Bare minimum baby gear

[ozymomdius]

Hey all,
I am new here - 8wks along with our first after 4 months of marriage --whoops! :) We're straight out of college with basically no money to speak of, and we're planning on holding off on number 2 for a few years, so for the sake of our sanity in our tiny house or (hopefully!) graduate school apartment in the future, I'm trying to figure out what I actually NEED to purchase for baby gear and what is extra. I'm also trying to think of things that are double-duty or that will be usable from infant to toddler years.

I'm already thinking of things like a travel-system style stroller that comes with the car seat, a convertible crib/toddler bed... maybe the type of high chair that attaches to a chair rather than being free-standing? We took a trip through Babies R Us the other day and it was pretty overwhelming. Normally I would have already researched all the things I want, but as this is so unexpected, and both our moms are older (their youngest are 16 and 17 so fuzzy/outdated memories of their own baby gear), I really don't know what I should be looking for.

Oh, and recommendations of good reliable sturdy brand-names to look for would be awesome as well. Thanks so much!

[craftyashley]

Craigslist. There's no need to buy most of that stuff new. If you really want to go on the cheap- a baby can totally sleep in a pack n play. There's a bassinet attachment for babies, and one of the twins naps in our playyard in the guest room. I did like the highchair attached to the chair- you can pick one up really cheap. I loved the swing we got (at a second-hand store) it gave me some time to do the dishes, etc. Look into a second-hand exersaucer too. It was a playstation and later a time out place.
Don't kid yourself about the convertible cribs. My kids chewed the wham out of the cribs, and I'm thinking it would be better to go straight from crib to actual bed anyway. Good luck!

[lismom2]

I second Craigslist and the converible crib. Buy everything second hand EXCEPT the car seat. Look into slings (maya wrap, hotsling, moby) instead of a travel system (they're cuter and they take up very little space) and get a cheap umbrella stroller when your little one is bigger. DD never even slept in her crib. You might take a look at co-sleeping & bedsharing & see if it's right for your family, otherwise pack-n-play's are 50-100 $ new. We have a graco Highchair that my 3 year old still uses (we just took off the tray and now it sits up at the table and since the chair is adjustable, it's the perfect height for her). Congratulations on your new little one! :)

[giraffes_buddy]

No offense to anyone, but I have to disagree with the Craigslist call. I realize that you can get gear for pennies on the dollar or even for free, but Craigslist, eBay, consignment stores, thrift shops - none of them are required to track or remove items that have been recalled - and there are a LOT of them. When you get into safety recalls, lead paint, choking or strangulation hazards, I'd stick with new gear - especially the car seat. If you send in the registration card that comes with new items, the company must notify you if the item is recalled. Recent recalls include cribs and high-chairs. Discount stores (Wal-Mart, Target) aren't as expensive, and you can often register for those items for gifts.

For what it's worth, I wouldn't go breaking the bank on a ton of new stuff anyway. A lot of what you need will be determined by your lifestyle and your baby's likes and dislikes. A few examples:

- I figured out pretty quickly that the bassinet we bought was wasted money since it was only useful for a very short time. We used the pack-n-play for the same purpose, and we got a lot more use out of it. My buddy with the premie used their bassinet for a really long time, though.

- The expensive Baby Bjorn carrier we bought was wasted because my son HATED it. I've met MANY people who can't live without those carriers, though. I wish we would have found someone with one to "try out" before we bought it.

- On the flip side, we bought an extra base for our snap-in infant car seat, and later, we sprung for an extra convertible seat so that my hubby & I each had one for our car. For our schedule (my hubby & I both work full time - dad dropped off, I picked up), it was some of the best money we could have spent.

One thing I will recommend, though, is letting dad pick out the diaper bag, and don't blink at the price on that one. My husband picked out a lovely, simple black shoulder tote that looked remarkably similar to a laptop bag. My ulterior motive - a lot of men hedge on being seen carrying a Pooh or princess diaper bag, but a laptop bag - they'll carry that. ;-)

[freckles]

Congratulations! It is overwhelming and all the products are so SOFT and CUTE!

You can hold off on buying the excersaucer till about 5-6 months. But believe me..it will be your LIFE SAVER when you want to take a shower!

Buy lots of burping cloths/recieving blankets. Those things stink after a day and you cant be running to the laundry every day to wash the same four you have.

I loved my carrier with all three of my kids. It is convenient to have both of your hands free of your baby, especially when you cook.

