you're having a baby!

So what do you REALLY need? Well it really depends on your family. For example, you probably don't really need a boppy. But I still use mine every day! It is a nice convenience item and totally worth the $25 for me. I'm tall and I have a long torso so a boppy really does make nursing easier for me but it isn't a need for everyone. Here are my top picks for baby items.

Breasts. The best choice is breastfeeding, for mother and baby. I have more to say about breastfeeding so stay tuned.

A safe place for baby to sleep. If you choose to co-sleep and have a big enough bed there isn't anything to buy! There are guidelines to co-sleeping safely and I urge you to follow them closely. Other options are a bassinet, crib, or pack and play. We chose to sidecar our crib to our bed with our first, the second slept better alone after about 6 months so she used a traditional crib.

Car seat. Some will tell you to skip the bucket seat but I like it. I will say don't bother with the one that only goes up to 22 lbs! We had the Graco safe seat for our kids, similar to what is now the Graco snugride 32. If I'm spending the money for a bucket seat I want it to last more than a few months. A compatible stroller is nice too. Do not buy a used car seat from someone you don't trust with your child's life. Remember all car seats expire so registering for a seat for an older child might not be a good idea.

Nice big swaddle blankets, make your own or have a relative that sews make them! Use a nice light cotton or muslin and make them big. Swaddling helped our kids sleep better and we swaddled our youngest until she was 8 or 9 months.

Fast easy read thermometer, I like the Vicks 8 second read, I got mine for $8.99 and it glows so you can use it at night with out waking up an older child.

Cradle swing. If you are going to spend over $100 for a swing you might as well spend a little more and get the cradle swing. It adjusts to different positions and is swings side to side as well as forward and backwards. My kids both did night time sleeping in their swings and it significantly improved our lives at the time. My husband converted ours to plug in so we didn't waste a million batteries and I think they sell them with a plug option now. Go for the plug and save yourself some money as well as helping the environment.

Booster seat. Skip the high chair! A booster seat saves room because your baby sits up to the table with you!

Diapers. you literally have a million choices! Disposable, chlorine free, cloth, hey even elimination communication.

Baby carrier. You have lots of options here too! Ring sling, pouch sling, wrap, structured carrier, too many to name here. With my oldest I loved the pouch sling and moved on the an Ergo. My daughter lived in the wrap followed by a ring sling. Go ahead and get one for your partner too!

What are your top recommendations for new parents?