While pregnant we did what most parents to be (the first time around) do, we collected and stockpiled baby gear. Between baby shower gifts, friends who had kids, and garage sales we accrued enough stuff to open our own baby gear store. After two years of being a parent I can tell you what we needed and didn't need at all, plus what I wish I had more of. There are even some purchases that I can look back on and go why on earth did we buy that?!? Don't panic if you bought something on my Don't Need list, every child is different so yours may be the one to like the "fruit mesh pouch".
First up is my Need List, these are items that I could not have gotten through the last two years without. Obviously I'm going to skip the duh's, like clothes and diapers, you need those (although the type of diapers is up to the parents/baby).
-A baby carrier. We got one that converts from a forward facing to outwards facing to backpack style and I swear this was the only way I got anything done when the bug was little. There are lots and lots of different styles, so take a few for a test spin if you have the chance to. While I liked ours (the brand name escapes me right now) just fine, once the bug got big it became to uncomfortable to carry him around that way. If I had to do it again I'd get one with more back support.
-A travel bed. We actually had two varieties, one was the travel bed by Eddie Bauer which was perfect for the under 6 month baby, and the Kidco PeaPod which I HIGHLY recommend. The PeaPod is big enough he can use it until he's at least 4 and it zips up which is a huge plus for a wiggly baby. The PeaPod looks like a little tent, pretty cute. Kind of expensive but well worth the price.
-One of those bouncy recliner seats. This was a life saver for when I wanted to shower or get something done and couldn't (or didn't want to) hold him. We got one that had an activity bar so there was something for him to play with.
-A bath seat. I'm not talking about an infant tub, I'm talking about a seat for the baby that hooks up to the side of the tub so they can safely sit in it with you while you shower. Mine was by Safety First and this was essential. We used it up until he was big enough to sit up in the tub by himself and I wouldn't have a heart attack every two seconds.
-Sunscreen STICK. Sunscreen is a duh for obvious reasons, but I cannot stress this enough, GET A SOLID SUNSCREEN STICK. You can apply it one handed on a wiggly screaming baby with no mess. I even taught the bug to apply it himself, he LOVES the stick. Yes they are more expensive and yes they don't last as long as a regular bottle but the fights and time it saved me was well worth it.
I'll make my Don't Need list a second post, look for it next week. What items could you not live without or would cry if you had to live without it?
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