Top 5 Must-Have’s for Bringing Baby Home

When my first daughter was born, like most new moms, I had no idea what kinds of baby items I should purchase. I read all the books, Googled every type of baby gear I could think of, and loaded up on dozens of parenting magazines. After gathering the facts, I made some really great choices…and some not so great ones. Now that I’ve had three little girls, I’m a certified pro at the whole “baby gear thing” (or at least I’d like to think I am). Here are ParentingPink’s top choices for must-have baby gear for your girl:

1. The Boppy. (www.target.com) $34. If you plan on breastfeeding, then you cannot live without this valuable asset. This super cool nursing pillow is durable, easy to clean (you can also purchase slip covers), and totally chic with it’s cool fabric designs. The Boppy pillow provides you and your baby with a comfortable way to nurse. Don’t forget to bring it to the hospital with you when you have your baby – it’s much better than all those pillows the nurses stack together to help you nurse!

2. The Bouncer Seat. Sure, there’s a lot of new baby gear available with all the bells and whistles, but I think traditional works best. The bouncer seat is an absolute must-have for any new parent. It’s a wonderful place for your baby to nap in, play in, and eat in (when the time comes). I could not have survived all three children without one! There are many to choose from, but you don’t have to purchase the “latest and greatest” (with a price tag to match!). I do, however, recommend you get one that has a “vibration” option. Babies, especially newborns, love this option because it mimics the movement they experienced inside the womb. Plus, it puts most children to sleep quickly – and that’s a big plus for any new parent! Try the Fisher-Price Rainforest Bouncer (www.amazon.com) $37.

3. The Sling or Carrier. The sling or baby carrier is a great option for babies of all ages. You can carrier her with you and still have your hands free. Many parents find that they work well for babies with colic or are fussy. Try the BabyBjörn Baby Carrier (www.amazon.com) $54. I used this for all three of my girls and found it to be extremely helpful.

4. The Onesie / Sleeper. As new parents we all make the same wonderful mistake. The moment we find out we’re expecting we run out the door, head to the nearest children’s store, and load up on all sorts of cute, adorable outfits. I vividly remember days after I had my daughter trying to get her into one of these cute, but pain-in-the-butt contraptions with buttons, zippers, and snaps! After much frustration – and an unhappy newborn- my mom gently recommended that we head to the nearest Babies R Us to stock up on one-pieces and sleepers. No, they’re not the cutest outfits in the world, but who needs cute when your only a few weeks old? What babies want is what we want – comfort. So, try to keep the frilly outfit purchases to a minimum. What you will really need are cotton onesies or sleepers (depending on the season). Try Carter’s sleepers and onesies at Kohl’s (www.kohls.com). If you want to go “all out” check out our favorite’s at Baby Gap (www.babygap.com) Prices range from $8 to $20.

5. The Diaper Bag. Get moving and on the go! Make sure you pick a great diaper bag that has all the room and compartments you will need. Some bags have spaces for cell phones, bottles, and even your iPod, so chose wisely. If the sky’s the limit, then go for the JP Lizzy Diaper Bag – Mocha Mint Tote Set (www.diaperbags.com) for a cool $98. But, if you want something more practical (and less expensive) try the Carter’s Brown and Pink All The Works Diaper Bag at Babies R Us (www.babiesrus.com) $39.

*Optional – The Swing. Swings can be an asset for many parents, but some babies don’t take to them. If you have the money – or a rich uncle- then pop one of these on your registry. If not, the bouncer seat will usually work well in it’s place.

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