What do I REALLY need?

Back in March, Jerry and I went to a "Baby Expo" in Ft. Lauderdale with the hopes of finding everything we needed for our little bun. While we were there, we walked into the Fisher-Price booth and found a wonderful lady who showed us all of the newest products. Being a "minimalist" after growing up with my parents who saved EVERYTHING, I asked her... "If you had to choose just ONE, which of these products do I REALLY need?" There were bouncers, jumpers, exersaucers and rockers everywhere in many different shapes, styles and themes. Needless to say, she didn't give me a straight answer.

While registering in Target and Babies 'r Us, they give you this "handy" list of baby supplies that you need in order to keep your baby alive. The list had well over 100 different items on it to register for. Really? Do I need ALL of this? I am here to tell you, you don't need all of these things. Here is my list of the essential 25 items...

1. car seat

2. stroller

3. crib / mattress

4. crib sheets

5. diapers

6. wipes

7. clothes (specific types are a personal preference)

8. feeding supplies… breast pump and bottles for breastfeeding, bottles and formula for formula feeding

9. burp cloths

10. receiving blankets

11. diaper bag

12. something to put baby down in… swing, or bouncer

13. high chair (if you get one that reclines, you can use it as an infant)

14. dresser or hangers for clothes

15. baby monitor

16. toys (rattle)

17. play area for tummy time

18. pack and play

19. wash cloths

20. baby towels

21. baby soap / shampoo

22. baby nail clippers

23. thermometer

24. butt cream (destin or other)

25. the bulb sucker thingie (the give this to you in the hospital, it's important you take it with you)

That's all you need? Really? Yes. There are other items, however, that are NICE to have but are not essential. They are...

a changing table, a humidifier, a baby bath tub, a bassinet, travel swing or bouncer, a bumbo seat, a baby sling or carrier, a mobile, sun shades, a rocking chair, bottle brushes, a toy box and a nursing pillow

Things you DO NOT need include, but are not limited to...

travel wipes, diaper stackers, stroller netting and rain gear, sleep positioners, wipe warmer, pretty expensive baskets to put stuff in, special laundry detergent, diaper genies

Like I said above, other moms may consider different items more or less important than I do. I've found that baby supplies are really about what makes you and your baby comfortable. I, personally, went google eyed when I first walked into the stores to register. And yes, I cried in the stroller aisle because of all of the different choices. If you are really economical, you can combine some items. Travel system strollers include the car seat, some dressers include a changing table, a pack and play can include a bassinet and changing table and a first aid kit will combine some health items.

Yes, I didn't include a pacifier anywhere. I'm strongly against using a pacifier. I may be the only mom in America that feels this way, but I refuse to put a pacifier in my child's mouth and I don't care if people call me crazy. =)