If you have a baby shower, again, the list of potential items is daunting. SO MANY CHOICES!! However, this is a really good time, and way, to get necessary items in advance. Here are the absolute essentials to incorporate into your list.
Graco Pack n Play– a MUST. For one, unless the nursery is next door to your bedroom, your baby will likely be sleeping in your room for the first 3-4 months. Night feedings. We did not even use the actual crib until our baby was about 3 months, and then only for naptime, until we moved him in there at night. This thing is critical for the baby to sleep in your room, and you will use it for travel until the baby is out of a crib, so almost 2 years.
Car Seat- I got the Britax B-Safe 35, and it was great.
Stroller- So. Many. Choices. I was recommended the BOB Rambler Jogging Stroller, and I like it. You will also need the adapter bar, to connect the rear facing car seat to the stroller. If you plan on doing any lengthy walks or runs with your baby, then this is a good one to get, especially on trails. note: It is bulky, meaning not great for travel, loading/ unloading, so I ended up getting a separate stroller for travel and the car, see Travel section.
Shusher– while I dismissed this as unnecessary, it actually is so necessary. When putting your baby to sleep at nap time, or at night, or the middle of night, this thing was priceless
Dock A Tot– when I saw the price tag I thought it was RIDICULOUS to spend this much money on whatever this was. Worth. Every. Penny. This allows the baby to sleep anywhere! Especially if you have a C-section, it is amazing to be able to feed your baby, then lay them down right next to you to nap.
Rock n Play- This item is no longer made, and I had always thought if I were to do it again, I would instead get the Bouncer because of the vibrating feature. In the first couple of months, this is critical in helping your baby fall asleep, especially in the middle of the night, this is an absolute lifesaver.
Nursing Pillow– if you are going to nurse, this is a MUST. It is great that you can also use it for propping up your baby several months later, before they learn to sit up, so you can get about six months of use out of this
Bottles- I used Dr Browns. I did nurse, so I didn’t actually use these that much, but if you plan to have a babysitter, you are going to need bottles. Also recommend the Dr Browns Bottle Brush for cleaning.
Crib- All I wanted was a plain white crib, and apparently there are hundreds of plain white cribs! I got the Babyletto Modo, and I love it. You will also need a mattress and crib sheets- I liked Burts Bees Baby. I got the mattress from a brick and mortar.
Changing Pad– You will be changing diapers for a couple years, so this is a great addition to the nursery! I like this one because it has a strap.
Diapers and Wipes- Good to have some Newborn diapers and wipes on hand in advance of your baby’s arrival. We use Pampers Pure diapers, because they are paraben free and unscented. WaterWipes for wipes, and I like to buy these in bulk.
Burp Cloths– We were give an excessive amount of burp cloths. 5 is a good number to have on hand, if you do not want to do every day laundry.
New Mommie 