Momnesia

New Baby Essentials

After two years, we have pretty much figured out what equipment we needed, and what marketing professionals sold us, when we had our baby. This is the list of Stuff We Could Not Live Without.

1. Feeding equipment - Buy the Dr. Brown bottles and drying rack. I do not care how many other companies claim to keep air out of little tummies. This valve system is the best. We tried everything. Emmie was born with a very sensitive digestive tract, and it took a long time to find what worked. The drying rack is needed because they come with little pieces that can get misplaced. But when your pooper starts teething, they will want something more substantial. Emerson loved sucking on ice chips in this mesh feeder, or chewing on whole peas and other chilled, smooshable vegetables and fruits.

2. Soothing tools - these include swaddling blankets, white noise makers or classical music CDs, a soothing swing or sturdy bouncer (this one is both!) for when your arms get tired and a mobile that really catches the attention of your short-sighted little shorty. If you are in doubt, just watch The Happiest Baby on the Block DVD. This stuff really works. And it is not always about the baby being happy. Sometimes it is about mommy and daddy getting a break.

3. Long-Lasting Furniture - Okay, having a baby is expensive for a lot of people, and we did not forsee the ability to buy nursery furniture, then toddler furniture, then child-sizes furniture. So we spent a little more on convertible furniture that saved us money in the long run. You will need a one-hand release system, and if you have hardwood floors like us, you will want a changing station. Our sweetie is 2-years-old and we still use it. I wish I had seen this one, which converts four ways AND has an attached changing station that converts to a nightstand. Now that is innovation.

4. Sams Club Card - Most people do not know that the difference between baby formulas is negligible, because products marketed for infants are so heavily regulated by the FDA. Also, if you do the math, you can deduce the following: there are three or four formula factories in the U.S., but more than a dozen brands. Same for diapers and wipes. Buying these three items in bulk, in the store brand, saved us at least $1,000 the first year.

5. Memory-making - That first year - heck, the first week - are so full of surprises, changes, excitement and wonder that if I had not owned a digital camera and a computer, I might have spent $10,000 on film development and postage. Yes, digital cameras and computers are expensive, but only initially. After that first purchase, they are almost free - well, if you own a Mac. They do not require the constant attention to virus software that PCs do. So, I recommend a 5 mp Sony Mavica camera, because it is a high-end camera that is priced like a low-end camera, and it burns photos to a CD instead of a memory card. That negates the need for a card reader, and worrying about cross-platform b.s. If you are in the market for a computer, I highly recommend a Mac, either the new MacBook Pro or the iMac Desktop. They are versatile and run all of the essential business programs, plus they come with a whole host of fun and complimentary software.

6. Safety First - We had the house child-proofed before she was even born. But if you like being able to open your kitchen cabinets without cursing - at least before your little pooper learns to open them herself - you can skip padding the entire interior of your home until the time comes. But start with a good, convertible car seat. Like the camera, the furniture, and the computer, it is a little more money at first. But the long-term savings far outweigh that issue. A convertible car seat can be used either rear facing or forward facing. They have higher weight limits in the rear facing position, making them a good choice for bigger babies who are likely to outgrow their infant car seat before their first birthday. Children can ride forward facing in a convertible seat up to approximately 40 pounds. There are also some convertible seats that can transition into a booster seat to accommodate children up to 80 pounds. For a newborn, most come with an insert to provide needed extra support. I happen to like this one, because you may never have to buy another. I have also loved these outlet covers, these cabinet locks, this baby gate (which also works for our dog), this first aid and grooming kit, a basic crib bumper, and this book.

7. Warm and Snuggly - Of course, clothing your baby is essential, but remember that they could care less what they wear. If you buy three or four of these sets, you will be set for almost the entire first year! These socks never get lost, and these shoes are super cheap and cute! This company has a selection of hats just $2.50 apiece.

8. Transportability - Your world contracts when you have a baby. It is no good to anyone if you stay cooped up in the house. Get out, and take your baby with you. The sights and sounds of the world outside are better stimuli than any Baby Einstein product could provide (although these and these are good for rainy and sick days). You will need a good diaper bag with a lifetime warranty (they get a lot of use). Try these two backpack styles - this and this. We could not have survived our first year if we had to hang one off our arm. You will also need a stroller or your arms will fall off. You might consider a frame stroller for when your baby is still an infant, and then a simple umbrella stroller for when your baby is older. Those big travel systems are nice - we bought one - but not very manueverable in small spaces like stores. Keep your baby warm with a seat cover, and cool with a stroller fan.

9. Cleanliness is Next to Baby Sitters - Children are messy and dirty and will eat anything off the floor. You will need bibs to cover their clothes, and a convertible bath tub to clean them up.

10. Love and Patience - They are not available in stores, but if you can stock up on those before your bundle comes, you will do well for the first year. Good luck!