I am glad we bought a swing. It was the only way I got to sleep sometimes. I was really shocked at how little sleep I was getting, especially experiencing first time motherhood.

I like the high chairs you have referred to. I have one made by Fisher Price. It reclines to snug your neworn and adjusts when your baby is ready to sit up Brilliant and compactible.

You will probably recieve lots of newborn clothes. If you can not resist temptation and HAVE to buy those adorable little outfits, then give in and buy size 6 or 9 months. Just make sure the clothes are in season.

I did not purchase a playpen/portable crib until I was absolutely sure that I was going out of town to visit family. Most hotels lend them out to you for the night.

BTW there is a thread in the mom to mom and it is entitled...."tips for soon to be mommies"(or close to it) if you can find it. These ladies have great advice!

[Mikey_BKK]

I live in Thailand since the last 17 years and it always amazes me how happy the poor are and how often they laugh compared to the rich. And how poor the rich thereby really are :)
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As Lismom said, buy everything second hand except safety equipment like the car seat. Ask yourself – Is it a necessity or a convenience? Then decide.
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You need very very little to be a Good Mother :)
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Michael
Father of Idea, the good idea

[smalltowngirl]

I found this article and I agree with everything- except I would add a boppy if you are going to nurse. Also pls read up on co-sleeping (they suggest it as an option and there is much debate as to whether or not it is ok- my pediatrician says no)

Good luck!
http://www.bettyconfidential.com/ar/ld/a/10_Baby_Items_for_New_Moms.html

[freckles]

I live in Thailand since the last 17 years and it always amazes me how happy the poor are and how often they laugh compared to the rich. And how poor the rich thereby really are :)
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Ahhhh....ancient Thailand secret. lol I like finding happiness in the medium-not too much not to little. Less is more.

Here is what I say about the rich......."money can't buy you manners." Oh how I notice on the holidays, when we are suppose to be jolly and thankful, that people are more rude.

Sorry-very off topic.

[brandie1127]

I recently realized that I would have NEVER done the travel system had I realized that infants can go in a regular carseat just faced backwards. Now shes 11 weeks and 12lbs I only have 10lbs left before she has to be in the next size up carseat - I should have bought it from the beginning I just didn't know. I thought that they had to be in the smaller carseat. So I wasted the money on the travel system ( $280 and an extra base $70) Now I have to go and buy 2 regular carseats ... FUN!
Also now that shes 12lbs that thing is heavy I take her out of it and leave it in the car. I'm not lugging it around anymore!
Things I could never live without ...
My infant carrier. An essential for grocery shopping. Just make sure you get one that your baby can rest toward your body OR look out. I made the mistake of buying an adorable babyhawk - great except now I need a snuggli or something that she can look out to the world - I guess shes tired of her only view being my breasts. :) I'm blaming that on CraftyAshley she posted about them I think on another thread. I went to the website and just had to have them.

My vibrating chair!!! I take it everywhere - especially into the bathroom with me daily so I can get my shower. I got a cheap bright starts one from walmart - I think it was $20
I also take it into the kitchen to cook - and over friends houses so she can chill in it.

DONT BUY RECIEVING BLANKETS! I never ever use mine - I cut up one for burp cloths and one for dusting (cut down the cost of paper towels and does a GREAT job BTW! )

... If you decide you need a Swaddler because all the books tell you to swaddle the baby - Only buy 1 at first and try it out. My DS HATED the swaddler. Loved being bundled by a lightweight blanket as long as she can get her arms out. I bought 3 thinking if she messed on one I would have a back up what a waist at $20 a peice. I also use a sleep sack on her when its colder it zips across the bottom and goes over her pjs - safer than a blankie now that shes starting to move more but still gives her room. I did get one of those wedge systems that she sleeps with everynight. Luv that too!

And my crib came from IKEA. $129 and it converts to a toddler bed. I love the fact that it was recently featured in BabyTalk for best cost vs value. ( My excersaucer also Brightstarts from Walmart was also on that list)

[brandie1127]

Freckles - sorry didn't read your post until after I wrote mine. Didn't realize that you were giving advice to buy recieving blankets and then I emphasized in all caps not to buy them. They were just the biggest thing we waisted money on everyone said I needed them - we haven't used them once.

Didn't want you to think I was purposely being a B*.

[freckles]

Freckles - sorry didn't read your post until after I wrote mine. Didn't realize that you were giving advice to buy recieving blankets and then I emphasized in all caps not to buy them. They were just the biggest thing we waisted money on everyone said I needed them - we haven't used them once.

