 | Original Maya Wrap Sling (NOT PADDED) BRIGHT STRIPE - Medium
I would not do without a sling (even if I had to tie it out of a bedsheet). My favorite is a ring sling. Check Peppermint.com for an overview of types. AVOID the Baby Bjorn or any other carrier that dangles your baby outward facing.
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 | Robeez Infant/Toddler Kitty Slip-On
Expensive, but so worth it. They stay on, are durable, and soft soles are best for baby's feet. I have pairs that were hand-me-downs to our family, have been worn hard by two girls, tossed in the washer and dryer, and still have good life. Cheap brands do not hold up.
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 | BabyLegs Blue Bubbles Leg Warmers
My husband loves how convenient diaper changing is with these on instead of tights. I appreciate being able to keep baby's arms or legs warm without an entire wardrobe change. Plus, they're cute!
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 | The Baby Book: Everything You Need to Know About Your Baby from Birth to Age Two (Revised and Updated Edition) by William Sears
Buy new: $14.29 / Used from: $4.69 Good, general book for new parents. Avoid the "What to Expect" series and go for anything by the Sears'.
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 | The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding: Seventh Revised Edition (La Leche League International Book) by La Leche League International
Buy new: $13.00 / Used from: $7.97 The classic book for breastfeeding mothers.
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 | Bummis Super Snap Diaper Cover: Small (8.5-15 lbs).
Buy new: $10.95 There are lots of good cloth diapers. Which is best for your family is personal choice and your baby's shape. My favorites are pocket diapers, such as Fuzzi Bunz, but they aren't available on Amazon so I'm listing these great covers.
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 | Kissaluvs Fitted Cloth Diaper: Size 0 (5-16 lbs) - 3pack Girl Colors
Buy new: $37.50 |
 | Kissaluvs Terry Wipe
Buy new: $5.14 Any cloth wipe will do.
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 | Evenflo Triumph 5 Convertible Car Seat - Walnut Hills
A covertible will last from newborn through preschooler. Get a sling and carry baby as you do your errands. Those plastic baby bucket seats with the handle may come in handy, but all too often people park their babies in them for hours at a time. I check ConsumerReports.org for safety info. Choose what fits your vehicle and child best.
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 | Fisher Price Peek-A-View Auto Mirror Seahorse
I liked to be able to see the baby while rear-facing in the car.
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 | SIGN with your BABY - Baby Sign Language (ASL) Kit: Includes Book, How-to DVD, Quick Reference Guide by Joseph Garcia
Buy new: $32.97 / Used from: $26.49 Signing with our children has been helpful in so many ways. We started with this kit, though you could check out a library book or find signs online and start showing them to the baby. This gives a great overview of the how and why, so it's great if budget allows.
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 | Signing Time! Vol. 1: My First Signs DVD
Buy used from: $12.18 While I don't recommend any TV for babies, Signing Time is an excellent video series for older children. It makes learning ASL super fun and easy.
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 | Medela 100% Cotton Washable Bra Pads
Buy new: $9.25 Some mothers leak, at least at first.
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 | Medela Nursing Stool
Buy new: $23.40 Isn't necessary, but if you'll be nursing in a chair (as opposed to laying down or in a recliner) it's nice to have something to elevate your feet. This gives just the right angle.
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 | Bosom Baby Lavender Dot Nursing Pillow
Buy new: $66.95 The Boppy and Hugster never worked for me, perhaps because I'm a plus size. I just use bed pillows to prop the baby while nursing, though this is on my wish list.
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 | V-neck Nursing T, Short Sleeve
Buy new: $32.00 A couple nursing shirts are a nice luxury, especially for those early weeks when nursing in public doesn't come naturally. I like Motherwear.com tops.
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 | Majamas Pajanaman - Black
Buy new: $69.00 It's nice to be able to nurse at night without lifting up a shirt. A luxury, not a necessity.
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 | Lansinoh Lanolin for Nursing Mothers - 2 oz Tube
Buy new: $17.95 I never needed this for my nipples, but it's nice for cuts, the diaper area and lip moisturizing. I do use it to lanolinize my wool diaper covers!
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 | Basic Comfort Contoured Changing Pad by Summer Infant
Buy new: $27.45 This can be placed on a changing table, dresser or anything else to make a changing area.
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 | Safety 1st Secure Lock Bed Rail
Our babies sleep in our bed. We remove the frame so it's low and follow other safe co-sleeping recommendations (see my book lists). A bed rail is nice for a toddler who may try to move away.
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 | Luv N' Care Nuby 12 oz Mega Sipper
Buy new: $1.00 Some sippy cups are nice for babies who eat solids. They're best for travel, filled with water to protect the teeth.
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 | Guess How Much I Love You: A Baby's First Year Calendar by Candlewick Books
Buy new: $12.00 / Used from: $9.80 I enjoyed having a first year calendar to record the milestones. I just ignored some of the silly stickers and used the ones I like, such as first teeth and first steps.
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 | Dex Products Dura-Bib Stage Two (Bless This Mess)
Buy new: $6.47 When someone gave me this bib I thought was overkill. Nope. Babies really can get this messy. Bottom snaps into a pocket to catch some mess. Wipes clean.
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 | Munchkin Dora the Explorer Floating Foam Letters
Buy new: $9.99 A set of foam letters and numbers are fun in the bath and nice for starting to teach letter sounds, names and, eventually, spelling.
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 | Cuisinart DLC-10S Pro Classic 7-Cup Food Processor
Buy new: $143.99 Treat yourself to a new food processor! If you have one, it's nice for make your own baby food. But a blender, food mill or even a potato masher will also work fine.
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 | Kidco Swivel Cabinet & Drawer Lock - 2 Packs (8 Locks)
Buy new: $11.61 Cabinet locks are such a pain to install, but can keep baby safe from stuff under the sink and the knife drawer.
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