Baby Gear: The Necessities and the Niceties

Figuring Out What You Really Need

Gearing up for baby can be an overwhelming -- and bank-breaking -- undertaking. But experienced parents know that not every item pitched as a "must-have" necessarily deserves that label.

Whether you're working with a budget or ready for a buying spree, this guide will help you figure out what to put on your list.

Let's take a tour of your home and see what you really do need to have on hand for Baby's arrival.

At-Home Necessities

A Crib

This is a big-ticket item with a big price tag. If you're tempted to get a used model or a hand-me-down, make sure the crib adheres to current safety standards.

Another necessity, if you're considering having baby bunk in your room, is a co-sleeper. The American Academy of Pediatrics discourages co-sleeping -- but with one of these handy infant beds (which securely fits against your bed), you can have Baby close by and still sleep safely.

Niceties: Cradle or bassinet.

The plus side is that a cradle or bassinet is compact and portable, but babies outgrow them very quickly (and can sleep in a crib from day one).

Bedding

It's important to use sheets specifically made for cribs, and that fit tightly and securely around the mattress. Invest in top-of-the-line sheets designed to stay tucked.

Niceties: Fancy bedding items.

Consider passing on: Matching bedding sets (bumper pads are cute but not needed for baby's comfort, plus quilts and pillows can't be used in the crib for safety reasons), mobile (a wind-up version that plays music can be a great soothe-to-sleep tool, but make sure it conforms to safety standards).

Diapering Essentials

Changing Pad

Why invest in a piece of furniture just for diaper duty? Instead, consider a sturdy changing pad with sloped sides and a safety strap. Position it on top of a regular, waist-high chest of drawers. The chest can be used until Baby goes to college; and a changing table will just be taking up space in the attic in a few years

Niceties: Changing table.

Yes, it is indeed designed for the task at hand, but is it worth the investment? If you are having more than one child, or if it converts to a dresser, then the answer may be yes. But if not -- consider spending your money on other things.

Basic Diaper Pail (And A Supply of Plastic Bags)

We all want our darlings' dirty diapers to disappear quickly and completely, hence the popularity of those fancy diaper disposal pails that whisk the evidence into coils of tightly sealed, odor-preventing plastic sheeting. But the cost of such pails and their refills can add up. Plus, when you have to open the contraption to empty it, the stench of the stored diapers can be enough to knock you off your feet. If you want a budget option, consider a simple diaper pail and a supply of plastic grocery bags. This can be emptied nightly into an outdoor trashcan.

Niceties: Super-fancy diaper pail and supplies.

Stick to the basics when it comes to diaper disposal. Other accouterments that can be skipped include: diaper stacker and diaper warmer.

In the Nursery

A Comfy Chair (for Feeding Times)

You should have a special place where you can put up your feet and relax during those countless feedings. The traditional rocking chair is a classic, and can be used for years after the baby is grown, in any room of the house. A good recliner or armchair will also do.

Niceties: A glider chair.

These are indeed nice, however they are also invariably expensive, and very nursery-specific. A special nursing pillow and footstool are additional items that you don't necessarily need.

Night Light

When you stumble out of bed for night feedings or just want to check on your baby at night, the last thing you want to do is turn on a bright light. Having a dim light that can be safely left on or used as needed is a life-saver, easing the transition between waking and sleeping for both you and baby.

Niceties: A baby monitor

If you live in a smaller home or apartment -- there may be no real need for purchasing a monitor. However, if you have a bigger house, they can be an asset for keeping tabs on your baby at night and during naps.

Baby Seat

If you're really pinching pennies, you can use an infant car seat or carrier as a perfectly safe spot for baby to sit. But most parents find that they need a more entertaining contraption as baby reaches the end of the first 6 weeks. Options range from simple bouncing seats to battery-operated swings to baby gyms and (for slightly older babies) activity centers. If you can, let your little one give the various options a test run when visiting friends with babies, then invest in the gadget he or she likes best. These items are also easy to pick up cheaply at garage sales, but make sure any model you buy has not been recalled, is in excellent repair, and meets all safety standards.

Niceties: musical swings and baby jumpers.

Although fun, you can definitely make do without these items.

In the Bathroom

A Bath Tub

Baby bathtubs are not too expensive, and help keep a squirmy infant safe at bathtime. If you're looking to save space or money, consider a tub or sink liner, a thick sponge that cushions the baby in the sink or tub. A bath thermometer is another inexpensive purchase with a big safety pay-off.

Niceties: Hooded towels and Baby Washcloths.

Although they are handy, cozy, and cute -- these items are not essential.

While Traveling with Baby

Car Seat

This is the single most important item you can purchase for your baby -- nothing will do more to protect your brand-new bundle of joy, and hospitals generally won't allow you to take the baby home without a car seat. It's best to get a new seat rather than a used one or a hand-me-down. See our print-out guide to using and choosing a car seat for tips.

Niceties: Car seat supplies.

When packing up for a road trip, you may want to bring Baby's favorite play thing or lovey, but you can pass on the following items: car-seat toys, a sunshade, and extra mirrors for parents to look at Baby (these can be distracting for drivers).

Stroller

You might want to think about skipping the elaborate carriage-style stroller, which is only used for baby's first three or four months. Instead, invest in a combo car-seat-stroller travel system instead (especially good for suburban lifestyles with lots of driving), or save up for a well-made umbrella stroller, which can be used from when the baby is able to sit on her own until she's a three or four years old. In the meantime, try to borrow a fully reclinable baby carriage (check first to make sure it hasn't been recalled) or use a front carrier or a sling to tote your newborn.

Niceties: Strollers with lots of bells and whistles.

Unless you're an avid jogger, you don't need a jogging or all-terrain stroller. And it is OK to skip the full-reclinable carriage strollers, too.

Baby Carrier

When a wheeled carrier isn't appropriate or needed, these other options come in very handy. Front carriers and slings free up your hands, are great for baby-parent bonding, and are very packable. Some models have been recalled, so check first if you are borrowing one. An infant carrier, usually a molded bucket seat lined with soft cushioning, often doubles as a car seat (see above) and/or part of a travel system. Some parents also find that babies love to sleep in their infant carriers, even at home.

Niceties: A backpack-style carrier.

Although some parents swear by this bit of gear -- you can't use it with a newborn. So add this item to your list of gear to consider when Baby is a bit older.

For More Information

Additional Resources

Before you buy, always check to find out if a product has been recalled. Recall information is available from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, (800) 638-2772; www.cpsc.gov.