Post baby shower brain dump of questions

[hamster]

Seriously, though. lol. FTM overload here. I have a fair amount I need to buy, and I'm trying to figure out what I can absolutely skip, would be nice to have, and is a must have now that I have to spend my own money on this stuff! Plus some other questions in similar vein...

- Mirror for the backseat. We have a Subaru Forest and a big Ram truck, if that in anyway affects your opinion on this.
- I know I want a Lillebaby for a carrier. I like the K'tan as well, but is it really necessary since the Lillebaby is infant-friendly?
- Humidifier. Yay or nay? We use wood heat, though I'm guessing we'll want to use the wall heaters in the nursery as well.
- Forehead thermometer? 
- Those little shades for vehicle windows. We live in the PNW, so sun is elusive and we're often "in between" on the sunglasses vs. not. 
- Diaper caddy aka basket for the changing table (dresser). I won't be changing elsewhere as we have a small, one-story house. Basically is it nice to have it all laid out and organized on top, or am I just going to want that extra space and keep it all in the drawer?

- I have a BOB and a Liteway Plus stroller. When can the kid sit in the BOB on his own? Not for running, just walking. Basically I'm trying to establish if I need the outrageously expensive adapter for the carseat to connect to the stroller. We live in the country, so the BOB would definitely be the preferred stroller of choice for walks leaving from the house. 
- I got a Boppy and a Boppy lounger. Obviously they have different purposes, but do I really need both? We don't have a ton of storage, but pillows are obviously small if it's worthwhile.
- When do I really have to start baby proofing? I know I have a while, so this one is only fueled by the not-that-lucrative completion discount. 

Uh...I think that's all for now, lol. 

[scm1011]

Mirror for the backseat - definitely.

I have a Lillebaby (love it!), but I used a Boba wrap when he was really little. I honestly never tried the Lillebaby when he was a newborn so someone else probably has better insight there.

Yes, you want a humidifier.

We don't have a forehead thermometer and I haven't missed one.

Small basket is nice, but drawer works too for diaper stuff

Its going to be a while before he can sit in the BOB properly. Get the adapter. I didn't use a stroller without the carseat until DS was at least 4 months, but he is/was tiny.

 

[snowflurry]

My thoughts

Mirror - no need. We have an explorer and big truck and never saw a need for a mirror
Carrier - no opinion as I never used one
Humidifier - good to have but not a must until the little one gets sick
Forehead thermometer - no need IMO. I never used one. I just had a cheap under arm one that worked great
Window shades - no need
Diaper caddy - also don't see a need for this. I just kept a few diapers and wipe out and the rest in the closet/drawer

My kids are 9 and 7 and I never baby-proofed (except for outlet covers) and both kids are still alive.

[scm1011]

I pressed reply too soon! I only have a regular Boppy and its fine. I still use it now, at 10 months.

I'm just babyproofing now that DS is mobile. You have time there.

[y4m]

That boppy lounger was BY FAR the most used baby item we had. Honestly the U-shaped Boppy pillow was the least useful of my THREE baby pillows (Breast Friend being the third). You will want the BOB adapter, or a snap and go frame that works with your carseat. We started using our stroller directly around 6 months. Get the humidifier too.

I would wait on the mirror, carrier, forehead thermometer, window shades, baby proofing. We are just baby proofing now at 8 months as she starts to get mobile. You can really figure out the diaper caddy later too.

[numbers]

YMMV but this is my take as a mom of 2:

Sept 18, 2017 11:19:16 GMT -5 hamster said:

- Mirror for the backseat Yes.
- I like the K'tan as well, but is it really necessary since the Lillebaby is infant-friendly? Skip the K'tan- I hated it. Get a Solly Baby if you want a soft newborn carrier.
- Humidifier Nice to have but not a necessity.
- Forehead thermometer? Get an ear thermometer instead.
- Those little shades for vehicle windows Skip.
- Diaper caddy aka basket for the changing table I like diapers and wipes in a basket on top but I think a drawer would work just fine, too.
- When can the kid sit in the BOB on his own? For walks, maybe while fully reclined at 3 months? Running at 6 months.
- I got a Boppy and a Boppy lounger I love both- boppy for nursing (until 12+ months for me) and lounger for a "baby holding device" the first 3-4 months.
- When do I really have to start baby proofing? Not really until crawling (7-10 months).

