There’s lots of “stuff” you can buy for your baby.  Some items are better than others, and some babies just like certain things better than others.  Some babies hate the bouncy seat, while some, like Kailan, wear it out and break it!

Here are some of my “gotta haves” that worked for our kids.

Robeez shoes – They are called “crib shoes” and are wonderful!  They are soft leather shoes and help keep their socks on their feet.  I hadn’t discovered them with Kailan, but they would have been so nice with my winter baby in keeping his socks on his feet.  They are spendy so Anya just had 2-3 pairs that fit at one time but they are worth it.    I tried buying some knockoffs on eBay and they were a lot lower in quality and fit terrible.

Halo Sleepsacks – These are wonderful especially for newborns in the winter.  They can’t have blankets in the crib for pretty much the first year due to the whole SIDS thing, so these are a great alternative.  I bought some on EBay for less and also Babies R Us have them, too.

Baby carriers – Well, it probably goes without saying what my thoughts are on this subject.  I wish I had known about them when Kailan was a baby since it would have made my life MUCH easier.  He wanted to be constantly held, not unlike baby girl.  I love the ability to throw them on your back so you can cook dinner.  A lifesaver for this working mom.  I do have to say that I am going to get out of the Mei Tai business shortly.  Just tired, since I have made 50 of these suckers.  The shop is still open for my friends’ baby showers, though, no worries ladies. 🙂

Boppy – This is a great item if you are nursing…I used it all the time.  It is also nice for propping them up during that time that they can’t hold themselves up yet. 

Strollers – Get the travel system (stroller has the ability to click on the infant car seat).  We used that all the time, because when they are really young you don’t want to wake them when you are moving them from the car to the stroller.  If you have to ever get a double stroller, just be warned that they are beasts.  We actually just use their little Radio Flyer wagon most of the time.  It is much easier to navigate, and it has a bonus with straps to keep them in and drink holders.  Wagons have come a long way, baby!

General Stuff – Bouncy seat, swing, jumper, exersaucer, rocker…all nice things to have.  Some kids don’t take to them, though, so don’t feel the need to get everything.  Don’t get a Papasan bouncy – they are cute and look comfy but the baby will outgrow it in about a month.

Here are a few good websites that I have found:

One Step Ahead – This place has so much stuff you didn’t realize that you absolutely had to have!

Kids Surplus – This place has toys and clothes that have been discounted due to closeouts, etc.  Good prices on good brands.

1-800-Diapers – This is a good place to buy diapers at a discount.  We actually bought ours at Costco, using their brand of diapers and the cost was about the same.  If you have a membership at Costco, try their diapers since they work and are a bit cheaper.

Pacifier – These clothes are just cool and the prices aren’t too bad.  They actually have a retail store in Minneapolis, too.

Psycho Baby – Another online store with cool kid clothes.  Some of them can be a bit spendy though.

I could probably do a whole page of links on kid shoes, so maybe later.  You all know how much I like shoes!

Hope this helps a little…there is so much baby/kid stuff out there and it is hard to figure out what sucks and what is worth the money.  We’ve tried a few items that have looked great and haven’t worked.  Some items you will buy and think they look great and your kids will love them and they just adore the box that the item came in.  It’s all a learning experience!