Didn't want you to think I was purposely being a B*.

It is all good. Ya know, it is really hard for me to get mad at posts because I clearly know that opinions are not wrong, although I may disagree with the post. But girl, that breast feeding post ruffled my feathers! I wont go into it any further...........lol.

[brandie1127]

I know my feathers get ruffled on here sometimes too. I have my hot buttons about certain subjects. i'm trying to stay away from the "young mom needing advice" thread - cause most of the girls posting there are getting on my nerves!

[freckles]

I genuinely want to help people, but if a thread sounds too much like drama and made-up, then, I stay away. I see what you mean.

[ImpatientlyWaiting]

Since obviously-;) You have internet, you can do some research on products that have been recalled, and look for them cheaper online, or on craigslist, or even at garage sales. I went looking for a wine rack for my girlfriend's birthday and stumbled upon a couple that was selling BRAND NEW baby outfits (tags still on, never worn) For a dollar a piece. Also, ask friends and family if they have baby things for you to use...Many people are very willing to help out! Also, remember that a close friend or family member will probably throw you a baby shower that you can get some of the little things (Clothes, blankets, bottles, etc) from the party. If you look hard, and think smart, you will be able to accomplish keeping things inexpensive.

[ozymomdius]

Thank you for the advice, everyone -- if there is more out there, definitely keep it coming. It is all the more welcome after getting our doctor's payment schedule and realizing paying this baby off will take up all if not more than all of our "discretionary" income each month. Yay. :P I hope I don't sound over dramatic or "made-up," our life is just our life and we're trying to figure it out, crazy as it seems.
One more question I had -- lismom2 advised against a travel system, and it got me thinking... if you do have a sling or baby-carrier, when do you actually use big strollers like that? The only thing I can really think of would be special outings like to the zoo or museums, which I can't really see the baby enjoying until they're old enough to already be big enough for an umbrella stroller. Any further advice on this? Thanks again!!

[ksandra]

Hi, I'm new here but a slightly seasoned mom and pregnant with twins.
I happened to love my travel system. My son was 10.5 lbs when he was born. I had one of the better baby carriers (Ergo Baby) and let me tell you how bad my back STILL hurt from carrying him in that thing! I tried it every which way and didn't dare get anything cheaper for fear I'd break my back.
The infant car seat is really heavy but so convenient when taking your newborn grocery shopping (they fit in the front), nap time at a friend's house, or later when feeding them at a friend's house. They do get heavy but by then, they are hopefully sitting up and you can leave it in the car. And the strollers have such nifty baskets for putting your junk in when at the mall!

I have one of those Ikea beds that turns into a toddler bed - it's gone thru 2 kids and I still LOVE it. It was like $150 or less and can be used for a long while. I don't sleep with my kids, never used a pack/play thing (except camping), and never got a bassinet. The crib was used from day one and the kids have loved it. By the time they were 3 or 4, they were ready for a big bed.

I did love our swing. It was a portable one so I could take it all over the house. Same goes for our bouncy seat. We left that upstairs and the swing downstairs. HANDY! And just research the reviews on them and see if you can find them in consignment shops or garage sales.

We had the big ol' highchair and though I loved it because it reclined - it took up way too much room in our kitchen. I finally got one that straps to a chair and LOVE it. Just wish it reclined better. My son was in his highchair very quick (1 month?). It reclined like a carseat so when I was cooking dinner, I would bundle him up and could keep him close by. He'd just sleep in it, and that got him used to being in it later for feedings.

We wasted money on sheets and bedding. Never used the fancy quilt that we got with the crib set. Get a good bumper and like 2 sheets. By the time we changed sheets, we had the other one already washed and put away. I've got like 5 sheets we've never used in over 4 years!

Whatever you do, consignment or craigslist or garage sales - check amazon or some other website's reviews on the products. That helped me a lot!

Good luck to you!
Sandy

[brandie1127]

I'm a babywearer. My daughter is in the babyhawk all the time. I don't like leaving her in the seat on top of the grocery cart. Too cold, too exposed to strangers touching her, too high - makes mommy nervous! I think its so much easier to strap her to me and do all my shopping. ( I also use it when trying to clean and shes being needy) I still use the stoller though. We take walks ( need to loose that baby weight) and right now it is parked in my living room - gives her a different veiw of the world, she likes to sit in it.

I wanted to make a "splurge" recommendation. Dr. browns bottles are AWESOME! Expensive but I only have 5 and we wash them every night. ( She doesn't go through more than that in a day now.) I really do believe all the hype and believe that they absolutely have cut down on the gas.