[y4m]

Sept 18, 2017 11:33:18 GMT -5 numbers said:

YMMV but this is my take as a mom of 2:

Sept 18, 2017 11:19:16 GMT -5 hamster said:

- I like the K'tan as well, but is it really necessary since the Lillebaby is infant-friendly? Skip the K'tan- I hated it. Get a Solly Baby if you want a soft newborn carrier.

I'd get a ring sling. The Solly was always so hard to manipulate while out.  Any kind of ring sling (I had a Maya Wrap) is so easy to use once you get it strung.

[lemoncupcake]

Definitely get a car mirror - it helped me be less anxious to keep an eye on her while we were driving. And now that she's older she can see us and chit chat in the car.

Skip the forehead thermometer and just get a rectal one - that was our pedis preferred method for the first year.

I think you could wait on everything else and just see how things go and what you need.

[mbcdefg]

Sept 18, 2017 11:19:16 GMT -5 hamster said:

- Diaper caddy aka basket for the changing table (dresser). I won't be changing elsewhere as we have a small, one-story house. Basically is it nice to have it all laid out and organized on top, or am I just going to want that extra space and keep it all in the drawer?

I bought a little plastic basket from the dollar store for her changing table. We keep about a dozen diapers in it, plus washcloths ... she had a diaper rash in her first month and the pediatrician suggested using washcloths in lieu of wipes. Nowadays we use them to wipe her face and hands when they get gunky. The package of baby wipes sits next to it. 

The $1 basket is perfect for us. I see no need for something fancier than that. We restock the diapers whenever we think of it (the big box of diapers sits in her closet). 

[icedcoffee]

-Mirror - We don't have one.  Never missed it.  Honestly, if I am driving I should have my eyes on the road.  
-Lillebaby is the only carrier I have and never needed anything more.
-Humidifier--YES!  We used it a lot in the winter with the perpetual daycare stuffed nose.
-Forehead thermometer-We have one, but haven't used it because for the newbies you need to do a rectal.  I'm sure we'll use it as he gets bigger, but so far it's not a necessity.
-Car shades-Don't have them and don't miss them.
-Diaper caddy--I think it depends on your layout.  I have one  upstairs, but downstairs I just put it in the drawer.  I thin k this is a personal preference thing.
--Bob adapter--I'm not sure the age, but I really liked the adapter early on because I had a winter baby and it was easier to get him snuggly warm in the carseat on top of the stroller.  Just something to consider.
-I didn't have the lounger and was ok without it.  I think just the boppy is fine.
-We only started babyproofing when he could crawl which was around 9 months.  I would wait.

[vmars]

Sept 18, 2017 11:38:57 GMT -5 mbcdefg said:

Sept 18, 2017 11:19:16 GMT -5 hamster said:

- Diaper caddy aka basket for the changing table (dresser). I won't be changing elsewhere as we have a small, one-story house. Basically is it nice to have it all laid out and organized on top, or am I just going to want that extra space and keep it all in the drawer?

I bought a little plastic basket from the dollar store for her changing table. We keep about a dozen diapers in it, plus washcloths ... she had a diaper rash in her first month and the pediatrician suggested using washcloths in lieu of wipes. Nowadays we use them to wipe her face and hands when they get gunky. The package of baby wipes sits next to it. 

The $1 basket is perfect for us. I see no need for something fancier than that. We restock the diapers whenever we think of it (the big box of diapers sits in her closet). 

Yes dollar store caddy or our hospital gave us one for free that we used forever.

[hocus2]

Sept 18, 2017 11:19:16 GMT -5 hamster said:

- Mirror for the backseat. 
Will you drive alone a lot? This might be helpful. It is also <$20. Just be sure you can make it secure. There is a minor concern they move around if you do get into an accident. 

