What is the best things for new parents?

[meltodd69]

My Grandson will be here soon and I need to know what is the thing new parents shouldn't be without. It's been alot of years since i've even looked at baby stuff. I know things have gotten better in 20 years lol. So many new gagets lol.
What works and what doesn't? What is worth every penny? And what shouldn't I waste my money on lol.

TIA :stork

[krisharry]

Hmmm, it was different w/all of my kids, when they were infants the thing I couldn't live w/out was a bassinet which I kept downstairs which kept me from running up and down all the time, an infant swing-all 3 of my boys loved to swing, the exersaucer was useful(like a walker w/out wheels) easy to use infant car seat, lots of sleeper jammies I used. I guess that's my can't live w/out list-didn't really use the playpen, bouncy seat, etc. too much.

[evrita]

Sleep LMAO sorry couldnt resist.

[ssgjeg]

The thing I liked getting the most was diapers and formula. With my last one I was so stocked up on diapers I didn't have to buy any until she was almost 3 months old. Helped alot because diapers have gotten so expensive.

I liked my baby swing best with all 4 of them but my last one had an open top swing that I liked the best. No banging the baby's head getting them in and out of the swing. My oldest liked his walker best. Totally skipped crawling. He'd scream if you took him out of that thing.

I wanted to try the snugli with my last one but they were really expensive then. I also wanted one of them seats that vibrate but couldn't afford that either.

[Anniston]

TV baby monitors have gone way down in price. They are an awesome thing. The exersaucer is a great recomendation, if you go for that, get one that has the wheel option. The one they bouce up and down on gets old, per the noise, fast.

[freeby4me]

Definately the baby swing for me. I love the idea of the one with open top though.
But for practical, diapers.

[JKATHERINE]

They don't make many (if any) exersaucers with the wheels anymore because they are unsafe and "walking" prematurely isn't good for babies' legs.

I couldn't live without my baby swing (it was a Fisher Price Ocean Wonders Aquarium (http://www.fisher-price.com/fp.aspx?st=2001&e=detail&site=us&pid=32833&selcat=bgsw) one that folded up so I could bring it anywhere).

I couldn't live without my Podee bottles (http://www.podee.com/). They allow the baby to feed itself so that you can get other things done, help other children, drive, etc.

Last but not least...my BabyBroidery bibs (http://www.bigbigforums.com/sale-trade/504794-hand-made-embroidered-personalized-bibs-sale.html)! They are HUGE and very absorbent and last a long time. I have them for all three of my kiddos and have bought several for gifts as well.

[Mom2-3boys]

A bouncy seat and a baby swing. I used the swing with all 3 of my boys. My 1st son was very fussy and that swing was my saving grace many times. The bouncy seat we didn't have til the last one and I wish we had it with all 3!

[tammy77]

Infant gowns...they are great in the middle of the night for diaper changes.
Some stuff to have on hand that have been life savers for these past 6 months...diaper rash cream,teething gel,baby tylenol,mylicon drops,lots of burp cloths,diapers in different sizes,lots of wipes,teething toys/rings.
I am so glad I had baby tylenol and mylicon drops on hand.Most babies get a fever in the middle of the night.Who wants to run out to the store in the middle of the night.
If I think of anythiing else Ill let you know.

[lisarae]

I think one of the large baby bath tubs are USELESS and messy. I had one of those mesh seats that you lay baby on in the tub. They don't slide on it like a baby tub.

And lots and lots of receiving blankets. They get dirty fast, spit up, easy to change on, wrap up in, cover up with.

[buttrfli]

Diapers and formula. They are the biggest expense and its a relief not to have to buy them right off the bat.

I got my daughter a Bobby pillow when she had her baby and it was wonderful! We used it when DH kep our grand DD for a few months and it was nice to have!

[Mom2-3boys]

Infant gowns...they are great in the middle of the night for diaper changes.


Oh yeah I agree we had lots of those!

[LitWtch]

An infant/toddler medical care kit - one with a digital thermometer, nasal asperator, medicine measure spoon, clippers, and any other small overlooked item. They make really nice larger kits in a case for under $40.

A swing - who cares if it winds or is battery operated. If it swings, baby will love it. Personally I do not like the ones with the bassinet, but that is me.

Loads of diapers, wipes, A&D ointment, baby wash and lotion.

Socks, sleepers, onsies, and in this weather, an infant cover up.

a GOOD carseat.

Blankets. Bottlewarmer. Bottles and accessories.

Most of all....... grandma to help without being intrusive.

