So glad you’re emphasizing cloth diapers, too! So much healthier for sensitive newborn bums!
http://www.justbummingarounddiapers.com

We used the bouncer for our daughter until she could turn over, then the pack-n-play until she was about 6 mos and then the crib. She still uses the pack-n-play when we’re away from home. Everyone keeps asking if we need a crib for this one but if this baby is like her, our daughter will be in a big girl bed before I ever need a crib. I definitely don’t have room for another crib so if nothing else this baby can use the pack-n-play longer.

I am definitely in the less is more camp. That includes toys, etc. I loved those people who gave us bigger clothes. It was so nice having them when I would wake up and realize nothing she had been wearing really fit anymore!

I haven’t used our stroller much but did accept a great double stroller from a friend when it was offered. One rarely regrets free things. If nothing else I can bless someone else who may use it more if I don’t end up using it.
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The things it confirmed to me is that 1) you need a lot less than you think and 2) what you need will depend on your baby … so borrow or rent if you can.

I’m not sure if its the case elsewhere but here in NZ we have a number of companies and not-for-profits that rent out baby gear … carseats, pushchairs, packnplays, baby hammocks, baby hammocks … we even have a sling organisation that loans out baby carriers. Try before you buy!

I have a packnplay that I have never used … neither child would tolerate it as a bed or a playpen. Neither of them used a crib either, but we found a baby hammock was great – very small in terms of space and easy to travel with.

Our bouncinette was awesome until the babies were rolling, that was often the bed unless they were in with me or asleep in the sling.

There is such an industry around babies – its scary!
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And also, I completely agree that using the top of the dresser as a changing table is the way to go. The only time we change our son on the floor is when we’re at someone else’s house. Just wanting to state for the record that I agree with those of you who have mentioned this.

so just another opinion to throw into the mix… it is easy to become overwhelmed with information too, and to just start believing what you read, and then doubt what you are doing. I like pros/cons of things, because not every baby or parent does things the same way… and I like the whys of things. I do have a dislike for playpens – but was also never able to really use one, who knows what it would have been like if I had birth naturally?

also completely agree on the adult nail clippers – those baby ones were slippery and hard to used, gave up after a couple tries, and ended up using mine for better control on those tiny fingers. And agree on the A&A swaddling blankets mentioned above – only had for my third and they were AWESOME, they were cool in the summer and warm and insulating in the winter (folded in half), they were also fantastic for swaddling!

love the newborn clothes comment too – I always give 12-18 month size clothes for baby gifts, you rarely get them as gifts, you need them, and they are so much more fun and cute than sleepers!