- Humidifier. Yay or nay? We use wood heat, though I'm guessing we'll want to use the wall heaters in the nursery as well.
Yes! So helpful during cold season. There is very little you can give a baby to help with congestion.

- Forehead thermometer? 
Helpful. I prefer the ear one though.

- Those little shades for vehicle windows. We live in the PNW, so sun is elusive and we're often "in between" on the sunglasses vs. not. 
Didn't use this, but also rarely drove.

- Diaper caddy aka basket for the changing table (dresser). I won't be changing elsewhere as we have a small, one-story house. Basically is it nice to have it all laid out and organized on top, or am I just going to want that extra space and keep it all in the drawer?

We used a random basket. If you have a shoe box that would work. If you want one and have a spare 25 go ahead but this is not a must have and I would consider getting something that could have use later. I'd suggest an office organizer over a dedicated diaper holder.


- I have a BOB and a Liteway Plus stroller. When can the kid sit in the BOB on his own? Not for running, just walking. Basically I'm trying to establish if I need the outrageously expensive adapter for the carseat to connect to the stroller. We live in the country, so the BOB would definitely be the preferred stroller of choice for walks leaving from the house. 
I would get $40 snap and go type frame (or get one used o borrow if you have friends). It is really helpful in those early days by 3-4 months should be able to use a bob without any attachment. 


- When do I really have to start baby proofing? I know I have a while, so this one is only fueled by the not-that-lucrative completion discount. 
6 months or so. Maybe latter if you have a baby slow to crawl. Once you get to know your baby you'll get a sense of how urgent and/or extensive this is. My son was always into things and would chew on wires which required us to get the wire sleeves for most of the house. My daughter was far less destructive at 1 year old.

[Blue Moon]

- Mirror for the backseat. SKIP
- I know I want a Lillebaby for a carrier. I like the K'tan as well, but is it really necessary since the Lillebaby is infant-friendly?
I used a Solly baby wrap for the first 3.5 months, and now at 4 months prefer our Becco.  But I mostly use my carriers when I'm also trying to wrangle my 3 year old.
- Humidifier. Yay or nay? We use wood heat, though I'm guessing we'll want to use the wall heaters in the nursery as well. Yes, definitely.  

- Forehead thermometer?
Not necessary.
- Those little shades for vehicle windows. We live in the PNW, so sun is elusive and we're often "in between" on the sunglasses vs. not.
Not necessary.
- Diaper caddy aka basket for the changing table (dresser). I won't be changing elsewhere as we have a small, one-story house. Basically is it nice to have it all laid out and organized on top, or am I just going to want that extra space and keep it all in the drawer?
 Not necessary.

[simpsongal]

Be prepared for varied opinions...

mirror - not needed, I found one cheap at TJMaxx and didn't even bother putting it up
carrier - I like the ease of the k'tan but I've never used a lilliebaby (I have an ergo 360 too)
humidifier - wait and see
thermomter - eh, they're pricey and not accurate, I prefer rectal or under the arm for infant. I use the forehead one for DS now (maybe check CL?)
vehicle shade - skip
diaper cadder - I have a nice basket w/wipes and aquaphor next to my pad - it's nice to have it out and ready rather than opening drawers.
stroller - I'd wait and see, if you have a carrier you may not use the stroller much (lots of babies just prefer to be held)
boppy - I'll say, I preferrd the brestfriend pillow, you can probably ditch the lounger (just use the rock n play for putting baby down).
baby proofing - you have plenty of time

[hbomdiggity]

