Having a Baby? Decoding What You Can't Live Without

Have you ever looked in the product section in a parenting magazine? Been to a baby shower? Walked past the Baby section in Target? Surfed the web for products designed to make a parent's life easier? Did you get dizzy? Well, when your equilibrium returns, begin reading. This experienced mom will give you the low down on what you can't without when your little bundle of joy arrives. This list is not comprehensive. These are just some suggestions on things that you should get that you may have overlooked for various reasons when purchasing for your baby.

What you need....
Bouncer
Do you ever want to take a shower again? If so, please get a bouncer seat. Those first few weeks it seems like all you do is hold the baby. Finally, the baby is asleep for more than 10 minutes. You put the baby down. Just when you turn the water on in the shower, the baby begins screaming. Foiled again. This can be easily solved with a bouncer. Simply bring the bouncer into the bathroom with you and take a shower. Sing to your baby as you shower. The baby will love the vibration, the activity, and the running water will soothe him or her. Some people like to use the infant car seat as a substitute, but nothing can double for a soother/activity center like a bouncer can.
Suggestion: Fisher Price Ocean Aquarium Bouncer; $44.99

Baby monitor
Baby monitors are helpful in many situations. Some people say that you don't need one if you live in an apartment, but there is value even then. A baby monitor does give you a little freedom. If you are in the kitchen, running the dishwasher and cleaning or cooking, the baby may be hard to hear. Having a monitor on will allow you to hear the baby. One of the most overlooked uses of a baby monitor is like an intercom. If you are in the nursery with the baby and need you need help, using the monitor without having to yell is perfect. Simply talk in a normal voice, (or whisper directly into the baby monitor if the baby is sleeping) and you will likely get someone's attention.
Suggestion: Digital Multi-Room Monitor By Summer Infant; $69.99 (This can monitor two different rooms at once. Great for those that have more than one child.)

Cotton thermal blankets
Most receiving blankets are too small to last very long. Babies grow fast. Cotton thermal blankets are good for swaddling a baby well past the first few weeks. They are large enough to use after those first few growth spurts. The waffle nature of the blanket allows it to have some stretch to it. This really helps when you are trying to get a swaddle tight.
Suggestion: Koala Kids Cotton Thermal Blankets; $7.99

Breast Pump
You don't need this if you are not breastfeeding, but if you are it is a necessity. If you are breastfeeding, an electric model with dual capability will be most helpful, especially if you are going back to work. Don't skimp on getting a good model to save money. A good breast pump will pay for itself in both time and money many times over.
Suggestion: Medela's Pump in Style; $249

Boppy Pillow
If you are breastfeeding, the Boppy will save your tired arms during long nursing sessions. If you are not breastfeeding, the Boppy will act as a great prop for tummy time or floor time play. Your child will get hundreds of hours of use from a Boppy.

A white noise maker or CD
Babies are actually used to fairly loud sounds. In your womb, the blood rushing past creates a sound almost loud enough to rival a vacuum cleaner. A white noise maker or CD is very helpful in soothing a baby. It reminds the baby of the womb and the baby often falls fast asleep or calms. This is a must if your child is showing any signs of colic. It saves you from an awful lot of shushing.
Suggestion: Homedics Sound Spa; $29.99

Links
Links to hold rattles, toys, etc are very helpful for all sorts of outings. Get enough links, and you will be able to dangle toys down in the backseat on long car rides (just create a chain between the two handles and link toys down from it). You can also link things to the stroller, your bag, the sling, etc. Toys stay off the floor and within reach of the child.

Although this is not a comprehensive list of things you need for your baby, it will send you in the right direction on buying what you need.