When you find out your pregnant, after the initial euphoria has passed, you start thinking more practically. For me, this meant putting pen to paper and figuring out what I was going to need to give this babe a reasonable quality of life. I polled some of my MOP (mothers of preschoolers) friends to get some ideas, and keep my expectations reasonable. Keep in mind this is MY list. You may not need half of this stuff or may find that this is barely enough to raise your child. Whatever, it’s a starting point.

Things I used EVERY DAY

• Lanolin – I use Lanisoh HPA Lanolin. Nothing worse than chapped nips and that stuff is like $10 a tube!
• Breast pads – I tried some washable ones, but prefer the disposable.
• Nursing tanks and bras – Target tanks are nice and long and fit well right away. Since you’ll likely be wearing one every day, get a variety of colors! Note on the bras, buy up a cup size. You’ll be much more comfortable. It’s just a number; don’t get too upset about it.
• Board books – My favorites include: The Very Hungry Caterpillar, Goodnight Moon, Guess How Much I Love You and On the Night You Were Born.
• Pacifiers – We didn’t use them right away, but later on they were helpful. Baby falls asleep better with one. Soothie brand seems to work best for her and other babies, from what I’m told.
• HALO Sleep Sacks – Newborn sizes fit for about a month, then we moved up to the 6-12 month ones. SO NICE over her PJs (or onesie if it’s hot.)
• Temp Egg – This is NOT a necessity, but I like knowing how warm her room is.
• Boppy – I got one for each room she nurses in. Get a waterproof cover and some fun covers, too! Remember to TAKE IT TO THE HOSPITAL with you!
• Diapers – We registered for Size 1, 2 and 3. The hospital gave us some Newborn sizes. We didn’t buy any diapers until she was 3.5 months old!
• Bottles – By the time baby is 1-2 months old you may want to introduce a bottle. I went with Playtex Nursers with Drop-in liners. Liners are cheap and cleanup is a snap.
• Diaper rash cream – Target’s up&up brand makes some that is maximum strength (40% zinc oxide.) Amazing.
• Wipes – I prefer the ones with no soapy/alcohol stuff added. It’s tough on her bottom.
• Swing  – I bought mine off Craigslist for half of what they cost brand new.
• Carseat/Stroller system – I bought a $5 monthly membership to Consumer Reports to find one that was safe and easy-to-use. (Did this for the crib, too.) I got the Chicco Keyfit 30 and an extra base for hubby’s car.
• Hangers – Baby clothes are tiny! Get a LOT. We hang most stuff because it just gets messy in the dresser.
• Cloth diapers – Good for burp clothes.
• Steam Clean bags – If you’re going to pump at any point, get these. Medela makes them. Wish I’d found them sooner.
• Breast milk storage bags - I like Lanisoh brand, but they are big and the first few weeks you’ll feel completely inadequate!
• Drying tray/rack – For all your bottle and pump parts. I have one at home and one at work.
• Mirror – For the car, so you can see baby.
• Baby bath tub – Though in the beginning we only sponged her off every couple of days.
• Activity playmat  – Baby used hers from about 2-4 months. Then she got grabby and practically burned out the motor by holding onto the dangling parts.
• Baby carrier – I have a few different kinds, but those that can go front to back and/or forward and rear facing are nice.
• Diaper bag – Obviously.
• Bassinet – If you plan on having baby sleep in your room, this is an awesome option. Baby will probably outgrow it around 4-6 months, if you don’t move to a crib before that.
• Glider rocker – We got one on Craigslist. LIFE SAVER for late night feedings. So comfy!
• Dimmer lamp – I have a 3-way dimmer lamp that I turn on in her room at night so it isn’t the bright overhead light.
• Freezer Meals – I know, you can’t register for it, but it might be a cool shower idea to ask people to bring a frozen meal that you can have on hand for when you get home from the hospital.

Nice to Have, but not necessary

• Baby papasan chair  – She watches TV in it. Mother of the Year!
• Pack ‘n Play –  Because we had a bassinet in our room, we don’t use this often, but it’s nice to lay her in it while we do things around the house, like make dinner.
• Carseat cover  – JJ Cole makes nice ones to keep baby warm in the winter. We didn’t use ours for long, but I felt better when she had it.
• High chair  – Probably not needed until baby is eating solid foods at 4-6 months.
• Convertible carseat  – I got one for each car, since they don’t snap into a base like the infant ones do.
• Bumbo seat and tray – Nice for the to sit and play in before sitting is a natural skill.
• Toys  – Rattles and easy-to-grab things are perfect around the 4-5 month mark.
• Baby monitor  – I got a cheap one and it works just fine. Find one that’s portable for when you visit family or travel.
• Bibs  – You won’t use them right away, except to catch small spit ups. Plastic, wipe-able ones are nice when they start to eat “real food.”
• Exersaucer  – I bought a used one at a rummage. These can be pricy!
• Moses basket
• Shopping cart cover
• Teething rings
• Medicine cabinet supplies – Electrolyte beverage, children’s acetaminophen, children’s ibuprofen, thermometers, bandages, nasal saline, gripe water, First Aid kit, etc.

Things People Bought lots of  – without me having to ask…

• Bath supplies – Wash clothes, towels, lotion, soap, etc.
• PJs and clothes (Side note: I don’t use special laundry soap for baby. I just use ALL Free and Clear on all of our clothes.)
• Blankets
• Hats

If this seems overwhelming, remember that’s what baby showers are for – and don’t forget about Craigslist, rummage sales and friends who are “done” having babies. You can save a small fortune this way. There is no need to buy everything new, that’s what bleach, soap and water are for!

What about you? Anything that you would say is a MUST HAVE or a WHO NEEDS IT kind of item?