Having a Baby? Decoding What You Can't Live Without

Have you ever looked in the product section in a parenting magazine? Been to a baby shower? Walked past the Baby section in Target? Surfed the web for products designed to make a parent's life easier? Did you get dizzy? Well, when your equilibrium returns, begin reading. This experienced mom will give you the low down on what you can't without when your little bundle of joy arrives. This list is not comprehensive. These are just some suggestions on things that you should get that you may have overlooked for various reasons when purchasing for your baby.

What you need....
Bouncer
Do you ever want to take a shower again? If so, please get a bouncer seat. Those first few weeks it seems like all you do is hold the baby. Finally, the baby is asleep for more than 10 minutes. You put the baby down. Just when you turn the water on in the shower, the baby begins screaming. Foiled again. This can be easily solved with a bouncer. Simply bring the bouncer into the bathroom with you and take a shower. Sing to your baby as you shower. The baby will love the vibration, the activity, and the running water will soothe him or her. Some people like to use the infant car seat as a substitute, but nothing can double for a soother/activity center like a bouncer can.
Suggestion: Fisher Price Ocean Aquarium Bouncer; $44.99

Baby monitor
Baby monitors are helpful in many situations. Some people say that you don't need one if you live in an apartment, but there is value even then. A baby monitor does give you a little freedom. If you are in the kitchen, running the dishwasher and cleaning or cooking, the baby may be hard to hear. Having a monitor on will allow you to hear the baby. One of the most overlooked uses of a baby monitor is like an intercom. If you are in the nursery with the baby and need you need help, using the monitor without having to yell is perfect. Simply talk in a normal voice, (or whisper directly into the baby monitor if the baby is sleeping) and you will likely get someone's attention.
Suggestion: Digital Multi-Room Monitor By Summer Infant; $69.99 (This can monitor two different rooms at once. Great for those that have more than one child.)