Here is some advice on Baby items...
Before making serious investments in baby gear...see if someone will let you try it out (a friend, family member) so that you know your little one will like it. I love my Boppy,
and Fisher Price Rocking chair. (jem0622) get a carrier-I a sling & bjorn, the sling was better the first 6 weeks, after that, the bjorn is wonderful. (fairy9272) DS loves his swing the most. I can put him in it and swing him to
sleep. The baby bjorn carrier was a god send when he was a few weeks old and wanted to be held a lot. We have a special blanket that DS' aunt made for him so he will have that forever, if you know anyone who sews or quilts, that is a nice gift
idea! (kristin.g) Take advice from BTDT mommies. I've learned lots from the ivillage message boards in this area. I've found that our DS loves his swing, is very happy in his bouncy seats, really enjoys watching his Sights and
Sounds Aquarium, loves being rocked in our rocker glider and mainly loves being held. I wouldn't go overboard buying every toy on the market. Go w/ what you think your individual child will like. (mj68) Some baby items I CANNOT
do without are my swing, bouncer (exersaucer) and sling. I also love my bathtub wedge (a u- shaped piece of wire covered with a mesh or terry-cloth that goes in the big bathtub. Very convenient for before the baby can sit up and alleviates any
fear of the "big" tub because they've always bathed there. (_karen) My baby enjoyed the swing as her favorite toy. She also feel asleep easily by the mobile hanging in her crib. (toto8525) Get used baby items on
the things that don't really change alot from year to year but get new stuff were the saftey standards are constantly changing (like carseats and cribs). And if you do get used cribs and carseats you can find out if it still meets the saftey
standards by calling the company and asking questions. (heidi_hibbit) Try to get the large items used (we got our crib at a yard sale, bought the matress new, because I can't bring myself to use a used matress). Don't skimp on
the car seat. It is holding precious cargo. (ruth_73) The bouncy seat is invaluable. The Gymini really holds his attention for a long time. The swing does not really work for him. (startoestudio) If you are having a
shower, request diapers in all different sizes. You can never have enough of these daily essentials, and it is no fun buying them. Also, for clothing, buy what you need at the moment. You never know what season they are going to wear what size
of clothing. To avoid costly wastes of money, wait to purchase it until you need it. (jacobsmomee) Everyone told me that onesies were the best item to have for newborns. I disagree. I loved the sleep and play outfits with the feet in
them. They were sooo easy to dress a newborn in and they keep those little feet warm. (no socks falling off either!) All those cute little knit caps just seemed to annoy my babe. Best strange gift I got was a huge package of cloth diapers--for
burp/spit-up cloths. Mine have really gotten their use!! (bailey3)
