No need for a special table.

A comfortable chair is nice, but it doesn't need to be glider. I rec the "My Breast Friend" (terrible name, great product) over the Boppy because it is much easier when they are young. The strap and the overall firmness helps. (I actually used my boppy longer than the MBF because it fit well in a single chair but MBF is much better early on.)

The Happiest Baby DVD is great. We love love loved the Miracle Blanket, ever could get the hang of swaddling well and most "swaddling blankets" are too small any way. Also handy are halo sleep sacks. You need a few blankets but not to put on the baby (SIDS risk) but to use for floors, car seats, etc.

We loved those snap tshirts in both short and long sleeves. Much easier than onsies. And don't buy a lot of clothes people always buy them as gifts and they grow so fast. My ten month just started wearing 2T!

Diapers, A&D, some gentle soap like California Baby, good quality safety nail clippers, thermometer. We liked gripe water as well as some gas medicine.

Sling, air purifier (doubles as white noise, cleans nasty city air), exercise ball (cheaper than a rocker, does the same thing and then deflates!)

One space saver we used is to buy a Graco SafeSeat, which lasts much longer than a Snugride. They now make a swing attachment that folds up compactly. You can also buy a stroller to pop it on. A bouncer is nice early on; we had the Oeuf but I would probably suggest something else. The weight limit is low.

When the baby is more alert we liked the red/black/white version of the gymini as well as the graco doorway bouncer (much better than other versions). If you want an exersaucer-type thing you can find them easily on Craigs list.

we used a pack n play for the first six months. It was small and had a changing table attached that we used all the time. We were able to store things under the bassinett attachment. We've moved and since bought a real crib. The pack n play folds up compactly now and we use it when traveling to grandmas. Much better than a bassinett that only gets a few months use.

We have 650 sq ft and we have essentials only.

-- I got the Stokke crib - my one splurge, because it takes up so much less space. No pack & play necessary unless they're going to be sleeping away a lot, and even then only once they can roll over. For the first few months when they're not mobile, they can sleep in the middle of a bed during visits to grandparents and friends.
-- No highchair. I used the stroller to feed him for the first 7-8 months; after he was able to really sit up on his own I got a booster seat for one of my existing chairs. No extra sq footage used.
-- No changing table. Agree with all the people above, use the bed, couch, whatever. One changing pad and we're all set for that.
-- No glider. Anyone who suggested this was necessary can't understand living in 650 sq ft. I sat on the bed or the couch, whichever felt more comfortable at that moment. Sometimes now that he's older I wish for a rocker, mainly on those nights where he just can't sleep, but to do that I'd have to give up a piece of furniture. I've managed just fine without it.
-- No diaper stations, blah blah, etc. Space eaters. I have two small bins,each with a stack of diapers and wipes, one on a shelf with his clothes and another in a little bin under the sink. Three of those small galvanized bins from Ikea have done a great job of corralling all the miscellany -- A&D ointment, comb and brush, pacifier clips, baby lotion, infant Mylicon (truly a lifesaver as noted above), etc. in the various appropriate spots.
-- No big baby tub. He bathed in the sink for a while then I got a collapsible tub that hangs on our shower door (no bathtub in our apt.) when not in use, taking up zero space.

We use a narrow but tall set of Ikea shelves for all of his clothes, toys, diapers, books, etc - everything. I'm jealous of the person who advised lots of baby hangers - they clearly have more closet space than I do - but most things can really just be folded.

I did dedicate some space to an exersaucer and a jumpy seat. The jumpy seat was invaluable in getting my once-lazy boy to strengthen his legs, then I gave that away and kept the exersaucer. It keeps him engaged and busy, and sometimes those 20-30 minutes where he's safe and not bored are sorely needed.

One random but strong recommendation: Carter's makes felt "lap pads" that are, I guess, intended to go between the baby and your lap to keep you dry if he/she has an accident. That seemed silly to me and they went in the return pile, until my underweight little guy started wetting himself - undershirt, pjs, sheets, mattress - every time he piddled because even the preemie diapers were a little big. I put one of those under him each time he went to sleep - I still had to change him, but I ended up not needing to change all of his bedding each time. That was a big help. They can also sub for burp cloths when you get to that stage and I used them under his bottom in the sink during baths to keep him from slipping.

