What Do I Buy?

[Kimberly123]

socks for newborns - well actually I was feeling very sheepish not having hats, socks or mitts on hand. I really thought they were unnecessary too. In the evening and early morning they were much needed those first few weeks to keep baby's temp up.But maybe that is just with preemies. Also, their nails grow fast and can be very sharp and they scratch their faces so mitts help a lot. I also like the night gown type sleepers so socks are sometimes needed. I like them because they make diapers changes super easy and the sleep sack covers the opening. But when not sleeping, they can ride up while holding the baby though. My hubby doesn't like them.

My car seat doesn't match my stroller but still clicks on quite well. You may want to use that option when the baby is sleeping and you don't want to wake them but need them in their stroller OR when they just plain get to heavy to carry in the car seat but want to be more secure than laying in the stroller - again, all depends on baby's size too. My situation was obviously different with a 4 1/2 or 5 pound travelling.

lol...feel like your missing something big? Just baby sounds like you are well stocked! Wow, it's getting close. So excited for you.

[DS2000]

Same here - the car I plan to buy (a Graco) doesn't match the stroller I'm planning to buy...but attaches easily.

[AmandaLeigh]

Newborn babies really don't need much. They just want you! But a lot of stuff will make your life easier.

A car seat is mandatory.

Something for baby to sleep in. (A crib, a bassinet, a pack & play, a moses basket, a dresser drawer, a baby mattress placed on the floor, etc.) Really anything will work. We used a bassinet that we bought off of Craigslist for $15. We actually still use it, as she sleeps better if I am in the room with her, and she has not yet reached the weight maximum. I keep it right next to my bed at night.

diapers. You should probably buy at least 1 bag of NB size. Your baby may be smaller than you expected (I think due to the DS).

Cotton rounds dipped in water is what I used for baby wipes for the first several weeks. (baby wipes can be too harsh on a newborn's skin... even the sensative kind)

a stroller is good for if you want to go on a walk.

You can also buy a baby carrier to "wear" your baby while you walk, shop, work around the house, etc.

A bouncy seat or baby swing comes in handy too.

Lots of those zip up "sleep & play" sleeper outfits. They are so easy! I hate the ones with buttons. So hard to do when I'm trying to change a diaper at night.

A pillow for you, if you plan on breastfeeding. When I was nursing, I used the BrestFriend pillow or sometimes a Boppy pillow. They really help you get the proper positioning of baby.

There is probably more but I can't think of it right now.

[AmandaLeigh]

Oh, I used a sleep positioner that a friend gave me to borrow. Not an essential, but I really rather liked it. I would get one if you can find one for $10. We even used it in the hospital, in the isolet thingie. She loved it and slept a lot better!

But it's not a "must have" item.

Also, the car seat doesn't have to be one of those handheld infant ones that you take out of the car, and snap back in... I was honestly considering not getting an infant seat like that, but a friend talked me into getting one, so I did. I am very glad that I did though! They are so convenient and I really don't think I could get along without one! But still, it's up to you... because some stay-in-the-car car seats can hold as little as a 5 pound baby.

[AmandaLeigh]

You might need a few premie-sized clothes. I know, you probably don't believe me!

Felicia just started wearing 3-6 month sized clothes yesterday, and they are still baggy on her. (She weighs 12 or 13 pounds). She is 14 weeks old.

[DS2000]

I just read an article about how sleeper positioners are not recommended.

I changed my mind about getting the crib on Craigs List...I'm concerned about bedbugs and I'm not taking any chances.

I'm not getting any clothing or diapers at all until I deliver and see what size I need. Easy enough for my husband to do when I'm in the hospital - the city is swarming with baby stores, and my sister and my best friend will do and get whatever we need. My sister is already amassing a collection of stuff but I told her she cannot discuss it with me until at least 32 weeks, and she can't give me any of the stuff until I deliver. She way gets it. She miscarried (between her two kids) at 17 weeks. There are no guarantees until the baby is born.

[AmandaLeigh]

Yeah, plus the hospital will load you up with diapers if you ask. I think we got a 2 week supply from them.

And they also gave us clothes (little shirts) for baby to wear, as the umbilical cord stump is still tender.

My friend bought me a cute premie outfit for going home, and gave it to me when she came to visit us at the hospital. (Same friend that gave me that sleep positioner thing to use while at the hospital).

I didn't pack anything for baby in my hospital bag. And turns out, she didn't need anything, and anything that she truly needed, the hospital supplied.

[DS2000]

I really don't want visitors at the hospital. I will strongly discourage it. Actually I won't tell anybody but my closest people that I delivered, until we're home.

I still haven't told lots of people I"m even pregnant. I feel it's a private matter unless there is a reason to tell someone, or unless they see me and it's obvious.

[DS2000]

Bought this today on Craigs List...couldn't help myself. It's for upstate for the beginning...did not take the mattress for fear of bedbugs. Will buy a new mattress for it.

http://newyork.craigslist.org/mnh/bab/2045228462.html

[Crazeru]

DS,
Looks like you got a great deal.