AKICILJ

[rwrylsin]

Ok, this is one for the parents among you.

I'm trying to make a list of stuff we need to obtain prior to having a newborn in the house. I toddled along to the Baby Expo yesterday so I now have at least some idea what's out there (and have worked out for myself that a lot of it is unnecessary or grossly over-priced), but I would value your opinions on the following:

What things do you particularly recommend getting? Either as essential, or because it's so useful you wouldn't want to live without it.
What things sounded like a good idea, but were actually pretty useless?
Any particular brands to look out for (either to get, or to avoid)?
Any cheaper alternatives you'd recommend? (Aside from getting other people to give you stuff, that is ;)

If any of you have used the modern cloth nappies:
They all looked pretty much the same to me. Any features I should particularly look for?


We already have a pram, so that's decided, and I'm pretty sure which car seat I want after checking the last safety test results.

You can assume that all responses will be read as your personal experience and my mileage may vary, so feel free to say what you like without caveats. Also feel free to e-mail if you don't want to comment publicly (there should be a link on my profile page somewhere).

Comments

[mireille21.livejournal.com]

PS. I bought new cots for both kids and have co-slept with both. When first assembled I only put one side on, with the cot in the raised position the mattress was at the same height as my bed so it was effectively sidecarred. Then I put both sides on when J was more mobile, and finally lose the sides altoegther when it converts into a toddler bed. I didn't bother with a bassinette, or co-sleeper or other stuff as I wanted to keep it as simple and cost effective as possible. I find a lot of those single purpose products are a waste of money.

[rwrylsin.livejournal.com]

Cool, that sounds pretty much like what I was hoping to do. Good to know it's possible.