[wertygirl]

I was browsing through the baby store, and I didn't know what to get. We saved most of the essentials from when my son was a baby (e.g. high chair, bath tub, etc.), but I can't even remember what he was into at 8 months. I do remember that we bought a ton of stuff we never used, and I don't want to repeat that. On the other hand, I'm in the mood to shop. We'll get another doorway jumper, because she loves the one we took to Guatemala, but otherwise I'm lost. Are they beyond the exercise mats? Do you still use the changing table? I feel like I've never parented a baby before.

For the currently parenting...
What are your most useful/essential items? What could you do without? What is your favorite product? What couldn't you live without?

For the parents-to-be...
What do you covet? What are you planning to get/skip?

Let's hear it!

[gwenrenee007]

I would think that she will be past the baby mat and the changing table usually only go up to 25 pounds and we rarely use ours so that would be no for me too.

We love our boppy pillow and they also have those bumboo seats that is great for sitting up. Not a big item, but I LOVE the disposable changing pads they are so useful because if we get something on them then we just throw them away. Of course a good stroller and we just got a wagon and dd loves it. I would stock up on wipes and some diapers too so you don't need to go to the store all the time to get them. Also how about a monitor? We couldn't live without ours.

Happy shopping!

[CurlysGirly]

Kim you sound just like me! My son is 4.5 and I swear I forgot everything! LOL

Anyways...the changing table looks cute in her room but I've seriously used it about 5 times. The floor is easier and quicker. The Bumbo is great! Devon sat up already but we use it in place of the highchair (you can get a tray for $10 extra). We also use it in the tub to hold her in place when both kiddos are taking a bath together.

Here are two of my dirty secrets since I try so hard to be a "green" momma: Disposible bibs and these little disposible formula holder ziploc-type bags (got them at Target).

Ohhhh, how about a new diaper bag? I love mine. It is by Petunia Picklebottom. You can wear it as a backpack or a messenger bag and it has a built in changing pad that zips out. Super cute and doesn't look babyish.

Have fun shopping!!!!

[annaguat]

A nice carseat, stroller, crib, play yard, changing table, too many clothes and too many toys. Anna

[Leebert2]

Fun thread!

I can't live without my reclining high chair - both kiddies took naps in there. I love my changing table - I thought I would never use it and only bought it at the last minute and have loved it. Who knew? The baby bjorn was a lifesaver for us too. I also love the 3 section formula holders, wipes from Costco, full body changing pad, lightweight stroller, Born Free sippy cups, and kinderzeat (now called the tripp trapp) chair for my toddler. I too love my petunia picklebottom diaper bag!

I could have passed on the wipie warmer (a gift) and diaper genie (another gift).

Have fun!
Lisa

[WAmomx3]

Kim -

You know what's new from when my son was a baby? Mesh strollers - maybe I was just clueless the first time around, but a friend past her McLaren mesh umbrella stroller down to me a few months back, and I love it. Crumbs don't collect as much, and you can just hose it off when it's dirty.

[melissa41]

Our DS was 7 months when he came home 2 months agao and these are some items I LOVE!!

Ergo Carrier - hands down the best $$$ we have spent on any baby item (I did lots of research and this one got rave reviews)

Baby Einstein Videos - I had just 1 to start (Baby MacDonald) and DS loves it. I can get 20 minutes worth of "free time" (I use that phrase loosely.) I now have a few more but he can watch the same one every day.

Diaper Champ - it uses ANY bags for refills so not expensive like those with the special refills. It doesn't seal each individual diaper but I can't smell anything

My stroller - we use it every day around the neighborhood. It faces DS towards me (or away) but for now he faces me so we can talk, he can see me, etc

Exosaucer - he will play in it for 15-20 minutes at a time. It is also great for taking in the bathroom so I can shower, dress, etc

Diaper Dude Diaper Bag - it is a messenger bag with lots of great pockets and I like that I can wear it over my body...can't handle a shoulder strap constantly falling off.

3 compartment formula things - I have 4 of them and use all 4 of them

Disposable Changing Mats

BFree Sippy Cups - is real easy for little ones to suck out of...start at 6 months

Pack N Play


Things I used a little

Bumbo - He was sitting up wheh he came home but was still wobbily. Now he can crawl out of the Bumbo so not as handy anymore. I think it depends on teh development of your child

Boppy Pillow - also used when he was unstable but not for long

[ourjourneytwo]

thanks for posting this thread, I was wondering some of the same things?..