[jpchief2]

When we were waiting for our son, now 3 we did the nursery all in neutral colors and bought boy and girl clothes. I have newborn and size 1 diapers, bottles, blankets, carseat, toys, everything.
Okay, so now we are currently waiting for our second.....this time, I plan to have a bassinet, because they sleep in that for the first month anyway, some clothes to get by for awhile, and a carseat. Everything else, including getting the nursery ready can wait......unless you know what sex the baby is. We adopted domestically, so you don't know what sex the baby will be.

[devildogwife]

Originally Posted by 4everwaiting

As for us we haven't bought a thing-we didnt want to walk into a fully furnished nursery with no baby. Had we gotten the nursery all fixed up and waited for a long time it would have been very depressing and made the wating that much harder... We will buy everything when we are matched or after the baby is home.

I think its a great idea for those that know there wait will be short, but for those that don't know such as us- it would be too emotional.

Sandra

We had no idea how long our wait would be, but I also didn't want to go broke having to buy a lot of new things at once. What we did was buy items as we came across them that were a good deal. We put the stuff in our nursery, and just shut the door. The nursery was also full of my DH's deployment gear. We bought everything before we were matched, so we wouldn't necessarily associate our things with that particular match.

[kelceesmom]

Hand sanitizer so you don't have to run to the bathroom everytime you change your baby
The car seat also
Soothing cd's for sleep time (white noise)

[mumofone]

A good thermometer. We have one that reads (baby's ear) in just a few seconds.

[Fe2002]

If you haven't already, pick up the book "The Happiest Baby on the Block" by Dr.... is it "Karp"" (?)

I also second the glider/rocker and a "white noise" maker. I thought I could wait on a glider and had a miserable 2 wks.

[aclee]

mostly layette, and bedding, toys and things to make baby food with. We bought a nice carpet when we got a good deal at pottery barn. I bought my bedding set way back. I found one I loved and it was neutral. I watched and watched and when it was discontinued, I bought it all I knew that when we were placed (not matched, I had specified) I would have a shower, and I wanted to leave a lot of the big stuff for my shower. I did register once we were home study approved. I picked up a second hand swing to have in the time between getting home and my shower. It was a travel swing in case we decided we wanted to bring it with us. If your planning to use disposables, you could buy a package here and there when they are on sale. If your going to use cloth, start buying those too, or buy a sample package of different kinds. I also read a lot of reviews so I could really take my time and register or buy the stuff I really wanted. Go take travel systems for a spin around BRU. I made sure to enjoy the aspect of NOT being preggo while I did all this stuff....lol I would have a glass of wine while I sorted baby clothes sometimes.

Have fun!

[SamIAm2]

Everyone gave you some great suggestions...the only thing I have to add is a good diaper bag! Have fun shopping

[BethAF]

Did anyone say

GAS DROPS!
Bottle sterilizer
non-BPA bottles

[neaglesvm]

[quote=mom2justynsarah]I couldn't agree more! We used Walmart brand diapers which have the same exact code numbers as "Huggies.." Also, we used generic brand baby formula which was exactly the same as "Enfamil."

Originally Posted by Fran27

Just an advice for diapers - in my experience store brands are just as good as brands, and much cheaper. We used mainly size 1's right away, even though ours were preemies.

Or you could save some money and get cloth diapers

[Fran27]

You know, between the detergent, the water bill, and the time it takes to clean cloth diapers as opposed to disposable diapers... I don't think it's worth the trouble.

Just IMO.

Although I hear that you don't get blowouts with cloth diapers

[sissyminsky]

Personally, I recommend spending some time looking for those really great deals (I got six Carter's bibs and two Carter's hats today at Walmart on clearance for a total of $3). Buy some really cute things (esp. hats, socks, jammies, onseies, blankies, washcloths, towels) that make you happy, but don't overdo "outfits" for the 0-6 month old-you might be surprised how many people will buy for you).

Also think of some really practical things to get (like crib sheets or a humidifier) that will save you time in the future when spending time with the baby is what you want to do.

Put everything else you want onto a registry!!! Then you are already set for showers and if baby does arrive in a hurry you can send someone out to get the last minute items and they will still come home with what
you want. Slings, bathtubs, bottles, monitors - everyone has their own choices.

The baby bargains book was loads of fun for me the first time around because I spent lots of time on the internet researching- immersing myself in all things baby in my free time or particularly anxious moments.

I felt/feel like part of this is my way of "making it real" for me. I'm not pregnant, but preparing is part of my "entitlement." You know- I will be a parent; I need to be ready for my child.

Oh and you should of course find a fabulous diaper bag- to take with you when you finally get the call!!!

[amberl10]

These aren't absolutely necessary for the first few weeks but they were lifesavers for us, bouncer and swing. I could take a shower and bring ds in the bathroom with me and he would nap really good in the swing.

[waitingforanangel]

Oh my gosh - you are all the best!! Thank you all so much for your incredible help! We went out and had a great time shopping this weekend. I printed out your suggestions, and we basically used everyone's ideas as our list! I can't tell you all how appreciative I am of your suggestions.

I only hope that I can be as helpful to someone through the forum as well. Blessings to you all!!!

Cathy