Wee Baby Stuff

Deciding what you need in your wee one's nursery can be challenging. There are so many "must-haves" out there that narrowing your essentials down is essential if you want to aviod having a baby superstore in your home. After much research and some very wise word-of-mouth reccomendations, I have compiled a top-ten list of the basics.

1. Crib

• You can go with basic, designer, frilly, miniature and more. If there's a style, there's a crib that fits it. Right now, we're entertaining the idea of a 4-in-1 crib that will take our babe from newbie to toddler.

2. Rocker/Glider

• Look for a an option with ample padding and one that has cushioned armrests. You will be spending a lot of time in this chair, so considering its width and height is important. If you are on the tall side, finding a chair with a tall back can be a challenge. Be certain to test out a variety before making this purchase. Good rockers and gliders can be very spendy (around $500), but a good one seems a worthy investment. See LilyBee's post about breastfeeding essentials for great information about chairs.

3. Closet Organizing System/Dresser or Armoire

• Closets can be a huge waste of space, no matter their size. Investing in an organization system or even installing a few shelves can buy you extra space and cut down on the clutter in your nursery. Bruno and I are lucky, because his mother is a fantastic architect who specializes in closets. She will be helping us make the most out of our awkward old closets before the baby arrives. Once she works her magic, we are hopeful that we won't need a dresser.
• If you find yourself closet-less or in need of a dresser, try to make use of the dresser's top. It's the perfect place for a changing table. There are many tray-like options with pads that are meant to be placed atop a dresser.

4. Stereo

• Tunes can soothe you and the baby. There are many small systems available to suit a wee one's space. If you have an iPod, consider a stereo with an adapter. I love this wall mounted CD player from Muji, unfortunately at $178, the price is not music to my ears. I will keep a look out for a sale.

5. Baby Monitor

• There are a bazillion options out there in an even larger price range. I've been told that the most important consideration is the monitor's range of coverage (those irritating, "Can you hear me now?" commercials come to mind).

6. Nightlight

• Night time feedings are no fun in the dark, when groggy bodies are prone to stubbed toes and unwanted encounters with doorframes.

7. Diaper Pail

8. Changing Table

9. Humidifier

10. Lamp

In the coming months as we begin making our way down the list I promise to post about our selections for each of the above items. If you have essential items of your own, please post them in the comments section below.

• must-haves
• nursery
• necessities
• essentials