Don't waste money on newborn hats - her head was way too big and I have so many she never wore!

[lismom2]

I know you were asking about gear, essential etc, but also consider a birth without pain meds...saves you money. Also, Breastfeeding is free :)

[kare.bear]

Baby carriers and slings are great, but keep in mind they can be VERY painful if you are big busted. While I am only expecting my first child, I know I won't be using a baby carrier and will rely on a travel system. As a nanny, I tried to use a front wearing baby carrier and ended up really injuring my back since I was already carrying so much extra weight on top. The carriers that fit as a backpack seemed to work better for me, but the baby should be a few months old before you can use that. Since I'm a walker/hiker and love to take advantage of the great trails in my area, I'm looking forward to getting a great travel system that will let me go straight from car to trail and keep both of us outdoors this summer once she arrives... The travel system is the only "must have" for me that I have on my baby shower list :)

[leciabiche]

I completely agree with Brandie about the travel systems as far as the carseat goes. If you're really wanting to consolidate, just get a convertible carseat instead. The vast majority of the time, your baby will outgrow the infant carseat before they're six months old, and by law, you shouldn't switch your baby to a front facing carseat til they're at least a year, and at least 20 pounds...meaning you'll have to get a convertible carseat anyways. And I had the same situation where my little boy was so heavy, it was easier to just leave the carseat in the car and carry him in with me when I went somewhere. I do recommend having a stroller that you like and that's comfortable. For me, it was one of the only ways I could really motivate myself to do anything remotely like working out was by sticking him in the stroller and going for a walk. And if you're breastfeeding, the Boppy pillow was a lifesaver for us. The rest of the advice here is good...most stuff you can get used (as long as you research for recalls), just make sure you get the carseat new.

Good luck and congratulations!!!

[CarolinaGirl]

As a new mom, here are the things that have been indispensable for me, my husband and my little guy:

1. A sling that my husband likes. We got a very inexpensive sling from Huggabug Slings (nj7227 on EBay). Hubby picked out something he'd be okay wearing and because we're close in measurements, I can use it too. They run about $20 and include free shipping. We do have a large stroller, but I got it used for ridiculously cheap, and I think we've used it about 2 or 3 times. It's just easier to put our little guy in the sling instead of schlepping out the stroller and the carseat.

2. A diaperbag that will be used for something else down the road. Our choice was a first responder bag from Tactical Tailor (http://www.tacticaltailor.com/). Tac Tailor makes gear that survives a beating for military use, so this is a diaper bag that's built to last. It has a ton of pockets and places to stash stuff, and my husband can use it down the road for out in the field.

3. A boppy pillow. You can use it for its intended use for nursing, but you can do a lot more with it. We use it for tummy time, stare out the window time, and when our little guy is fussy, we lay him on his side in it and he falls asleep. We also use it for flying when we go home to Gramma's.

4. Dr. Bronner's soap. We use Dr. Bronner soaps for bathing, to make wipe solution for our cloth wipes, and to put in foaming soap dispensers for handwashing and hairwashing for little guy. A large bottle runs about $15 at Target and goes a long way because its concentrated. It's also very mild and much safer on the skin for cleaning than a lot of other baby products.

5. A cloth diaper service or cloth diapers. Depending on where you live, a cloth diaper service might be a good option. For us, we pay $70 a month for 100 diapers a week that we don't have to wash. Some places will also rent you diaper covers, but you can make or buy them used off of Ebay. When compared to how much disposibles run, you can't beat the price. And if you want to just do cloth diapers without the service, some services will sell their used cloth diapers for cheaper than new.

6. Cloth wipes. Again, you can't beat the cheapness factor. For $10 for 2 yards of microfleece, I have 96 reusable wipes. We cut them to fit inside of a regular wipes box and use an olive oil and Dr. Bronner soap solution. Because they are so thick, one wipe will clean even the messiest butt, and once we're done with it, we just throw them in a lidded cat litter pail and wash once a week.

7. Speakers for my phone (or for an MP3 player). I have a Sony Walkman phone that can play music through portable speakers. I loaded it with music that my son likes (big band, swing, classical, They Might Be Giants, and other goodies) as well as recordings of Gramma and Grampa reading him stories. During car trips, I put on the speakers so he can listen to music or stories and that keeps him happy. Not a necessity, but it's nice for visits or car trips or when you're at the park and the crankies happen.

