Must have for newborn to 9 months.

Maclaren makes the best deluxe umbrella fold strollers. I like the quest for an ultralight compact model, or the techno xt ($280) if you want more features like full suspension, bigger canopy, height adjust handles, but not as light or compact. The Inglesina Trip looks comparable to the Techno for the price of a Quest. Not infant seat compatible.

I would go with the safe seat if you're expecting a big baby that grows fast, otherwise the snugride is great if you expect your baby to be average size, it's a bit lighter to carry. The Graco SnugRide Pedic in Platinum is also $130 like the SafeSeat. An extra base is nice to have if you use 2 cars interchangeably, for air travel I go without the base.

For a front carrier (not a wrap like the Diddymos), this is the 5th one I've tried (Evenflo doesn't make the lightweight backpack carrier I like anymore). This is better than the baby bjorn because it has wider support for baby bottom, standard airflow fabric & lumbar support, collar comes off for washing, flips over for shade, adjusts for baby size.

these are handy and much easier to clean up messes than your car's upholstery. there are many different brands you can buy.

Nice for bare essentials diaper & food kit to hang out of the way on the side of the stroller. It's even nice to have two.

these travel changing kits are so handy

a good first sippy cup for the still nursing baby

a great toddler sippy cup for bottle weaning and beyond

a must have for cheerios and preschool

my son likes this cushy one instead of the hard plastic kind

Best shoes for 6-12 mos, roughly size 3

Great toy, easy to empty

any of the leap frog tables are great for 8 months and up

This walker looks less tippy than the fisher price one I have, it's a must have when baby starts learning to walk

We're not to this stage yet, but this one looks good with good reviews

At $150 a great train table alternative to Pottery Barn activity table ($300). Buy genuine wooden Thomas trains plus any kind of compatible wooden train track set, they will love it.

A simple, but delightful book.