what do I buy first (sorry so long)

We got a ton of cute clothes & other things that I love from my shower but I still need almost everything on my registry so I don't know where to start.

We bought a stroller & we received an infant car seat, all the room decorations,a video monitor, high chair, swing & pac n play as shower gifts but besides that I need everything.

What will I need right away that I need to buy first? I know this is a tough one because it's so much but here are some things I think I will need, what am I missing?

bottles, cleaning brushes (do i need extra nipples?)
boppy pillow
breast pump (do i need all the pads & lotion?)
diapers (i got a few small boxes of wipes, guess I need more)
diaper lotion & all the baby care stuff
diaper pail (do they really make a difference or can I use a regular garbage pail?)

I know I will need a lot later on (bouncer, play mats, all the safety stuff for the house) but I think those can wait a little.

This list is making me want to cry, i can't believe how much stuff I need to buy.
Any suggestions on what I will need or what is a waste of $ would be a help.
Thanks

Re: what do I buy first (sorry so long)

From the list you posted, I would just get a few small bottles. You don't know what kind of bottle your baby will like so don't buy a ton of them. I didn't really use the boppy all that much but if you BF maybe you will? You could always wait and see if you think you'd use it and order it on Amazon (join amazon mom and you'll get it in under 2 days). Same with diapers, just get a small pack of newborn and maybe size 1's. Some baby's don't fit into newborn size for very long and if you need more just order from amazon or run to the store. I don't know about the breast pump since BF'ing didn't work out for me. As for the lotions I'd just get one of those starter sets and see what you use. I didn't need diaper cream for a long time so you never know. And we don't use a diaper pail, all poop diapers go outside immediately.

With DS I was WAY too much stuff and didn't end up using half of it. What I found was that it's just as easy to run out and grab stuff as you find you need it. I'd have some stuff like Mylicon and other baby meds on hand for middle of the night stuff. HTH

Re: what do I buy first (sorry so long)

I wouldn't get the pump yet. I'd see how bfing goes first and try the hospital's pump if you want.

Re: what do I buy first (sorry so long)

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Re: what do I buy first (sorry so long)

Form your list

If you plan on EBF you won't need many bottles- I think I have 2. I supplemented one feeding (the first night we got home and just used the RTF nursette they gave me in the hospital. I wouldn't get extra nipples yet either.

Boppy pillow- I didn't use it to breastfeed, but I do use it to rest the baby in AND I used it to sit on the first few days.

Breast pump (do i need all the pads & lotion?). I started using my pump around week 2. GET LANOLIN!!! The Gel pads were good to and maybe some breast pads.

I use our regular kitchen trash. I haven't had a problem yet. Once the poops gets stinkier I may go get a diaper pail.

Re: what do I buy first (sorry so long)

I'm sorry. I know just how you feel!

We bought $900 worth of stuff after my shower and I STILL need stuff (stroller, bedding, breast pump is what's left for me).

With the list you posted I can't really scratch anything off it bc it all seems necessary. You could just buy a FEW bottles. And you could also hold off on the breast pump until about 2 weeks after deliver (that's what the pediatrician told me anyway). I was told it's best to try to exclusively BF the first 2 weeks at least. But I still kind of want to buy one just to have it before that just incase I need it. Then again I'm worried BF won't work (milk won't be in, etc)... so I'm tossed up with this too.

ETA: diaper pail... I didn't bother with this. But we did buy a small stainless steel garbage can from target for less than $20. I put it near where her changing pad is... so I can just throw a few diapers from throughout the day in there and then throw that bag in the regular garbage at the end of the day or midday (twice a day??). It was my cheap solution to a diaper pail.

Message edited 6/24/2011 6:58:08 PM.

Re: what do I buy first (sorry so long)

I would get bottles - I have 6 and the boppy

Don't get the breast pump yet and there really is no need for a diaper pail

Re: what do I buy first (sorry so long)

If you plan to BF, I would hold off on the pump. My plan was to hold off until I knew BFing was going to work for us, but then I found out it was covered by my insurance so I ordered it.

Like others have said, a couple of bottles is fine for the beginning.

Diaper pail is your preference - it was a necessity for me, but plenty of people just use a regular garbage can.

Check out diapers.com for diapers and bath stuff.

Boppy - again I think it's a matter of preference. I'm short and my friend told me it won't really work well for BFing because it puts the baby too high. I have one just to use to lay the baby on and prop him/her up. I doubt I'll be using it for actual BFing.

Re: what do I buy first (sorry so long)

bottles (a few like 4 - 6?), cleaning brush (yes)- do i need extra nipples? (no)

boppy pillow - Yes, I used my boppy from day 1, even when not breast feeding.

breast pump (do i need all the pads & lotion?) - I would get the pump. If DC doesn't latch on right away or you need help increasing your supply a pump might be helpful in the beginning.

diapers (i got a few small boxes of wipes, guess I need more) - yes

diaper lotion & all the baby care stuff - You can't give newborns too much medicine, and our ped said no lotions for 6 weeks, only vaseline. Just get that.

diaper pail (do they really make a difference or can I use a regular garbage pail?) - IMHO YES! If you don't get the pail, get those blue Arm & Hammer bags.

Other things, bottle warmer, boogie sucker, thermometer, burp cloths, bibs, waterproof pads for crib/bassinet,...

I hope this helps it is overwhelming in the beginning, but after a few days you'll feel like a pro!

Re: what do I buy first (sorry so long)

All the info & opinions are really helpful.
I totally forgot about a mattress/bassinet protection sheet so thank you for that. I feel a less overwhelmed just talking to you girls & reading your comments so thank you!

Re: what do I buy first (sorry so long)

Posted by Beck

All the info & opinions are really helpful.
I totally forgot about a mattress/bassinet protection sheet so thank you for that. I feel a less overwhelmed just talking to you girls & reading your comments so thank you!