While we weren't in the same boat of just starting off with a new marriage , we both were just blown away by the sheer amount of stuff a baby needs, how much it would cost and how to make our beliefs in keeping things greener (reusing, repurposing, reducing, recycling) carry through to having our baby.

We also wrote a "manifesto" letter to our loved ones, and surprisingly, they listened: http://thatrichardsonfamily.blogspot.com/2008/11/open-letter-to-our-loved-ones.html This got people thinking of how they could get us stuff we really needed that was practical, and it worked. We got things that we really could use, as opposed to a lot of impractical weird crap that we didn't want. (We did get some stuff that was just useless, so that went on Craigslist or Ebay, and was turned into usable cash!) Being specific in your needs can really help derail getting a lot of useless crap at your showers.

We also bought a lot of stuff off of Craigslist and the resale shops. It's amazing what you can find. Our little guy has a ton of stylin' major label clothes that came in a garbage bag full for $15 :)

As always, YMMV, and what matters most to you will affect what you think is important to have for your kiddo.

Best of luck!

[queenkai]

I have a total of 5 kids and we had a small house when the last one was born so we got things that would fold or do double duty. We had a high chair that was convertable and folded to slide behind our freezer. the convertable crib is a good idea. You can use Craigslist and Freecycle but you need to know that what you get is second hand and you can look up if something is on the recall list. I got a lot of items at a wonderful consignment shop and they were almost new. Don't get diaper genie, to many receiving blankets (used as burp cloths) find a piece of furniture that can do double duty as changing table and storage. My friend made a great changing station in a closet with very minimal expense. There is also a great baby tub that also folds that you can just hang in the shower when not in use. If you look on several sites and compare you will find a lot of useful items and no you don't need a lot to have a healty and happy baby. Also don't buy the travel storoller with the baby set, it last only a few months then you have to put them in a regular car seat. You can put an infant in a regular car seat just have to have the infant insert. If you want the cute car seat, try to get one from someone whos child just grew out of it trust me it lasted for less thatn 6 months with us and believe me she was heavy at about 4 months.

[petbadkarmap]

hey i just wanted to see if i might be helpful? i had my son at 18 so money was waaay tight. we did end up buying a travel system used but only becuase it was less than a year old. we got it from a grandmother who had used it twice. i also bought a crib but my son eneded up sleeping in a pack n play til he was two. my son was also 9lb 7 oz so the slings were just too hard on my back so i was glad to have the stroller to clip the carseat into. like others have said my swing was a life saver and the little high chair that clipped to the table chair was perfect.

i also didnt use recieving blankets excet as a burp cloth. my son was spitty so we just wore a bib 24/7 over his jammies lol.

hope this helps a little :)

[c_helwig89]

$280 and an extra base $70)


What travel system did you get?! Ours is Graco and it was $160 and if we wanted an extra base it would have cost $35!

I love my highchair that goes right on the chair- I take it into restaurants now because she can sit up, just not straight up yet, and ours reclines.

I got all of our baby gear at my shower, but the things I used right when she was born are her boppy bouncy seat (she wouldn't sleep in her bassinet the first couple weeks, so this was a lifesaver) ... and really that's about it, lol! She didn't like her swing until she could hold her head up, and is just now (at 3 months) liking her high chair. We have an exersaucer that we put her in sometimes but she gets mad after about 10 minutes. So if you think you'll have the money later, just wait on that stuff. Oh and we have a johnny jump up, which she can deal with for about 10 minutes right now lol

One thing though... I read everywhere where people were like, "Only get 10 outfits blah blah blah..." and I was like, "Ya, but I'm going to change her when she spits up and we only do laundry like every week and a half or two weeks..." I have sooo much clothes she didn't wear, and I didn't realise that she wasn't wearing them until I was packing up her 0-3 month clothes, so I agree with whoever said to buy them in bigger sizes!

I agree about the swaddlerz things. My daughter hated having her arms swaddled. My grandma got us one and we didn't even use it once.

As for the car seats, we got a travel system and an extra convertible car seat that works until she's 3. Right now we just switch the infant seat around because she couldn't hold her head up well enough until like 2 months. I should put the convertible seat in my car now but I'm lazy lol.

Something to consider with car seats... would it be easier (like in our situation, because my fiance is 6"2' and has a car with a tiny back seat) to have a base in his car so it he doesn't have to get in all the way to buckle it?

