Finding out that you're pregnant for the first time can be exciting and then you think about everything you have to buy. It is overwhelming. As a mother of two children ten years apart in age, it seemed like starting all over when shopping for the second child. Stores have much more to choose from than ten years ago, yet the necessities for baby hasn't changed. From my shopping experience, here is a simple check list for those must-need items for your first baby.

BABY CRIB
You simply must purchase a baby crib. The most cost-effective crib is a 3-in-1. This kind of crib grows with the baby. You can assemble it as a crib, a toddler day bed with side rails, or remove the rails when they are older. It takes some assembly, taking apart, and putting back together, but these kinds of cribs don't always need a handyman to put together. Follow the directions and even single moms can get the job done.

BASSINET
From birth until the baby is about 15 pounds, you will want to keep the baby close to you. A bassinet provides an easy alternative to a crib. Newer bassinets have wheels to move the baby from room to room with you. The bassinet is a great asset to have at night to keep the baby by your bed. When you have to get up in the middle of the night, the closer baby is to you, the better. While you're cooking in the kitchen or washing clothes in the laundry room, your baby can be in sight while your hands are free to get your housework finished.

CAR SEAT
You must have a car seat to take the baby home from the hospital. Car seats come in a variety of colors with numerous features. Most new models are equipped to grow with the child from birth up to 40 pounds. You can find many safe car seats like these for under $100. Several newer models grow with your child and can turn into toddler seats. Check around for these types, as you will want to have something that will last a long time.

HIGH CHAIR
You won't need a high chair until your baby can sit up. High chairs make feeding and clean-up easier. While your child is secured in his or her high chair and learning how to feed him or herself, you can get a few tasks around the house finished.

CHANGING TABLE
This is a multi-function furniture piece for the nursery. You can change the baby's diaper here, store diapers, wipes and blankets. You can also put the baby tub on the changing table to conveniently give your baby a bath. Having everything in one area is a necessity when you have a newborn because you're going to be tired and don't need to have to go running from room to room looking for that box of wipes where you last left it. Organization is key for new mothers and keeping your sanity when you're sleep deprived.

MUST HAVES
Here is a list of items you absolutely must have on hand before baby comes home from the hospital. The sooner you purchase these items, the less you have to worry about:

Diapers
Wipes
Receiving blankets
Bottles
Nipples
Bottle brush to clean bottles and nipples
Diaper bag
Burp cloths these are soft towels that lay on your shoulder while you burp the baby. Babies spit up a lot and these are handy for keeping your clothes clean.
Changing table
Pacifiers
Thermometer
Desitin Diaper Rash Cream I've tried many kinds of rash cream. This is the fastest working.
Vick's Baby Vapor Rub Works great when baby gets congested.

There are many baby items on the store shelves to choose from. Shopping for your baby can be overwhelming and costly. Use this checklist while shopping and you'll save yourself time and money by not purchasing useless baby stuff. Good luck shopping!

Learn more about this author, Wendy Brock.
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