Worth the splurge
If you’re breastfeeding, get a great breast pump: These can be pricey, but if you plan to breastfeed longer than a few months, it’s worth the investment (vs. renting). You want to be comfortable (or as comfortable as you can be when the machine is pulling your boobs into a construction-cone shape), and you want to get as much “liquid gold” out as you can. Expressing milk with a pump can help you go out with your friends again, let you share feedings with your partner and other things that will help you feel like you again. Denise and Alan Fields gathered tons of research and real-mom reviews for their best-selling book Baby Bargains -- they recommend buying a NEW pump (some pump styles can collect the previous owner’s milk in the pump mechanism...ew), and their top pick is the Medela Pump In Style (available at Babies “R” Us for around $300).
Our breast pump picks can be found here.
Stroller: Every stroller has a different personality. Make sure yours fits your traveling needs. Moms often buy more than one stroller for different purposes. If you live in the city, it should be lightweight, easy to maneuver with one hand and easy to fold up and down for hopping on the train. If you’ll be strolling along dirt or gravel roads, consider a jogging stroller with lots of storage for packing up a picnic. At the beginning, you’ll probably want a stroller that your baby’s car seat can snap into (so you don’t have to wake her when you get where you’re going). Another reason to splurge? If you buy a good one, you can use it for future babies!
Check out our stroller gear guide here.
Car seat: Very few things are more important than baby being safe in the car. Baby Bargainsstates that buying a secondhand car seat is a huge no-no. It’s important to buy new so that you know the car seat hasn’t been in an accident. Also, a nice cushy car seat can make car trips easier on baby (and mom!).
Glider: You’ll spend hours, days and weeks in this chair, rocking, feeding and falling asleep. Make sure it’s comfortable!
Crib sheets: They’ll see a lot of wear and tear because you won’t be buying any bumpers or bedding (important for SIDs prevention) -- so you’ll want them to be cute and made to last. Here are some of our fave sheets!
Baby carrier: The microwave is beeping (we know you’re not making dinner from scratch!), your mother-in-law is calling to offer you her best baby advice (aka tell you why she was the most perfect mom ever), and your firstborn has just found the fun in dipping toilet paper into the dog’s water bowl (and ohhh, it sticks on the wall too!). I’m not sure we need any more reasons why you need to find an awesome baby carrier so your precious babe can snooze and be safe while your hands are free to...well, handle everything else. And make sure the carrier is comfortable for dad too! The favorite pick of the year in Baby Bargains was the pikkolo by Catbird Baby. Here’s a roundup of our faves.
Fancy nursing pillow: There are many nursing/feeding pillows on the market, and while they can make nursing positions a little easier, they aren’t a necessity. Plenty of moms use regular or couch pillows instead. Heck, we’ve seen moms walking and nursing at the same time (that’s talent!).
Crib bumper and bedding: We know that they’re fun to pick out and add character to your nursery, but the American Academy of Pediatrics states that for SIDS prevention, no bumpers or blankets should be used in the crib. Period.
Nursing cape: Breastfeeding in public can leave you feeling a little...exposed, and there are many cool-looking nursing capes on the market that make nursing on the go more stylish and convenient. However, a simple lightweight blanket will do the same job -- and doubles as a cover for baby’s legs as well!
Bottle sterilizer: It’s primitive, we know, but sterilizing your bottle parts with boiling water in a pot works just as well!
Bottle warmer: Turns out, good old-fashioned warm water from the faucet is one of the best ways to warm up a bottle to the perfect temp (and not too hot!).
Designer “burp cloths”: Cloth diapers or soft towels work fabulously for the same purpose, and let’s face it: No design looks good with baby barf on it.
Changing table: Instead, invest in a midsize dresser, a comfy changing mat and some cute shelves. This will save you in the long run, as you’ll use the dresser as baby gets older. Plus, you’ll get very good at changing diapers wherever the poop happens...and rarely will it be conveniently near your changing table.
Wipe warmer: Room temperature wipes just seem so...cold, don’t they? Keep in mind that if you’re not on top of wetting the pads frequently, the wipe warmer can dry out, causing an overheating hazard. You’re too busy to add this chore to your list. Plus, baby should get used to room temp wipes when you’re changing diapers on the go.
Bassinet: We know you had one when you were little, and they’re very cute and come with white noise machines and skirts and fuzzy animal mobiles. But they’re very expensive and only last a few months at the most. Try a travel crib or playard (many come with bassinet option) -- you’ll get more use out of those well into baby’s toddler years.
More “you don’t need it” suggestions from Bumpies:
“The diaper stacker: I can't imagine myself unpacking a diaper package just to repack them into something cuter. I think the baby will keep me busy enough..." -- lunamanzana
“The diaper genie: Why would you want to keep stinky poop sausages for a week?! Just throw the diapers in the garbage and take it out once or twice a day." -- curriekana
“Stretch mark lotion: Regular lotion works just as well to lubricate your skin. Stretch marks are created under the skin." -- Aileengust
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