[sarahcarlisle61]

Hey all,
I am new here - 8wks along with our first after 4 months of marriage --whoops! :) We're straight out of college with basically no money to speak of, and we're planning on holding off on number 2 for a few years, so for the sake of our sanity in our tiny house or (hopefully!) graduate school apartment in the future, I'm trying to figure out what I actually NEED to purchase for baby gear and what is extra. I'm also trying to think of things that are double-duty or that will be usable from infant to toddler years.

I'm already thinking of things like a travel-system style stroller that comes with the car seat, a convertible crib/toddler bed... maybe the type of high chair that attaches to a chair rather than being free-standing? We took a trip through Babies R Us the other day and it was pretty overwhelming. Normally I would have already researched all the things I want, but as this is so unexpected, and both our moms are older (their youngest are 16 and 17 so fuzzy/outdated memories of their own baby gear), I really don't know what I should be looking for.

Oh, and recommendations of good reliable sturdy brand-names to look for would be awesome as well. Thanks so much!


Hello friend.I have suggestion for you.There are many brands of travel systems and buggies.It is confusing to select best brand buggy.I recommend you to have Hauck baby buggy or a Hauck travel system.I have Hauck baby buggy for my baby which I bought from www.icoobaby.co.uk .I suggest you to visit them and grab it.

[JustJack]

Breastfeed! It saves loads of money. No bottles, formula, less Dr visits, helps you lose weight, ect ect.

[littlevolcano]

We went with a convertible car seat for my daughter when she was born. It saved us a ton of money since we didn't have to buy several different car seats for both my car and my husbands. Now that we are expecting baby number 2, we are planning on getting the same type of car seat since the weight ranges from 5 pounds up to about 40 or 50 on most models.

[Bec caV]

I gotta say.... go with a convertible car seat! I wish I had now. We got a travel system... however, only once put the infant carrier in the stroller. Maybe it was because he was a winter baby, but we use the infant carrier, we use the stroller, but never together :/ Now we're thinking about getting a convertible car seat because he's getting too big for the infant seat (I don't even take out the infant carrier from the car unless he's asleep in it). I think I would have saved money in the long run by not doing the travel system.

Other words of advise.
Skip on all the cute little outfits. Maybe get a couple but most babies like to spit up on that cute little outfit as soon as you put it on, but the basic t shirt and pants they'll wear all day with no messes :p And it's garage sale season! Most newborn/0-3 months clothes are worn so briefly (if at all), they're like new.

Bathtubs... most are a waste of money (kitchen sink works fine). If you do want to get an infant bath tub, I recommend paying a few extra dollars more for the Eurobath (sometimes called Primo, that's the company that sells it). Those cute little infant baths last only a couple of months then your stuck needing something else. The Eurobath (I love mine!) is big but.... one side is molded to support infants from 0 to 6months, the other side can last up to 24 months (so they say). You might want to get what they call a bath sponge... it's not for cleaning baby, but you can put it in their tub so they don't slide around too much. But the Eurobath (I think it was about $25) has little arm rests and a butt rest to keep them from sliding and an inclined back rest all for the 0 to 3 months side. Baby stays put, trust me!

You do not need a changing table, but convertible cribs are nice! They are a little more expensive sometimes but most convert into at least a toddler bed.

A swing is essential. I've never met a baby who didn't like a swing. Bouncy seats are good too.

A playmat/play gym is nice.

High chairs are a funny thing. I would say the space saving ones that fit over regular chairs are probably best (I have a regular high chair) especially if you don't have a lot of room. It can also go to restaurants with you (I don't like the restaurant high chairs for a number of reasons). I DON'T recommend a Bumbo. It's not that they're bad... but they just don't seem worth the price. If you do get a Bumbo, get a used one. But you want to be careful with those and I don't think they are a good alternative to a high chair. They are too low to the ground and it's not safe to put it in a regular chair and I would be nervous about setting ON a table. I have one, but honestly don't use it much. It's nice for when I'm getting his bath ready, he can sit in the bathroom and watch me, and I scoot it up to his playgym so he can sit and play with his toys rather than doing it lying down... but he's now sitting on his own unassisted so it's usefulness is waning even more (was nice for Memorial Day, though, at our neighborhood picnic. He and I just sat in the grass and I fed him his sweet potatoes while he was in the Bumbo)

