Bringing home baby can mean bringing home tons of new stuff. Between baby showers and walking the store aisles squealing over the cuteness, it's easy to get carried away.
But what do you really need to take care of that new little human? How can something so small come with so much stuff? The truth is, he or she doesn't have to.
Aside from lots of love and the obvious basics - diapers, wipes, blankets and baby clothes - a few mommy experts contributed to a list of must-have items. You will, no doubt, need more than these few favorites, but maybe this list will help keep your registry on track.
Storage
Yes, you don't need a lot of new stuff. However, as your baby grows, he or she will need more and more. Start with plenty of storage to stay organized. Instead of buying a changing table, try using a short dresser or chest of drawers as your base. This gives you one less piece of furniture to fit and provides plenty of drawer space for all those new outfits. Consider using the top drawer for diapers, wipes, etc.
Local couple Brooks and Kris Crawford purchased a dresser at the River City Habitat for Humanity Re-Store in Jefferson City. "Brooks painted it cute, and we put on new handles from Hobby Lobby - half off - voila!" Kris said. After adding a changing pad, the dresser doubles as a changing table for the Crawfords' youngest daughter.
A feeding pillow
A U-shaped nursing pillow is great for baby and mom, giving extra support while holding the baby during feedings. Like a Boppy, but better, the Leachco Cuddle-U nursing pillow has a strap on the slipcover, which helps this pillow perform extra duties. The strap allows you to let baby lie down without fear of wiggling out.
Jefferson City mom Tara Dampf said this was one of her favorite items. "I loved the addition of the strap. An all-around must-have in my opinion," she said. Her son slept in the pillow and later used it for tummy time.
Diapers
Of the many things new parents will learn, your baby will need diapers for a couple of years. As everyone tries to go green and be more conscientious of waste, it might be worth trying cloth diapers.
They've come a long way in recent years - no more prickly pins to worry about. Cloth diapers come in all different colors and patterns, and involve snap-in cloth inserts for reuse as well as flushable inserts for changing on the go. Velcro or snap closures help keep the diapers in place, even on active toddlers. G-diapers and BumGenius are some local favorites.
A baby wrap
"We are big fans of baby-wearing," said Whaley's West Side Pharmacy lactation consultant Renee Davis. The store carries a wide selection of "mommy and me" products - among them, baby carriers of all types.
Davis said baby-wearing is an evidence-based practice, providing health benefits for both mom and baby. And since most babies prefer to be held, using Moby wraps, Hotslings or Ergo baby carriers can give mom or dad a chance to get some work done while still soothing baby.
A few to grow on
Other favorite baby items include Boudreaux's Butt Paste, Medela breast pumps and the Blooming Bath. "It's one of the most popular items," Davis said of the soft Blooming Bath sink insert, made to set directly in the sink and keep baby comfortable during bath time.
There are countless types of baby blankets, but muslin blankets are sought after for their breathable, light and soft feel. WubbaNubs, a pacifier attached to a small plush animal, and safe, chewable mom jewelry for little teethers are some of the newer and more unique items available for bringing up baby. Many of these items and more can be found at local gift stores.