A Baby on the Way: What Are Your New Mom Must-Haves?

I’m more than half way there. In less than 16 weeks (hopefully!) my husband and I .

Since my bump has become more obvious, it’s been so much fun talking to other moms-to-be and new moms. I’ve already picked up some really helpful tips — like what’s worth splurging on when it comes to baby gear and what’s not.

That’s why I’ll be sharing my experiences and asking questions (and desperately hoping for suggestions) on Roseville Patch in a new A Baby on the Way column.

From cravings and nursery planning to mommy groups and pregnancy fitness — I hope to use this column as a platform for moms-to-be and experienced moms to share tips, suggestions and experiences. I for one know all the tips and suggestions will come in handy as I move into the unfamiliar territory that comes with being a new mom.

First up, I’d love to hear which new parent gear is on your must-have list. I have a short list started, thanks to friends and family members, but what are your must-have items for parents-to-be?

Besides the essentials like a crib, changing table, diapers, etc, here are a few things I’ve heard make the transition from kid-free to new parents a little easier:

• Itzbeen — Honestly, when I first heard about this little timer that tracks when the baby was last changed, fed and slept, I initially thought it was a waste of money. I wondered why that would be so important. But after being around my 5-month-old niece, I’ve realized time really blends together. Maybe it seemed like just 15 minutes ago you fed your little one, but in reality it was 2 hours ago. My sister and good friend both said this was super handy and helped figure out their kiddos’ routines.
• BOB Stroller — One of the first items we heard about when becoming parents-to-be was the BOB Stroller. We were told it’s pricey but well worth the cost. The few times my husband and I have gone down the stroller aisle at the baby store, we’ve had strangers share how much they love the BOB stroller. So what’s all the fuss about? When I “test drove” it in the store, it seemed light, but sturdy. It seemed to maneuver well, too. One downside I noticed, besides the cost, is how heavy it is when it’s folded up, but reviewers online rave about it and so do some of our parent friends.  
• Sophie the Giraffe Teether — Besides being adorable, I’ve heard this toy is a must-have when your baby starts teething. It’s soft and durable for your little one.
• The Boppy — Whether you’re a fan of the Boppy or the Newborn Lounger, both seem to be pretty useful in the first few months. My niece loved to sit in her lounger and look around at what was going on.

What items would you add to the list? What helped you during baby’s first few months?