Infants do not need toys. However, around 3 months they do. My son's favorite toy is his linkables.... don't fall for the big expensive toys. Slamming his links on the floor will keep him entertained for hours.
I think the toy companies get you with the whole helps them learn thing. Doesn't help much if the baby has no interest in it. Garage sales are another good place to get toys, get simple toys in bright colors (babies have a hard time seeing pastels for the first couple of months, primary colors are the first colors they see) and basic shapes that make noise.
They also won't be any smarter (or any more interested in) from classical music. Anything with a repetitive beat is fun for a baby (my son likes house music, techno, or industrial music). No need to buy special CDs for the baby, my son listens to the music we like :)

Burp cloths are a waste in my opinion, receiving blankets are better because they are bigger. They also are better for peek a boo. Besides the links, my son's other favorite toys is a receiving blanket. I fold the receiving blanket in half and throw it over my shoulder when burping him so no matter where he decides that spit up is going, I'm covered.

Cloth diapers.... disposable VS cloth really is an up front VS long term investment. Cloth are more at first but let everyone know you're going with cloth and when they buy baby gifts they can buy a pack or two of cloth and you won't have much of your own money to invest. It's easier to wash cloth than buy disposables when money is particularly tight. Plus if you have another baby, you still have the cloth diapers and don't have to reinvest.

Though that brings to mind... every one will ask you what they can get you (even if you have a baby shower). Tell everyone to get you the same things... blankets/burp cloths (I know I said burp cloths were a waist) because you can never have too many of those, diapers... no matter if you go disposable or cloth, suggest getting you diapers so you have a supply, and of course baby wipes. Everyone wants to buy cute little outfits for the baby, but that's not what the baby needs. My family sent me tons of diapers, receiving blankets, bibs, hand me downs, and what not that were a lot more useful than toys or cute outfits. They are also the things you find you need and run out and buy after the baby comes and end up the most costly part of it all (harder to find at garage sales and what not).
If you have a baby shower, put the big expensive items on the gift registry. Kind of sounds funny but people will often pool up money and buy the big items rather than the little items. The little ones (blankets, bottles) get thrown in as extras when the shower comes around because they aren't too expensive and most mothers know... you can never have enough_____ (fill in blank with almost any thing like bottle or blankets :) ) but it's the big items that most people want to buy.
Also put on the registry that you are open to gift cards, those are so handy when you don't get something you really needed or find out you need something that you didn't think of for the registry.

As someone else mentioned... breastfeeding is the best way to go when you want to save money also best for the baby. I breastfeed and it has been wonderful to not have to buy formula. Formula has an expiration date also so it's not something you can stock up on too far in advance. There's no running out of food for the baby and wondering what to do at 3 am when he is crying and hungry and we've only got a couple of bucks until payday.
However, you would certainly want to look into (the evil contraption they call... ) a breast pump. Especially if your working/in school. But even if you don't, it's worth while. I pump for when we go out so I don't have to cram myself into the backseat of my car and don't have prudish midwestern women commenting about me breastfeeding in public (though I still do it, I try to be prepared, but heck, I will throw a blanket over me and breastfeed in public) or if he's going to be babysat. Also when he started solids I needed it for his cereal. Also, daddy likes feeding baby too :) Pumps are in all price ranges, but trust me, the expensive ones are worth. I have a Medela (I think I spelled that wrong) and it's not cheap (my cousin sent it to me, she wasn't using it any more) but I have heard from other breast feeding moms it's a lot better than a hand pump (it's an electric one) or a cheap brand.

There are a lot of things that you have to look at your lifestyle and decide if it's necessary. I had to have a stroller... and a good one (we went with Graco, I really like that brand of products. Not too expensive but really well made) not a cheap 'umbrella' stroller (the kind that fold up really small are called umbrella strollers) because I walk a lot. We have one car and my husband takes that to go to work so my stay at home momness won't actually stay in the house, we go out a lot. We live in the city so there are stores nearby we go to so I need the little storage basket and a comfortable seat for the baby and the cup holders... I joked about the cup holders when we got it, but I use them a lot! I always have water or something with me. The umbrella strollers don't have good back support, they're good for quick little trips with older babies (like over a year) but if you spend a lot of time out and about, you need a good stroller.
However, if you aren't going to walk a lot, you don't need a good stroller. We've recently found that munchkin likes shopping if he's in his stroller (facing forward) but hates it if I put him in the cart (facing backwards). He wants to see where he's going not where he's been.
Though I said changing tables are useless, I do have one and I do use it (it's attached to the crib, the crib is convertible, the changing table will become a night stand when the bed converts to a full size, adult bed). I would never buy a changing table though. Most of the time the floor is the best place to change a baby. Some baby furniture manufacturers even make dressers that have changing table features in them that can be removed later (convertible!) but most of the time, a changing pad on the floor is the easiest (and safest) way to do it. But... it's a lifestyle choice. Do you want to change on the floor or do you not want to get down and get back up? If you don't want to get down on the floor then you want a changing table. I still think it's useless. I don't like any furniture they can outgrow if it doesn't convert to another use.