- Mirror for the backseat. We have a Subaru Forest and a big Ram truck, if that in anyway affects your opinion on this. Yes. when they are rear facing you will want the mirror to see them.
- Humidifier. Yay or nay? We use wood heat, though I'm guessing we'll want to use the wall heaters in the nursery as well. Yes, esp with the wood heat - that's very drying.
- Forehead thermometer? Yes. though it doesn't have to be super expensive. and should be covered by FSA if you have funds available. we didn't have one and the first time he got a temp I tried taking it with a regular one and the dr thought i was crazy.
- Those little shades for vehicle windows. We live in the PNW, so sun is elusive and we're often "in between" on the sunglasses vs. not. Not necessary, never had one (our cars have tinted windows, fwiw).
- Diaper caddy aka basket for the changing table (dresser). I won't be changing elsewhere as we have a small, one-story house. Basically is it nice to have it all laid out and organized on top, or am I just going to want that extra space and keep it all in the drawer? We used the dresser for changing table and got the rolling ikea basket for diapers and stuff.
- I have a BOB and a Liteway Plus stroller. When can the kid sit in the BOB on his own? Not for running, just walking. Basically I'm trying to establish if I need the outrageously expensive adapter for the carseat to connect to the stroller. We live in the country, so the BOB would definitely be the preferred stroller of choice for walks leaving from the house. Not sure about the bob, but my stroller had an infant insert to use before they got to about 25lbs. I hated using the car seat  when we weren't going in the car.
- I got a Boppy and a Boppy lounger. Obviously they have different purposes, but do I really need both? We don't have a ton of storage, but pillows are obviously small if it's worthwhile. Yes to both. I loved the boppy lounger for hanging out with my on the sofa. boppy pillow was used for nursing only.
- When do I really have to start baby proofing? I know I have a while, so this one is only fueled by the not-that-lucrative completion discount. You've got time. We did minimal baby proofing so it really wasn't an issue not having completion discount.

[JRo]

- Mirror for the backseat. We have a Subaru Forest and a big Ram truck, if that in anyway affects your opinion on this.
I think you are going to want this.
- I know I want a Lillebaby for a carrier. I like the K'tan as well, but is it really necessary since the Lillebaby is infant-friendly?
I never had a K'tan, so I'm going to say you don't need the K'tan, lol. I do have a Lillebaby and I love it.
- Humidifier. Yay or nay? We use wood heat, though I'm guessing we'll want to use the wall heaters in the nursery as well.
We only use the humidifier when they have colds. So you could probably just wait until you need it and then order one from Amazon if you want to spread the cost out.
- Forehead thermometer?
Get an ear thermometer! I hated the forehead one.
- Those little shades for vehicle windows. We live in the PNW, so sun is elusive and we're often "in between" on the sunglasses vs. not.
Could probably skip this. Is the car seat going to be in the middle? May not even need the shade if so.
- Diaper caddy aka basket for the changing table (dresser). I won't be changing elsewhere as we have a small, one-story house. Basically is it nice to have it all laid out and organized on top, or am I just going to want that extra space and keep it all in the drawer?
If the drawer is easily accessible, I would just put the stuff there.


- I have a BOB and a Liteway Plus stroller. When can the kid sit in the BOB on his own? Not for running, just walking. Basically I'm trying to establish if I need the outrageously expensive adapter for the carseat to connect to the stroller. We live in the country, so the BOB would definitely be the preferred stroller of choice for walks leaving from the house.
I don't know the answer to this one. ETA: I wanted to add to this, because I have a Liteway Plus stroller. You don't need a snap n go because you can snap your car seat into the Liteway Plus (assuming you got a Chicco infant seat). So I would just try and get by with that until you can use the BOB with the baby sitting up.
- I got a Boppy and a Boppy lounger. Obviously they have different purposes, but do I really need both? We don't have a ton of storage, but pillows are obviously small if it's worthwhile.
I didn't get the lounger until my second baby and we have used it a ton. I still plop our 11 month old on it to drink her bottles occasionally.
- When do I really have to start baby proofing? I know I have a while, so this one is only fueled by the not-that-lucrative completion discount.
You can definitely wait on this one until the baby is mobile.

[tiki]

We don't have a car mirror or window shade yet & havent missed them. The carseat sun canopy works fine & it's not like I can do anything about my crying baby in the back just because I can see her crying.

One of these holds a few diapers & other supplies next to our changing pad: www.target.com/p/y-weave-small-storage-bin-black-room-essentials-153/-/A-14758454#lnk=sametab

Our doctor told us to always take temperatures rectally as the forehead & ear ones aren't accurate for newborns.

