Top Ten Baby Products

Any new parent is definitely overwhelmed by all the baby products available these days. On the Babies' R Us registry checklist, there are over 100 categories of items to choose from. So, besides the obvious clothes, diapers, and a place to sleep, what are some of the baby products that will help you when you need help most? Here are the top ten products I (and many of my mom friends) found most useful:

1. Boppy Pillow: This is useful in so many ways. It's great to use while breastfeeding your baby. After my c-section, my boppy pillow was a lifesaver, keeping my daughter from putting pressure on my incision. It also gives your arms a rest. For moms who've delivered vaginally, these are great to sit on, especially if you've had a painful episiotomy. When baby's a bit older, you can use it for tummy time. Just prop baby's arms and chest onto the pillow. Finally, when your baby's learning to sit, put it in back of her in case she falls backwards.

2. Swaddling blanket: This helps baby feel safe and secure even when he's not in your arms. It can also help calm fussy and colicky babies.

3. Sling, wrap, or baby carrier: In the first few months, you will probably feel like it's impossible to get anything done. Your baby wants to be held all the time, and it's no surprise that he wants to be next to you all day. You represent comfort to him. So what do you do when every time you put him down he starts crying? Don't put him down! Get a sling, wrap, or baby carrier and baby will feel safe in your arms all day long. With some practice, you can even breastfeed while your baby is in the sling!

4. Travel System: You're going to buy a car seat and a stroller anyway, so why not buy them together and save money? Added benefits: If baby falls asleep in her car seat, you don't have to wake her up by taking her out of it, you just have to take the car seat out of the base and pop it into the stroller. Most travel system strollers can also be used without the car seat.

5. Baby book and baby calendar: Not only is it lots of fun to write down all of your baby's milestones, but these will also make great keepsakes for your child when he or she gets older. I love looking at the baby book and baby calendar my mom made for me when I was a baby, and I like comparing them to the ones I'm making for my daughter now!

6. Rocking chair or glider: If you have a bit of extra money in the baby budget, get one of these! Nothing beats rocking your baby to sleep in a comfy rocking chair as you stare at your little bundle of joy. It can help your baby fall asleep faster, and it's calming for both you and him.

7. Baby tub: A baby tub allows you to more safely bathe baby in the sink or adult tub. It's very hard to hold a slippery soapy baby. A baby tub helps you by holding baby more securely as you're cleaning her. A baby tub was definitely a must for me...I couldn't have washed my baby alone without it!

8. Swing: Babies love swings. The rocking motion soothes them, since it reminds them of when they were in the womb and were rocked to sleep by your walking.

9. Blanket sleeper: These are warm sacks that can be worn by your baby instead of a blanket. They're safer to use than a blanket.

10. High chair or Booster seat: If you have the room for it, get a highchair. Your baby will appreciate the view. If you're pressed for space, a booster seat is a good option. There are ones you can attach to the table as well as ones that attach to a chair. You can sit your baby down and give him little finger foods on his tray. High chairs are made for easy cleanup, which comes in handy when your baby gets to the I-wanna-feed-myself stage. And, your baby will feel good when he gets to sit down and eat in his own chair while the rest of the family eats.