Top 10 List: Baby Gear

I remember walking into Babies "R" Us with my mom and feeling completely and totally overwhelmed. Stretched out before me was aisle after aisle of stuff. Stuff that I had never seen before. Stuff that I didn't know if I needed or wanted or even considered using. Through research, reading and talking to as many people as possible, I managed to fill a baby nursery with stuff. And now, as a six-month-old mother, I (think?) am ready to share my wisdom with others (Watch out, BabySwan!!). I could offer a much longer list of stuff, but here is the top 10 items that have helped us survive these first six months:
Co-Sleeper. When it comes to where your baby sleeps, there are many schools of thought - co-sleeping, room-sharing, baby-in-room/crib. Before bringing Sunshine home, I had read the pros and cons of each but didn't really feel predisposed to any approach. What quickly converted us was our first night home from Sunshine. We put her down in her crib and, well, all I remember now is that there was crying from Sunshine and screaming between the Hubby and I. She was instantly calmed when she was snuggled up between us. So, the very next day we went out a bought a co-sleeper, the First Years Close and Secure Bed Sleeper. The next night, Sunshine slept for a four-hour stretch. It was blissful. The co-sleeper took the anxiety out of co-sleeping because Sunshine had her own little snug box that prevented us from rolling onto her or her from sliding around in the bed. I could easily nurse her and we set up a changing station right next to our bed.
Swaddle blanket. Throughout history, babies have been swaddled. See: baby Jesus in the manger. It is a simple and amazing technique to soothe your baby. Now, in the 21st century, swaddling has led to an entire line of products. When Sunshine was tiny, we used large, swaddling blankets to wrap her up. As she grew, she became stronger and continually broke out of her swaddle (see: SIDS hazard). So we upgraded to the Miracle Blanket and SwaddleMe Adjustable Infant Wrap. When we were battling colic, swaddling was a key weapon and, to this day, Sunshine is swaddled when she sleeps. I would recommend two large swaddling blankets and two swaddles to make sure you always have the power of the swaddle at your disposal.
White noise machine. Some people think that white noise machines are a bunch of bunk. But, match a swaddled baby with the "swooshing" of a heartbeat and I believe miracles can happen. We got a great white noise machine with a clip that enables us to hang it from any of the numerous contraptions Sunshine has slept in (co-sleeper, bassinette when traveling, crib).
Baby Monitor. Not only does the baby monitor allow you to hear your baby crying, but you can hear all of the cute little noises your munchkin makes when waking up. Sunshine sings a little song as she wakes up and begins her day. We got a Graco monitor that is just fine although it'd be great if the battery charge lasted a bit longer. A great tip I received: turn down the volume on your monitor! While you want to hear your baby crying, you don't need to hear every little sniffle or movement.
Jogging Stroller. This was our biggest splurge and totally worth it. My B.O.B stroller got me out and moving within days of coming home. See: improved mental and physical health. See: happy baby. Baby cannot immediately sit in the stroller so we got the converter that allows you to use the stroller with your carseat. Hurrah!
BabyBjorn. The BabyBjorn is a classic found on many baby gear lists. And, it is on this list as well. The idea behind any baby carrier is that you may want to do something else besides hold your baby. The BabyBjorn is great to do just this. Your precious little baby is literally strapped to your body and you are able to use both hands. I also used a sling for a while but Sunshine preferred to be upright and checking out the world. God bless the Swedes for inventing the BabyBjorn.
BornFree Bottles. When I was hashing through the multitude of stuff to buy, the whole BPA issue really came into light. In a nutshell, BPA is a compound used to make plastics that mimics the body's own hormones and can leave to health problems. BornFree was ahead of the trend and has been making BPA-free bottles for years. In addition, I think the bottles are great for feeding and cleaning. Viola!
Swing. There is a lot of stuff you can buy to park your baby. My mom said that I loved my swing so we got a swing for Sunshine. And, for the first three months of Sunshine's life, she too loved her swing. We got the Nature's Purest HugMe Swing. It has organically grown and naturally colored cotton, multiple speeds, four time settings and isn't too cumbersome. Dig it.
Bathtub. A couple of folks encouraged me to just bathe Sunshine in our sink. However, the idea of fragile and slippery infant made me nervous. So we got The First Years Infant to Toddler Bathtub. It comes with a cloth sling that you use when your baby is particularly tiny. They then 'graduate' to the tub. Very practical.
Vibrating Chair. I never would have thought that a $25 vibrating chair would be such an amazing piece of baby gear. But it is. You can grab the chair and set up baby for happiness while you do important things like brush your teeth or eat. Sunshine loves it because she can sit upright and see the world. The detachable bar of hanging toys also keep her busy. This was another key weapon when battling colic so the chair has also done some traveling. Love. The. Chair.
Ok, calling all other mommies. Please chime in with your favs!