[justme23]

Hmmm, it was different w/all of my kids, when they were infants the thing I couldn't live w/out was a bassinet which I kept downstairs which kept me from running up and down all the time, an infant swing-all 3 of my boys loved to swing, the exersaucer was useful(like a walker w/out wheels) easy to use infant car seat, lots of sleeper jammies I used. I guess that's my can't live w/out list-didn't really use the playpen, bouncy seat, etc. too much.

Don't forget! If you think the baby will visit a lot you will probably want a swing and exersaucer for your house too. My Nana found these things in good working condition at garage sales for very reasonable prices.

[baragabrat]

Depending on time of year; gowns, onesies, sleepers. As everyone else says, diapers, formula and baby wipes. Crib pads (for changing diapers.) Every time I turned around it was dirty. They probably have disposable ones now.

I just bought my granddaughter-to-be a video monitor. Your grandson will need a car seat, stroller, maybe a Pack and Play, baby bottle set, lots of bibs, extra washcloths, a bath set, health and grooming set.

A baby carrier. I used one with my last kid. I could carry him around and have hands free to do other things. Very handy when i shopped.

And there are the things that you want to buy every time you're in the baby section. Stuffed animals are required. :D My son and daughter-in-law are registered at Target and Babie "R" Us. That helped me know what to buy immensely.

[baragabrat]

An infant/toddler medical care kit - one with a digital thermometer, nasal asperator, medicine measure spoon, clippers, and any other small overlooked item. They make really nice larger kits in a case for under $40.

A swing - who cares if it winds or is battery operated. If it swings, baby will love it. Personally I do not like the ones with the bassinet, but that is me.

Loads of diapers, wipes, A&D ointment, baby wash and lotion.

Socks, sleepers, onsies, and in this weather, an infant cover up.

a GOOD carseat.

Blankets. Bottlewarmer. Bottles and accessories.

Most of all....... grandma to help without being intrusive.

Good one! Unfortunately for me and fortunately for my kids with young kids of their own, I don't live close enough to butt in. I have taken a page from my mother-in-law's book and never get into their business, whether it's their marriage or raising their kids. I may have an opinion but don't try to push it on my kids.

This is their time with their kids! And I know that they are enjoying that time.

[cathych]

yes, a good carseat is something you can't be without. I loved my swing, they always seem to rock a crying baby to sleep when nothing else works. I made it a mission to get a package of diapers everytime I went to the store when I was preggers that way I had diapers for while, but you would not believe how fast they use them.

[Airbuswife]

Last but not least...my BabyBroidery bibs (http://www.bigbigforums.com/sale-trade/504794-hand-made-embroidered-personalized-bibs-sale.html)! They are HUGE and very absorbent and last a long time. I have them for all three of my kiddos and have bought several for gifts as well.

Thanks Jamie! :D i was just coming here to tell her that i didnt think she could live without my bibs or towels either, lol! :)

seriously though, i wouldnt sell them if i didnt think they were a good product.

[cathych]

do you live nearby? It is great to offer an evenings worth of babysitting time so the new parents can have time to themselves. I would say a giftcard to a nice restaurant is worth a fortune.

[JewRican]

A sling or wrap! Check out www.peppermint.com and if you think she might like a wrap let me know because I have a Moby I no longer use. H would knock out being snuggled close to me.

[baragabrat]

My Grandson will be here soon and I need to know what is the thing new parents shouldn't be without. It's been alot of years since I've even looked at baby stuff. I know things have gotten better in 20 years lol. So many new gadgets lol.
What works and what doesn't? What is worth every penny? And what shouldn't I waste my money on lol.

TIA :stork

When is your grandson due to arrive?

[tammy77]

Oh I forgot.The best value for your money would be a travel system.Its an infant car seat and stroller.The infant car seat has a base that stays in the car and the car seat snaps on the stroller.I loved it cause I dont have to worry about waking up my son to put him in his stroller.

Airbuswife I have a couple of your bibs and I love them.

[Mini]

Well I dont have a baby so dont go on my words lol But I have babysat quite a bit and the things I loved were the Swing(kids love those things!) of course diapers/wipes, formula/bottles, lots of clothes/blankets, and a bassinet. You really dont need all those gadgets save your money on most. Like a diaper changing table I guess some people find them worthwhile I believe its a waste of money. ALso a I forget what they are called but the things that the baby lays under and can reach up and smack the toys. Its good for tummy time to but you can just do that with a blanket

The bouncy seat was a waste although some kids do enjoy it I guess.

[Willow]

The Angel Care movement sensor is one thing that I'm really glad we have. We bought an exersaucer a couple of nights ago and Lucy really seems to like it. She has a swing but she doesn't really care for it all that much. She has the Ocean Wonders play mat. It's what Mini mentioned. She lays on her back and it has toys that hang down that she can play with. That's one of her favorite things.

