There's really very little you MUST have, but shopping for baby can be very fun. Here are some of my favorite baby items:

1. My baby sling: this is probably the only baby product I can't live without. My baby has slept, traveled, vacationed, fed, and more in our sling and wrap. I've already reviewed my favorite budget padded ring sling (perfect for newborns and breastfeeding, or "nursing") and my favorite budget wrap (great for older babies and longer trips). Both are very versatile and can be used for newborns to toddlers! Soon I will review some snazzier picks, too.

2. The Co-Sleeper: Perfect for breastfeeding, or "nursing" moms, moms recovering from a c-section, or moms who just want baby nearby at night!

3. The Miracle Blanket: Get this now, BEFORE you are too exhausted to log onto your computer and read the numbers off your credit card. I got this absolute-best-really-it-is-a-miracle swaddling blanket when my baby was two months' old and I wish I had bought it earlier. She went from waking up every two hours to every four to every five to finally getting 7-8 hours of sleep. And it was a lifesaver when she was in the hospital for her heart surgery.

4. The Safer Bather: This product made bath time lots of fun...and safe, too!

5. A Portable Bed: For vacations and trips to the grandparents. I made the mistake of registering for a heavier playard. My advice: if you are planning on carting it around town or traveling with it, get a light one, like the Compass Playard.

5. The Bumbo Seat: Once baby can sit up assisted, this is a great item--especially if you need to use the bathroom when no one else is home!

6. A Portable Swing: We had a big swing and a portable one--but if I had to choose one, I would go for a portable swing, preferably one with a handle you can use to carry around the house. My baby went through a brief period when she would only fall asleep in the sling or swing...except it did not feel very brief.

7. A Glider: Mom deserves a gift, too. Get this while pregnant to have a place to rest. And this is great for breastfeeding moms, too.

8. A Car Seat: Make sure you get a highly rated, new car seat. Car seats actually have expiration dates because the plastic degrades over time! And if a car seat has been in even a minor crash, it may have damage you cannot easily detect. Graco makes a great infant seat and Britax makes one of the best convertible/toddler seats.

9. A Stroller: The frames you can use with your car seat are a great lightweight option.

10. The Sit N' Stroll: Great for carrying your convertible seat through the airport!

and much more...

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