Baby Products 101

So you're expecting your first child, and now you are facing the daunting task of deciding what to buy for your soon to be bundle of joy. Avoid spending hundreds (or even thousands) of dollars on baby products you don't need or will never use. Here is a mom-tested list of the top ten "must-have" items, and ten more that you should walk on by.

Must Haves

10. Washcloths - You'll want a lot of these! For the first few weeks, baby's skin is incredibly sensitive - you won't want to use wipes on that tiny hinny. You'll be changing 12 or more diapers a day, and you don't want to be doing laundry 24/7. Buy a dozen (or two!).

9. Cloth diapers - Even if you're using disposable diapers, these are a must have. Nothing is better for burping, protecting yourself during diaper changes, and general baby clean-up than cloth diapers. You'll want at least 20 of them.

8. One piece snap sleepers with feet - Babies need to be kept at a constant temperature. New parents need to simplify their lives. One piece sleepers provide a win-win option.

7. Diaper pail -- It doesn't matter much which one you buy, but you will want something to contain the poopy diapers your baby generates. (I'd advise keeping a paper in plastic bag next to the diaper pail for wet diapers - why waste the expensive liner in the diaper pail on anything other than poop?)

6. Bumbo Seat - This brilliant invention (retailing for about $40) opens a whole new world for your baby starting at 3-4 months. When your little one can support his or her head for a few minutes at a time, this perfectly formed foam seat will give them an upright view of the world. Better still, an attachable tray ($9.99) transforms the seat into a portable (and sanitary) high chair.

5. Small collapsible stroller - You are not going to want to drag a 30-pound stroller in and out of the car. If you're buying an infant car seat and base, consider buying a universal stroller frame ($30-$40). They're lightweight, collapse with one hand, and are cheap! If you're not buying an infant car seat, look for the lightest, easiest to collapse stroller you can find.

4. Large baby bag - Fashion is great, but totally impractical when it comes to a baby bag. You need something large, with several compartments that are easy to access and isolate (for those poop-stained clothes). Function above fashion is the rule on this one. Remember, when the baby is with you no one will be looking at you anyway, so what's the difference?

3. Waterproof pads - These come in all sizes, and I'd recommend you buy a few of each. As your baby grows, I guarantee there will be diaper leaks (and some all out explosions). Keep a waterproof pad under the sheet in the crib, on your bed (if baby spends time there with you) and lay one anywhere your baby naps. The first time you don't have to deal with a soiled mattress, you'll be glad you did.

2. Portable sleep station - You're not likely to want to leave your baby far from you in the first few weeks and months. Hence, a portable sleep spot is a must. If you have the space, a Pack 'n Play will give you the most use. If you don't a bassinette or Moses basket will get you through the first few months.

1. Breastpump - If you're planning to breastfeed, and want to be out of the house for any length of time without baby in tow, you'll need a good breastpump. High quality single electric pumps run about $75, and are great for the occasional pumper. If you plan to return to work, invest in a high quality breastpump, like the Medela Pump in Style. The $300 investment will pay for itself within two months - formula is expensive stuff!

Walk on by

10. Stuffed animals - Babies can't use them, and other people will buy more than enough for you. I know they're cute. Keep walking.

9. Infant shoes - Baby won't hold still long enough for you to put them on, and even if s/he did, no one will notice them under the baby blanket. Baby's not walking - you should.

8. Wipe warmer - First off, do you even have a place to plug this in? Even if you do, do you really think your baby will care if the wipe is warm or cool? And, don't forget the downside - wipe warmers dry the wipes out in a hurry. Walk away.

7. Bottle warmer -- What, exactly, is wrong with the (free) pot of warm water? Save your bucks. Walk on by.

6. Newborn outfits - At most, a newborn outfit will fit for a month. And, because they are do darned cute, everyone else will buy you one. Spend your money on clothes size 6 months or bigger. Trust me. Walk on by.

5. Baby blankets - The hospital will likely give you some. Your mother-in-law will buy you one. Your great-aunt will knit you one. Trust me, you don't need very many. Walk on by.

4. Multiple bottles - Babies can be VERY fussy about bottles. Buy one each of several brands. Don't sterilize them. Keep the receipts. Try them one at a time until you find one your baby likes. Return the rest, and buy more of "the chosen one".

3. All-in-one baby entertainment systems - Baby swings, bouncers, jumpers, excersaucers, etc. abound. Your baby won't be able to use one for months. Wait until s/he is older, try a few out, and then buy the one s/he seems to like the most. For now, walk on by.

2. Travel system - These combination infant car seat / strollers often cost upwards of $300. They also feel like they weigh 300 lbs by the time you've dragged them in and out of your trunk a few times. I know they're cute and coordinated, but trust me, you'll regret not getting something lighter. Keep walking.

1. Expensive crib bedding - Bedding sets for cribs range in price from $70 - $400. If you spend $400 on a crib set, you'll soon realize what all moms eventually do. By the time your baby is old enough to appreciate the adorable design you spent hours picking and hundreds of dollars buying, s/he'll be ready to move into a toddler bed, and all new bedding. Skip it.