What gear to you REALLY need for newborn? Short list please. for Questionland Seattle

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What gear to you REALLY need for newborn? Short list please.

I recently went to a baby shower and was amazed by the load of stuff the mom got (I brought cloth diapers). There were strollers (3), a swing, bouncy seats, car accessories, toys, tubs...it was a LOT of stuff. All I can remember having or needing was a diaper, cloths and blanket for my kids.....did I miss something?

MissMolly asked in Pregnancy & Newborn about 1 year ago | Report

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Emily Steed

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I have a 3 year old. We got a fair amount of stuff when we were preparing for her birth, but nothing in the way of 3 strollers.

My list for a newborn:

-Diapers (we used cloth diapers and washed them at home, so we needed inserts, covers, wipes, a pail, a waterproof bag for the pail, and special laundry detergent)
-a changing mat
-a carseat/stroller combo
-a crib and assorted sheets, mattress covers, etc
-a breast pump and accessories (bottles, bags, breast pads)
-several good nursing bras
-the Baby Bjorn bouncy seat (saved my sanity and the only way I got a shower the first few months)
-baby clothes and detergent
-medical/hygiene supplies (fingernail clippers, nasal aspirator, baby shampoo, infant acetaminophen and ibuprofen, thermometer, etc)
-blankets for swaddling
-a high-quality diaper bag with lots of pockets

I think 3 strollers is probably excessive, but I try not to judge other moms. Mothers face so much judgment and criticism for every decision that they make that they simply don't need any more piled onto them for the stuff that doesn't really matter. If you're not having a baby anytime soon, what is it to you if she has a swing AND a bouncy seat AND an exersaucer?

Emily Steed answered in Pregnancy & Newborn about 1 year ago | Report

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I needed cloth diapers and wraps, a car seat, and a baby sling so I could wear my babies while doing other things.

Clothes were from Goodwill or Value Village.

justnotsurewhattochoose answered in Pregnancy & Newborn about 1 year ago | Report

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I liked Emily's list, but I would add that a baby carrier is worth two or three strollers. We got an Ergo carrier + Ergo infant insert and it has been a great boon. If he is fussy we put him in the Ergo and go for a walk; he's asleep in 10 minutes. I think babies just like being carried.

Not really essential, but we got a CD of lullabies (cello pieces by Julian Lloyd Webber) and played them in utero. Now we have the baby conditioned to fall asleep with them on, and they are really nice too.

Finally, a Graco swing came in really handy (alternative to a bouncy chair), as did a noise maker (google "Sleep sheep").

Bion Satir answered in Pregnancy & Newborn about 1 year ago | Report

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Car seat for sure, because if you give birth in a hospital, they won't let you leave without one.

After that, go minimal and work your way up if you need to. Diapers. Onesies. A light stroller. Nothing fancy (it will get pooped and spit up on, after all), and you can do awfully well off secondhand goods, since they grow so fast.

So, no, you didn't miss anything. No need to give in to the baby marketing machine. :)

Sacrelicious answered in Pregnancy & Newborn about 1 year ago | Report

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You're so right! Babies don't need a lot of "stuff.". The "stuff" is usually for the convenience of the parents. Here are some essentials: Diapers, burp cloths (or more cloth diapers!), blankets big enough to swaddle (square ones work best), t- shirts and "sleepers" with feet. If mom is breastfeeding and returning to work, she will probably need a reliable professional grade pump. Bouncy seats are a nice, soft place for baby to land when parents' hands are full. And, of course, a car seat. The baby will also need a safe place to sleep. Parents' bed, co-sleeper, bassinet, or crib are all fine choices. If mom is not breastfeeding, baby will need formula and bottles as well. Strollers are nice, but usually young babies prefer to be held--so a sling or something like it can be very helpful!

Renee Beebe, M.Ed., IBCLC answered in Pregnancy & Newborn about 1 year ago | Report

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My baby prefers the stroller over the ergo baby carrier anyday, so for me a stroller is a must. I put her in it and shes either asleep or happily watching the world go by. I would also say a bobby and diaper wipe warmer are essential. I was at target 5 days after my csection buying a diaper wipe warmer because my daughter would scream everytime the cold wipe touched her bottom. The one thing I wish we hadn't spend money on is a crib. Our first night together in the hospital I couldn't put her down in the bassinet and she has slept in my arms or daddys ever since. Bouncy chairs and swings are nice, but they grow out of them so quick and for the price just borrow a friends or buy used.

Amandaeg answered in Pregnancy & Newborn about 1 year ago | Report

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baby carrier (I like a babyhawk, goes from birth to toddler), diapers, some blankets and sleepers. anything else is either wasted space or extra convenience, but not really NEEDED. oh, and a carseat, of course.

Signe answered in Pregnancy & Newborn about 1 year ago | Report

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