[CPST_Jim]

If you have any questions about car seats, feel free to ask. I'm a licensed Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST) --> Car Seat Tech. I'll be happy to help you find a car seat that best fits your needs and budget, and help you learn to use it correctly 100% of the time, which in the end is the most important thing.

Jim

[grandmaD]

Hi,
One suggestion: check out the height and weight recommendations of products you are considering so that you can get the maximum use out of them.
I think it's great to have forums like this to get advice from others especially when like you said in your post that the grandmas don't always remember and besides, there have been so many improvements in baby gear since you were born.

[andie003]

I agree with all who have suggested to forgo the travel system and get a sling or carrier. I was in your shoes with my first and I had a registry with a bare minimum on it at Babies R Us. We had a cheap pack and play that he slept in for 5 months until we got a bigger place and could put up the crib, we got a 3 in 1 car seat, that at three and a half he is still using, and in place of an infant carrier we had a snugli and a stroller that completely reclined, a swing and bouncy seat are great, but if you have limited space choose the one you think you'll use more. The space saver high chair is a great idea and can be used for several years, but remember you won't need that as soon as the baby's born. Also, look into getting Medicaid, it's great when you can't afford all your medical bills. You can research that online and can find out of you fall within the income limitations for it. And don't look at all the negatives, you'll have a beautiful baby in the end no matter what. Good luck!!

[CPST_Jim]

3-in-1 Car Seats:

Cons:

Low top slots.
Forward facing weight limits are too low for the 5-point harness.
Outgrown by height long before being outgrown by weight.
VERY deceptive advertising!
Moves children into the booster seat mode before they are physically and developmentally ready.
Makes a truly awful booster seat.

Pros:

Some of them have pretty covers.

Remember, anytime you see the phrase, "It's the last/only car seat you'll ever need.", run away. FAST!

[Jill_at_StorkRadio]

So a bunch of things people already mentioned but these were kind of our guide lines:

Try to borrow and/or get hand me downs for as much as possible
Go with craig's list except for when consumer reports says no (like for a pack n play or car seat)
Breast feed and cloth diapers (can save 3-4 k in a year but a hard commitment)

Ikea crib and furniture. DO NOT buy the dressers at BRU -- they are like $400 more and worse quality. The Ikea crib also had an a minus rating in baby bargains and that was one of the highest.

Buy or go to the store and read the baby bargains book it is awesome.

No need for a whole travel system but you can get a snap n go which allows you to use the car seat as a stroller.

Hope that helps.

[bluegrassmom]

I'm trying to buy the bare minimum and spend the least amount of money too. Thankfully, most of the big baby items were given, passed down, or lent to us. I always buy my daughter's clothes at garages sales, used clothing stores, or on clearance so that saves money. I thought I was being pretty smart with a crib that turns into a toddler bed than turns into a regular bed, but realized later that I can only use the toddler bed with my youngest because otherwise I'll have 2 kids that need the crib at once. I also got a space saver high chair. My SIL told me not to get one because I would want a high chair that reclined. For the record, I didn't really use the reclining option much anyways and besides, the space savers are just as nice as regular high chairs and most recline. Mine also converts to a booster seat but there again I have the same issue as the crib so that wasn't a money saver. i didn't get a travel system. My in-laws got me an all-terrain stroller because we live out in the country and that doesn't come with the carseat. Which was fine because it fully reclines so I was able to use it from day one.

[bookworm1536]

Do you know if the Hauck buggy travel system can be delivered to the U.S.? I really like this set, however I haven't been able to find a site that will deliver here.

[kikikiwi18]

Congrats!!! I agree..ebay and craigslist are great starting points. As for cribs, for sure get a convertible. It will maximize the money you spent for a longer time. I also think you should consider the Graco snugride32 as it allows your baby to fit in it up to 32lbs. most babies outgrow their infant carriers before 12 months of age. However, you may want to look into convertible car seats, they last MUCH longer. Here is a helpful article for you to read about the differences. http://www.allreviews.com/car-seats/2010/01/09/is-a-convertible-car-seat-the-best-choice-for-your-infant/ Good luck!