by Kandee Johnson

Created on: September 23, 2007

Whether you've stood speechless in a Babies R' Us, or you've obsessed over consumer reports and reviews on line, to discover the "what-we-have-to-have-for-baby" lists...I am here to help you. Like the old lady who lived in the shoe with all her children, I have discovered some things that my shoe cannot go without, especially for my gaggle of kids ranging from 1 week to 10 years old. So get your pens ready to write up a hot little shopping list for that bundle of love and joy (that comes with "no accessories included").

The baby necessities:

1. A good baby monitor- I have practically lived with one of these near me, around me, or on me, for the last few years! You can hear if the baby is choking, coughing, or just plain breathing oddly. And if you learn the "odd" noises quickly, you can retrieve baby before he/she needs to resort to full on crying to get your attention.

2. A bouncy chair/seat- I don't know what I would've done without one of these priceless little gems. You will now be able to: take a shower (at the speed of light of course), throw together a little meal, heck you might even be able to put a little make-up on, with your little one cozied up inside a bouncy chair. It's like having a nanny there to hold baby while you do anything that requires both your hands free...like going to the bathroom! Hooray for bouncy chairs!

3. A baby swing- similar to the bouncy chair, but for some magical-motion reason, you can do quite a bit more with the swing. Baby will stay for many more minutes in the swing...allowing you to do so many things. You could finish dinner, a workout, or any other number of things that you can't find time to do. I think the ones that offer the option to swing sideways are best, since when you are rocking a little one, that is the direction they swing in.

4. A baby sling/carrier- This was one of my most used items...I was even able to pack and carry boxes all day while I moved, with my little one all snug and cozy next to me. I used my carrier practically ever single day until I was too pregnant to carry my daughter any longer. Your baby will cry less and sleep longer when being toted around. This trend of babywearing has been seen even with celebrities like Gwen Stefani and Angelina Jolie. I can't say enough about the joys of babywearing. I like the Ergo carrier which is so comfortable, it actually feels good on your back, and the Zolowear slings are stylish and functional.

5. A wipe warmer- enjoy a "cry-less" diaper change with a diaper

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