One last tip, and it may sound cold-hearted: any toys, clothes, whatever that you get and don't want or need have to GO. Be ruthless. Return what you can and use the credits as you go along for diapers, formula or some other necessity. Anything that can't go back should be donated - there are plenty of kids who need it. I'm a sentimentalist in general, but that goes out the window when you're introducing another person - a little person but one with lots of gear - into a small space.

A pack-n-play with a bassinett/changing table feature is great--especially if you will travel a a lot. And you really don't have to have a bed with that. If your space is small and you don't co-sleep, a portable crib (we got a delta brand one from Wal-mart.com) is small and nice. Ours stores flat, too, if you ever need it put away, it will fit under a bed (mattress and all).

If you need a stroller, the Combi we have has a "bassinett" feature: a piece of fabric that covers the leg opening. In the beginning we often put our kids in that to sleep (strapped in of course!) and they loved it. It was snug and tight, plus I could roll it around with me. That can take the place of a bed at first, and a bouncy seat, even, if you are limited on space but need a stroller. It also folds up to a very small size and is lightweight and easy to use.

As far as clothes go, just some gowns or sleepers, onesies and a sleep sack will suffice. They outgrow everything so quickly that you don't want to invest in oodles of cute outfits in the beginning.

Also, in the beginning, I filled a rattan silverware caddy with essentials (nasal aspirator, wipes, paci, lotions, diapers, gas drops, etc) that I could easily keep near wherever she was. (beside me while I was feeding her, then in the bed while she was sleeping). That way everything was handy wherever she was. Now that she's older, it stays in our changing table drawer.

Oh, and a jumper that hangs in a doorway takes up way less space than an excersaucer. If you do want a seat, we bought one from target that folds up into a little bag (like a camp chair). It was incredibly efficient for our tiny house.

How come they only sell those door bouncers on Amazon UK?

we had a lot of stuff--but i think all you really need is:
- a safe sleeping area--somewhere you will feel comfortable leaving the baby for naps.
- a baby carrier.
- car seat (if you have a car).
a lot of the other stuff is actually useful (bouncer, swing, special playmat, bathtub...) but obviously not necessary. I personally wouldn't go without some sort of changing station at a comfortable height (we put a pad on top of the front-loading washing machine in the bathroom).

You can get the door jumpers at any mega-store.

One thing that I bought that was really nice was a handsfree phone. Not a speaker phone, one with a headset, or earbuds. That way you can talk on the phone when you're nursing, and nursing, and nursing...

It's funny those bouncer been taking out of the market in Canada because they are dangerous as well as the walker.

And at the hospital they strongly recommand not to put bumper pad because they are very dangerous for SIDS.

For the first few months, you really need little. Your baby can live in footed sleepers and sleep gowns - all those cute baby outfits? Your kid will probably outgrow them before s/he ever wears them.

I suggest a sleep nest for having baby in bed with you (if you're concerned that you or your partner will roll over the baby). We bought a crib, which turned into a glorious and over-priced storage crate. Our son is 19 months and he still sleeps with us.

A glider is nice to have as well for nursing or feeding and also to soothe baby.

The Happiest Baby on the Block DVD or a hairdryer for white noise.

A few different carriers for both parents to use - a pouch, mei tai, and a moby wrap. Just don't get the crotch danging bjorn. ((shudder))

Dresser in lieu of a changing table - diapers can be stored in the top drawer and clothes can be stored below.

We never needed a bouncer, a pack and play, or even a baby bath tub - these things only take up space.

seriously? these lists are pretty intense.

we use a dresser with a changing pad on top. use the top drawer for diapers, creams etc. (we use burts bees butt cream and have never had a rash. also the apricot oil is great after baths for baby massage).

we cosleep. if it scares you i recommend using a boppy lounger to place the baby on if you think you might roll on him.

a miracle blanket, the best swaddler ever.


moby wraps are cheap like 40 bucks and great for infants.

tons of diapers...whatever kind you may use.

you can use an exisiting fan or get a cheap one for white noise.

and above all else...food. be it boob food or bottle food.

http://sugarmagnolia.wordpress.com/2007/11/18/my-guide-to-crazy-new-age-minimalistwar-on-stuff-parenting-for-a-new-baby/

my list is here. I like the "tits and a blanket comment" haha.