Things for a baby

Alright....since I know about 10 million that either just had a new babe or are soon to, I am going to write out my top picks or forget buying it for a baby. Things you need or should get...and the things you should skip. Now keep in mind this is all based solely on my opinion and so much has to do with what your babe likes or does not....but anyhow-for what it is worth.

My first suggestion...rather than getting burp clothes buy a pack of cloth diapers and use those. Not only are they much cheaper for the amount you get-they seem to hold more liquid (think about just how much liquid they are really meant to hold and you get the idea:))
http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2457809

Second, do not get a diaper genie. I have been in far too many places that actually stink horribly due to the diaper genie.....even though the whole claim is you get the smell away. Just have a garbage can out your back door and whenever you change a diaper...pitch it out there. Saves money, space and most importantly smell!
http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3092075

Third, do not waste your money on those "made to swaddle" swaddling blankets. They do not work better than a regular blankie folded in the triangle format-and they are so ridiculously complicated to work.
http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2265543


Fourth, one of the best things ever for a nursing mother are these things called Lily Pads. My sister in law Karen told me about them and I fell in love. They are what you want to use when you are going out in a more fitted shirt....or are wearing just a nicer outfit and you do not want the lumpy cotton pads showing through your shirt. The Lily Pads are these suction type things...( I will not go into crazy detail of how to "apply") but they seal your breast from leaking milk and make a smooth surface to your chest. I should add however....you only want to wear these for a few hours because your milk is all building up inside you-which makes you very firm and milk kinda pours out when taking them off. But, if you are aware of this they are wonderful to have on hand!
http://www.lilypadz.com/

Fifth, I heard that everyone needed a thing called My Brest Friend. A pillow that straps around you and is suppose to help with nursing. (a boppy is the same idea) I used it...and really it was not that great at all. I think the sooner you learn to nurse your babe by just holding him or her-the better. Who wants to have to tote this pillow with you everywhere...or to have 50 pillows all staked around you to nurse. It is not that hard ladies to just nurse while holding them....trust me. However, at the start almost everyone uses pillows....so just use the ones you already have-don't waste money! http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2609108

Sixth, I think everyone should have a Snugli (a cheaper version of a Baby Bjorn). They are perfect for getting stuff done around the house while still having your babe with you. I do not think you need to spend all the money to get a high end one-the Snugli worked wonderfully. However, registries are a wonderful thing and if you have loved ones that are willing to pay for them....get what you like. Also-almost every time I go to a resale shop they have a used BaBjorn...get one there!
http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2267522

Seventh, a bouncer chair. This is wonderful for when you want to have your baby with you in a room without a crib...but do not want to lay them on the floor. I used mine all the time. I would place it on the bed with me and just stare and talk with little Isabelle while she sat in it.
http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3247596

Eighth, baby mobiles are kinda overrated. I feel like we all buy them because they are cute and kinda go with the picture of what we see in a nursury...but I found that usually when you lay your babe down you want them to go to sleep-not be stimulated by this swirling thing. I would say that this one has more to do with the fact that Isabelle never really go into hers...and for that reason it seemed a waste. I am sure there are babes out there who love them.
http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2331939

Ninth, I bought a huge diaper bag....I am someone that not only loves bags..but loves huge bags. I know not all of you are like that.....however for those of you who are like that may I make a suggestion for packing your bag. I would buy one large plastic container of wipes-and keep it forever in your bag. I keep mine on its side...and when it runs low on wipes I simply refill it with the refillable wipes you can buy. This not only saves me from constantly running out of wipes...but also from needing to have little nic-nak storage things for the few wipes I bring. I also can hold about 7 diapers at a time in my bag-which is lovely.
http://www.katespade.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3138818&cp=2450627.1876038&parentPage=family

http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2738102


Tenth, I feel like changing tables are not needed. Now, again, if you have one and love it-great!! I just never got one and change my daughter on the ground or on a couch and it works perfectly. I have everything I need for a changing in my diaper bag-so I just grab that before I get to work. I found at resturants and stores (where they have changing tables) it was super tricky for me to grab stuff with one hand while holding Isabelle with my other. But again, different strokes for different folks.

Eleventh, something I did not get but wish I had. Those snuggly little coverings you place over your carseat. During cold months I would wrap Isabelle in blankets that usually would drag on the ground or constantly slip off....I wish I had something as easy as a big covering I could just zip right up around her face. Maybe with this one I will get one!
http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3125435


Twelveth, I buy (and have since Isabelle was born) green tea and cucumber baby wipes. I love the way they smell and I do not love the way "normal" baby powder scented wipes smell. They are a bit more expensive...but to me they make the changing experience more enjoyable....so if you have a little bit of splurge money I would use it on them! (sidenote: if you want to save money on wipes just get a big roll of paper towels....wet lightly and have in a zip lock bag.....use as you would a normal wipe)

Alright....that is all for now. I am sure I will think of more things-but until then...enjoy. Oh...please if you have things you love or hate (or tips) please share them!! I love to hear other people's thoughts and creativity!! Thanks.