Burp cloths I agree – total waste. I loved my diaper genie and I had 3 kids. Toys are things you get others to buy and choose wisely (black and white patterns, entertaining in your car or doing older kids parent teacher conferences, no losable parts to name a few). A pet electronic device with lights and sound is nice but definitely not a need. Don’t want too many because of batteries as well. Above all toys should serve you and contribute to a happy, hopefully smarter child. Loved a swing and a bouncy.

For clothes cheaper is not better. You choose baby clothes based on them being well made, healthy and safe. Cheap clothes are often made with things that can unravel (hems, seams) or come off (buttons, snaps, trims). Many are made with fillers in the cloth that are rough or synthetics that don’t breathe. Fashion is fun but you only need a couple of outfits for photos but the rest of your clothes you want to be healthy work horses – capable of being washed repeatedly and abused without giving up the ghost. That won’t be the cheapest product but resale shops abound with such items – so do friends – barter share – give hand me downs to get..
Wipe warmers – guess it matters where you live – overheated NY apt. or LA – not necessary – we live in the North in the mountains – warmer is nice.
Love used furniture but check many safety issues (e.g. width of bars on crib, hinges). There are sooooooo many design safety flaws that have been regulated out. Definitely check on line to see about injuries from the style or design of furniture or bedding you are considering (new or used and not just by brand but design or style) (the kinds of possible issues are a very long list). Glad I had a changing table because babysitters, older children and relatives could always find everything they needed to help and it was very safe and secure regardless of the experience of the changer. Organization of items with a baby is critical!!!! This is especially true in households with sitters or lots of kids or traffic. Waste for me was a baby bath tub but that’s me – most people swear by them. I also love an umbrella stroller (for years I might add) – (not for a newbie) and a convertible baby seat to carrier to stroller combo. Some people find them unnecessary or heavy

In the US where most children walk on floors, concrete and other hard surfaces, children need an excellent first pair of walking shoes – preferably well fitted by a professional – not any old sneakers or fashion shoes. Up until they are cruising and walking – shoes are a fashion statement and should be bought by single friends, god parents and grandma. They are virtually disposable. Infants do need their feet warm and covered in cold places. Also their extremities (toes and fingers) get cold before yours or mine.

Mobiles are in the eye of the beholder. Some tired moms feel better just because things match – others could take a coat hanger and hang clothes pins from it.

This needs to work for you as a couple but also in community. Usually men and many women are overwhelmed by the amount of stuff a baby needs. Being a part of a community with couples a little further along – whether it’s a parent group, a church, synagogue, mosque etc. or even connecting with family who have children will help with knowing what you might need and allow you to benefit from items that circulate like bassinets, changing tables, pack n plays and age appropriate books and toys, clothes.

When you have to have that item that everyone else thinks is ridiculous DO NOT PAY retail. Check out coupons sites like momsview.com, retailmenot etc. and the manufacturer themselves for discounts, freebies, upgrades and coupons for in store savings.

Blessings on anyone starting this adventure called parenting.

I think the wipes warmer is unnecessary, I’m glad I didn’t buy it. I got a Diaper Champ which uses regular trash bags so I didn’t have to worry about refills.

My must have list:

A good breast pump
Lots of cloth diapers(multi uses)
onesies, onesies and more onesies
SOCKS! Oh my goodness they disappear so easily
the bouncy seat (the only way I could shower)
my pack and play

Things I bought and didn’t need

Bottle drying rack
Moses basket (It was very pretty though)
clothes
shoes
too many toys

Things I’m glad I didn’t buy:

A changing table
jogger stroller

I saved boat loads of money.