Parentpedia

What Experts Say

Even though having a tricked-out nursery isn't necessary to your baby's well-being, most of us don't mind being over-prepared parents, especially if the cute factor is high.

"It's usually a good idea to take a wait and see approach when it comes to buying or registering for a lot of extra baby gear and toys," Meagan Francis, author of "The Everything Health Guide to Postpartum Care." "The expense adds up fast, and you may find that your baby isn't so fond of certain kinds of bouncy seats or prefers music to a white noise machine."

Here's a list of things you don't need right away but might want anyway. If you can, borrow some of the items listed here to find out whether or not they're worth the investment.

Diapering

Changing table: Honestly a baby can get changed any old place -- your bed, the coffee table, or right there on the floor. But a changing table can save your back (it'll save you lots of bending over), and it's nice to have a place where all your diapering supplies live.

Diaper stacker: A diaper stacker is one of those things that's more useful in theory than in practice. These color-coordinated diaper-hiders can come in handy, but it's easier to create a diaper station in a handy basket. (Better yet -- create more than one station so you don't need to run back upstairs every time your baby needs a change.) But if you love them or think it's just what you need to tie your nursery look together, go ahead and splurge.

Diaper genie or diaper pail: Some parents swear by them. They're common items on gift registers, but you can also get them used from a friend or resale shop. If you want to save money and are using disposable diapers, an ordinary trashcan works just fine.

Bathing

Bathtub: Infant bathtubs can make parents feel more confident about washing the baby but if you don't get one, don't fret. Until his cord stump falls off, sponge baths are fine. Afterwards you can take a bath together. Just climb into the bath first (make sure it's not too hot or cold) and then have your partner hand you the baby. When you're done cleaning your baby, your partner can bundle him up while you climb out of the tub.

Towels and washcloths: Babies don't need special towels. Your own are fine as long as they're soft enough for delicate skin. Still, baby towels are pretty adorable and thin enough to wrap around with ease.

Feeding

Bottle heaters: These are nice to have but not necessary. If you're using powdered formula, just use warm water to mix it up. You can also heat a bottle by placing it in a pan of hot water (don't leave it on the stove) or running it under hot water. Some savvy moms leave a slow cooker filled with hot water on warm and use them as a make-do warmer.

Bottle sterilizers: If you have a dishwasher, your bottles are being sterilized just fine, but if you're washing by hand and have a microwave, these can be useful.

Bottle dryers: Just-washed bottles can air dry in an ordinary dish rack.

Sleeping

Bassinette: Babies don't care where they sleep, which is why some new moms simply pull out a dresser drawer and tuck the baby in. But a bassinette or Moses basket is a nice luxury to have when your little one is tiny. Afterwards you can use them to store all those extra diapers.

Baby bedding: Comforters are a no-no in newborn cribs as are pillows and stuffed animals. If you have them, tuck them around the rocking chair or fold them prettily on top of the dresser. And the dust ruffle? Pure eye candy!

Mobiles: Tiny babies are too young to be distracted by mobiles, so at the beginning, they won't be much help. If you do decide you want one but don't want to spend the money, you can always make your own. Just make sure to hang it high enough that it's out of baby's reach.

Baby monitors: These aren't necessary in small houses or if you keep baby close by, but they're nice to have eventually.

Transporting

Strollers: It may seem like having a stroller is a must-have but you can actually take some time before you buy one. For one, not all babies like them. For two, you won't be using one while you're recovering from the birth.

Baby carrier: Slings, snuglis, and wraps are a terrific help because they keep your baby close and comforted and they let you make a sandwich without putting a fussy baby down to cry. But not all babies like the same kind of slings. It's better to wait for your baby to arrive before you invest in a carrier so that you can try them out together.

Soothing and Entertaining

Baby swings: Not all babies find the motion comforting and others like some types of swings but not others. If you do buy one, keep the receipt. It may be you get a baby who sits in a swing and screams.

Bouncy chairs: Some vibrate, some play music, and others simply give you a place to prop your baby so you can take a shower. Which kind will work for you depends on your baby.

Exersaucers: You won't need one of these until baby is old enough to hold his head up.

Toys and rattles: Until your baby develops his grasp, toys won't be much use but you'll want to have some around eventually -- and sooner than you think.

Babyproofing Supplies

Babies grow quickly so it is a good idea to start the ball rolling before you think you need to:

• outlet covers
• safety locks for windows, doors, toilets and appliances
• cord shorteners for window blinds, etc.
• corner protectors