I think about baby stuff in four buckets:
Big items: stroller, crib, car seat, etc.
Working capital: things you'll need many of in your daily operations (bottles, basic clothes, bibs, burp cloths, etc.)
Niche solutions: things you didn't know existed until you started planning for a baby (butt spatulas, sound machines, diaper trash cans)
Consumables: diapers, formula, wipes, etc.
Let's take a look at each one in a bit more detail.
Big Items
Here you'll need to do some research, talk to some friends, and commit. These are bigger purchases that you'll either make directly or have some close family or friends pick up / pitch in for you.
Sleeping: Crib and/or bassinet
Decision factors
Where will the baby be sleeping the first few months? After that?
Do you have space for a full size crib?
Do you want to ball out with the SNOO?
Recommendation: If you've got space, I'm a big fan of the three-stage convertible cribs. Pottery Barn Kids have a lot of great options. I've heard great things about the SNOO as well and it was designed by the Happiest Baby on the Block team, so big fan of that approach.
What I did: When our first daughter was born we didn't have space (living that sweet SF apartment life) so we went with a mini crib which was great because we could put it in our bedroom for the first few months, before moving her to her own room.
Transportation: Stroller and Car Seat / "travel system"
Decision factors
Budget
Storage space
Do you have a car
How much will you be flying a lot when the baby is little
Recommendation: Just buy the UPPAbaby Vista v2 and get a compatible car seat and move on. It comes with a bassinet which is really cool. It expands to fit two kids. Great aesthetics. Very nice handling. For a secondary stroller I really like Silver Cross Jet - they fold up so you can carry them on a flight and they lay close to flat for a snoozing babe.
What I did: We were living in SF at the time and didn't have a car, so we wanted a car seat that could attach with a seatbelt or a base depending on if we were in an Uber or renting a car. Went with the Nuna Pipa which worked great. Our first stroller was the Baby Jogger City Select. It was fine, but it was a tank. We had the attachments so we could clip the car seat in which was nice. Ultimately ended up switching to the Vista after our nanny complained. At that point both of our daughters were too big for the bassinet for and we shelled out like two grand in strollers. We also got the Silver Cross Jet which is awesome. Love it.
Bouncer
Working Capital
Use the registry to experiment with different brands and styles. Your baby or you will develop a preference after you start using this stuff, so try a few options then stock up.
Bottles: can you take glass to daycare?
Bibs: Cloths ones can come with waterproof inserts which are nice
Bibs for solids: once they get into solids, bucket bibs are nice
Burp cloths
Magnetic fasten infant clothes are great (but pricey)
Niche Solutions
Sleep sacks with velcro swaddles: no pride in being able to swaddle, velcro is so much easier - link
Swing pod: great for traveling (thing swing on a plane) - link
Keekaroo Peanut Changer pad: like the weight (heavy) and density (gives, but firm) - link
Butt spatula: seems odd, but so helpful to keep your hands clean - link
Diaper trashcan: I liked the foot pedal and continuous bag that pinched shut when close to keep the smell contained - link
Wipe dispenser: we didn't go with a warmer, this one was sturdy and easy - link
Consumables
Amazon Subscribe and Save is your friend.
留言