[Leilani]

Hello everyone!

I am getting ready to start the nursery for my first baby. I am so excited, but I really don't know what I need. I also need thigs to put on the registry for my baby shower. Can anyone give me some advice/pointers? What do I need? What features should I look for? What *don't* I need?

This is what I have so far. Let me know what you think about these...

Obviously, a crib.
Looking for a dresser/changing table. I have heard that getting one that has a side table attached is better.
Bedding
Drapes/curtains
Diaper genie - maybe not after reading the products not worth the money

Do I need a bassinet? Swing?

There's so much stuff out there that I don't know what to get!

Thanks!

[FamilyShorty]

Crib - yes

Looking for a dresser/changing table. I have heard that getting one that has a side table attached is better - I had not heard that and don't know that I agree. I just got a dresser and put a changing pad on top of it and that has worked really well and I think is a better investment because it can be used as just a dresser later. I also don't think you need changing pad covers. I use a receiving blanket on mine which is so much easier to clean up after a mess than changing an entire cover.

Bedding - yes but it isn't really a necessity that you go crazy with this. Some don't think you should have bumpers in cribs. I have one and like it. Crib skirt not required. As for sheets I only got two sets and two sheet covers. They are located in the store next to the matress pads and they are waterproof and go over the sheet and connect to the crib bars with snaps. It is much more convenient to rip that off in the middle of the night when there is an accident than it is to change the entire sheet (you will find out that is a pain!). Blankets and pillows are not needed. Receiving blankets do the trick.

Drapes/curtains - yes.

Diaper genie - maybe not after reading the products not worth the money - I love the Diaper Champ, I would recommend that instead. It works better in my opinion and also doesn't require special bags (you can use regular kitchen bags).

Do I need a bassinet? I didn't have one and it was fine. I have heard many who got them say they only used them for a couple of weeks so it doesn't sound like they are worth the money.

Swing? Yes! I would highly recommend this.

I think registering for a vibrating chair would be good as well.

Another expensive item that you won't use at first but is great later (that you might want to register for) is an exersaucer.

[dkmommy]

we used a bassinette - hadn't planned on it, but when damen came home from the hospital, he would not sleep in his crib! both the kids slept in bassinettes for the first 3 months or so - and it was nice cuz i could roll the bassinette into our room next to my side of the bed

[Leilani]

Thanks a bunch for the feedback!

[Bumblebee]

This is the list of things I would like to get for the nursery when we have a baby some day.

Crib- good quality, so it lasts for more than one baby and can be handed down

Boppy pillow, even if you aren't breastfeeding.

Changing table- or dresser that is the right size to lay a changing pad on. If a changing table, then baskets for the shelves. If a dresser, then dividers/shoe boxes for inside the drawers, to keep all the little things seperate. Diaper changing organizer: http://www.kidsurplus.com/dexbpo-01.html

Dresser- if not using one for changing table.

Linens- for the crib, pillow cases to use as changing pad covers (queen size- just slip them on and fold over, pinning optional.) Tons of large recieving blankets for wiping and wrapping etc. 2 Miracle Blankets (swaddle blankets.) Breathable crib bumpers (look on target web page)

Bouncy seat with vibration.

Glider- or rocking chair. With non rocking footstool.

Mobile- above crib and above changing table are good places.

Garbage can- with tight fitting lid. I have heard Diaper Champ is good.

Drop down closet bar- like this: http://www.shopgetorganized.com/prodetail~...o~10851~ID~.asp except metal. Lots of baby sized hangers.

Small lamp- and a table, unless dresser isn't being used for diaper changes.

Calendar- use a calendar on the wall above the changing table to record everything about babies first year. At the very beginning, it can be used to track diaper changes, bowel movements and how many feedings etc.

Those are just the things for the nursery. I would definitely suggest a travel type swing (smaller) eventually an exersaucer, Pack n' play (if you travel), A Mei Tai carrier or something similar.

http://www.theslingstation.com/meitais.html


Oh yeah, and plug covers and safety type stuff once they are crawling.