must have = 2 or 3 Ultimate crib sheets, Itzbeen timer, wall mobile for changing table, water proof lap pads

don’t need = Bumbo, special tummy time mat

Second – these “essential” items are so, so different for each child.

For example – I could not have lived without my diaper genie – even though some think it’s a waste – I have NEVER smelled nasty diapers in our house.

I also could not live without my boppy. My child was nearly a year and a half before he stopped napping in his. He LOVED his boppy.

I definitely could have lived without the bottle warmer and the baby tub.

Also – in our case – too many diapers up front were bad for us since our son could only use one brand – we had a bunch of other brands that were unused. (Given to charity though!)

Good luck and remember – there are no right or wrong answers as to what is essential for EVERY child!

Items that were essential from the beginning:
Bobby pillow
Moby wrap
breast pads (get the thick ones)
Washcloths and cloth diapers for messes

My little guy grew out of the swaddling phase within the first month, so I loved using the swaddling blankets, but didn’t get as much use out of them.

Now that he’s a bit older, he loves the swing and bouncey seats. I’m glad I didn’t get rid of them. He loves the Lamaze color block toys.

Good luck!!

Boppy pillow, Side-to-side swing, remote controlled crib mobile, matress protector for YOUR bed = Heaven

If you are like me, this will probably fall on deaf ears but buying the matching crib set was also a waste…The cute blanket/quilt that comes with the set is not recommended for baies when they are tiny and by the time they are big enough to use it, it’s too small! Some people take the blanket and hang it above the crib like a picture…I planned to do this but never did.

If had to do that over, I would have bought several different fitted crib sheets with cool designs that match the wall color in the nursery and a solid color bumper…you are gonna have to wash the bedding so much that if you just have one matching set, it will be faded and falling apart in no time. I kid you not, there were times when I had to wash the bedding 3 times a day for leaky diapers or projectile spit up (see matress protector for your bed).

Another must have – “On Becoming Baby Wise” book. I used the schedule recommended in this book from day one and my kids were sleeping through the night by 6wks, 8wks & 6wks.

Wished I never bought – Diaper genie – it’s a waste of money. It never worked right for us & I just ended up using target bags, much easier to work with & they are essentially free.
– Wipes warmer – I never understood why this was necessary.

I know there are many more things that are waste of $ but those are the two that come to mind. Granted it has been several years since I have needed this stuff so I am sure there are plenty of other unnecessary things out there.