Does your baby really need so much stuff?

For most of human history, babies were raised without all that fancy furniture and baby care contraptions out in the market today. The choices are many, almost dizzying. Different parents will tell you, you have to get this or that product. It can be confusing.

If you are setting up a nursery and buying gear for a coming baby, we’ve listed the bare essentials you will really need. Most parents these days are on a budget, so put these essentials on top of your list, before spending on anything else.

1. Carseat. First off, putting baby in a carseat every time you take her for a ride is the law. Carseats are critical for your child’s safety and you will need it soon as you get on the car to take her home. You can opt for a rear-facing infant car seat, which often comes with a useful carrying handle that allows you to move baby from car to indoors conveniently. When your child is bigger, you will have to get a front-facing toddler seat. To save money, you can choose a convertible car seat which can be used from birth until your child is about 40 pounds. Convertibles can be installed rear-facing for infants, then forward-facing for toddlers.

2. Baby Crib. A crib is essential baby furniture for most parents since this is where you will be putting your child to sleep. Make sure it is up to safety standards, as this is where you will be leaving your baby unattended for the longest period of time.

3. Rocking Chair or Glider. This was an essential for both my children, as it has been for many other parents. Babies love the gentle rocking motion and the rocker (or glider) makes nursing much more relaxing and comfortable. That counts for both baby and mommy. When my babies were sick, I would have to hold them the whole night – and the only comfortable piece of furniture would be our glider. When they’re out of sorts, the glider and extra nursing saved us!

4. Baby Sling. The sling is not just an attachment parenting essential, it is downright practical. You can hold your infant close and keep your hands free to work, play, cook, clean, write, shop or eat… practically anything else. Babies in slings are much calmer – being near mom all the time. Plus, mom can actually get things done!

As your baby gets older, a stroller and high chair will also become essentials. The high chair provides a safe place for your baby to eat once she’s started on solids. The stroller comes in handy when your child becomes to heavy to carry on a sling. The stroller makes baby more “portable”. When you’re out in the park it can be great for getting your child to sleep. My son used to take his afternoon naps on his stroller everyday. After our regular afternoon walk… Zzzzz.

Changing tables, bassinets, baby dressers and playpens are other baby furniture to consider – depending on your budget and specific needs. But start off with what we listed above and you should be ready for baby. Determine what else you need as you go along. There’s really no reason to buy the entire baby store yet!

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