First time parents should watch this DVD. The demonstrations of how to use The Five S's with your newborn are immensely helpful for reducing crying. Your local library likely has a copy.

These are way better quality and will last much longer than the SwaddleMe, but they're also more expensive. Make sure your baby likes swaddling before investing in these... and then buy at least two. My large (20lbs, 30") son still fits into his Miracle Blanket at 8 months. He also sleeps much more soundly in this than the SwaddleMe.

A 65cm exercise ball is awesome to use while pregnant, in labor, and after the baby is born. When I bounce our son on this it calms him quicker than our rocking chair or poang. It was also a relief to sit on for the first week after giving birth, when I was still sore. This is a remarkably inexpensive and nifty seating option if you have the space for it. Also makes a cool nursery toy.

We've found this to be invaluable. Our newborn often cries if we try to put him to sleep in his bassinet or papasan cradle, but he loves the bouncer. It's light and easy to move around, but has a very stable base. It's also sleek, uses no batteries, and bounces gently at the slightest movement. Parents can put this at their feet and bounce the baby while doing other tasks. A timeless product.

I have no idea why, but our son immensely enjoys laying on this. He rarely cries during diaper changes. It's a thick, sturdy pad that can be used almost anywhere.

Badger's natural sunblock has the safest rating from the Cosmetic Safety Database. It also works. It's thick and a bit chalky, but it absorbs well and provides superior protection.

I recommend making your own baby spray with Dr. Bronner's, lavender oil, tea tree oil, sunflower oil, and water. Wonderful scent, cleansing, inexpensive, natural, lasts a long time, and it can be used for all sorts of clean up tasks.