[meltodd69]

do you live nearby? It is great to offer an evenings worth of babysitting time so the new parents can have time to themselves. I would say a giftcard to a nice restaurant is worth a fortune.

Only a couple miles away. They have plenty of babysitters lol. I think we all are going to be fighting over who gets to watch him. DS is my only child, the only grandchild for my Mom. And He is the only Grandson on his Dad's side. He was spoiled lol.

[meltodd69]

When is your grandson due to arrive?

He is due at the end of April. I can't wait lol.
DS is so excited too. He had to call me from babie's R us they went and registered. He said Sarah went to the bathroom and gave him the scanner lol. He was scanning everything with trucks and tractors. He takes the ultrasound pic with him everywhere. Shows it to anyone that will look. I'm so proud of him, he is going to be the best father and husband.

[YankeeMary]

I don't know the correct name for it but I bought this wonderful little plastic thingie that goes in the dishwasher that holds nipples and bottle rings. It was like $5 or less and it is worth a million. I also bought a bottle rack thingie that is for bottles. It is a piece of molded plastic with "prongs" that you put the bottles on upside down so the bottles could dry. These 2 things made it sooo much easier. Both for under $10 and they rock! Congrats Grandma!!!

[Renrut]

A highchair but the kind that breaks down with ages. Goes from a infant feeder to a reg high chair then turns into booster seat. Will save them money as he gets older. My nephew has one and it's just awesome.

I have number 2 neice or nephew(think pink) coming in May and i always sign my sis n law up for the baby freebies and get coupons for baby products where ever I can

On a kinda negative note. It's not always a good idea to stock up on lotions and baby washes, We've done this a couple times and both times the babies turned out to be allergic to certain products. I know with wipes, my son could only use the huggies name cause the other ones broke him out. Just something to think about.

[meltodd69]

Thanks Jamie! :D i was just coming here to tell her that i didnt think she could live without my bibs or towels either, lol! :)

seriously though, i wouldnt sell them if i didnt think they were a good product.

These are so cute. I'll look better tomorrow at work lol. I have dial-up and pics take forever to load. I'm sure you have something that will be perfect! OMG if you have a International Tractor look out lol.

Thanks everyone for all the great ideas. I haven't even thought of getting a few things for here. I do have a couple baby gates, for the dogs lol. I've made a list, with all your help, and the kids are starting to register finally. I think I'm more anxious than they are.

[April78945]

A Bumpo. My son loved it.

Also. tons and tons of over the shoulder burp cloths. lmao. I swear I went through 30 a day with each of my kids.

For the mom...seriously the one baby gift I got that has always stayed in my mind was a basket a co-woekr put together for me. It had a case of Ensure, Always pads, tylenol and a g/c for a massage.

[cathych]

everything everyone has said sounds great. If she is having showers, you can never tell how much of this stuff she will get. Why don't you just get here a gc to target or somewheres like that? There will always be stuff coming up that she will need, once they get past that newborn stage. Also, make it a point every time you go to the grocery store to pick up a pack of 0-3 months diapers. By the time the baby comes, you should have at least 5 packs to give her, which she will really love, I'm tell you.

[hotwheelstx]

I don't have any children....all my friends do. I usually make a blanket or something like that for the child. For the parent(s) I'll give gc to their favorite store, dinner out, free babysitting, manicure/pedicure. I also sign up for baby items online....freebies. They come in handy if I'm babysitting their children or need a last minute gift. I've gotten some really great freebies for gift baskets....no one is the wiser to the cost.

[baragabrat]

A highchair but the kind that breaks down with ages. Goes from a infant feeder to a reg high chair then turns into booster seat. Will save them money as he gets older. My nephew has one and it's just awesome.

I have number 2 neice or nephew(think pink) coming in May and i always sign my sis n law up for the baby freebies and get coupons for baby products where ever I can

On a kinda negative note. It's not always a good idea to stock up on lotions and baby washes, We've done this a couple times and both times the babies turned out to be allergic to certain products. I know with wipes, my son could only use the huggies name cause the other ones broke him out. Just something to think about.

As it turned out, my youngest granddaughter is allergic to all that stuff, so my lesson was learned early on when I bought some Johnson's and found Katie's skin was too sensitive.

Katie is my daughter's only child and at first she was very selective about the kind of diaper she used, etc., but after awhile, when she got to know her and her needs a bit more the pocketbook screamed, she began to buy less exspensive items as she grew.

My newest granddaughter is due April 8th. Unfortunately for us, my son and daughter-in-law live in Huntsville, AL where he is stationed so I don't know how old she will be when I meet her face-to-face. I will get to see her sooner than that though because my son got us a web cam for Christmas! :D