So far our Boppy U-pillow has been one of the most useful things we bought - I've used it for nursing, as a back support, & for me to sit on the first week.

We will babyproof when she starts crawling.

[thebreakfastclub]

I think you will get a lot of varying replies to this. I would buy as little as possible and keep receipts/tags/etc until you know for sure that you need something.

I had no need for a car seat mirror, car shades, a swing, a baby carrying wrap, or a video monitor.

[Mrs.flang]

Sept 18, 2017 11:58:48 GMT -5 thebreakfastclub said:

I think you will get a lot of varying replies to this. I would buy as little as possible and keep receipts/tags/etc until you know for sure that you need something.

Ditto this. 

IME though,
- I liked having the mirror.
- I only had a ktan, so no opinion on this point
- yes to humidifier, it helped a lot when DD had a stuffy nose
- I like my forehead thermometer, but I got it as a gift. Before that I was trying to hold a regular digital under DD's armpit and it was always a struggle
- We never installed shades, I don't think they are necessary.
- I have a little caddy, but I bought it more for decor reasons than practical.  You'll be fine either way.
- once baby can sit upright on their own.  I'd get the adapter.
- I didn't have either of these.  I used a breast friend pillow for nursing.
- I didn't start baby proofing until she started crawling, so right around 1 yo.

[jeaniebueller]

Keep the forehead thermometer. I have one and still use it on my 8 year old.

[numbers]

Sept 18, 2017 11:37:00 GMT -5 y4m said:

Sept 18, 2017 11:33:18 GMT -5 numbers said:

YMMV but this is my take as a mom of 2:

I'd get a ring sling. The Solly was always so hard to manipulate while out.  Any kind of ring sling (I had a Maya Wrap) is so easy to use once you get it strung.

I loooved the Solly for both of my babies (wore it for multiple hours every single day), and only kind of liked the ring sling, so YMMV.

[Susie]

Sept 18, 2017 11:19:16 GMT -5 hamster said:

Seriously, though. lol. FTM overload here. I have a fair amount I need to buy, and I'm trying to figure out what I can absolutely skip, would be nice to have, and is a must have now that I have to spend my own money on this stuff! Plus some other questions in similar vein...

- Mirror for the backseat. We have a Subaru Forest and a big Ram truck, if that in anyway affects your opinion on this.  Do you mean yes/no, or which specific one?  We have one in one car (maybe Britax?), none in the other.  I could kind of take or leave it.

- I know I want a Lillebaby for a carrier. I like the K'tan as well, but is it really necessary since the Lillebaby is infant-friendly?  Not necessary, just nice to have.  I had both, but the k'tan was a loan.  I only used the k'tan for the first 6 or 8 weeks, and wouldn't have bought it in addition to the Lillebaby.

- Humidifier. Yay or nay? We use wood heat, though I'm guessing we'll want to use the wall heaters in the nursery as well.  Yay.  Especially when baby gets a first cold.

- Forehead thermometer?  Prefer ear starting at 3 or 4m.  Before that, rectal for accuracy.

- Those little shades for vehicle windows. We live in the PNW, so sun is elusive and we're often "in between" on the sunglasses vs. not.  I hate those stupid things.  The suction cups don't stay, they flap around... I would pass, especially if your rear windows are tinted.

- Diaper caddy aka basket for the changing table (dresser). I won't be changing elsewhere as we have a small, one-story house. Basically is it nice to have it all laid out and organized on top, or am I just going to want that extra space and keep it all in the drawer?  I use a jute basket (probably from Marshall's) that was not specifically intended for diapers.  Hopefully it will find use later.

- I have a BOB and a Liteway Plus stroller. When can the kid sit in the BOB on his own? Not for running, just walking. Basically I'm trying to establish if I need the outrageously expensive adapter for the carseat to connect to the stroller. We live in the country, so the BOB would definitely be the preferred stroller of choice for walks leaving from the house.  Around 6ish months to sit in a stroller without the car seat, IME.  

- I got a Boppy and a Boppy lounger. Obviously they have different purposes, but do I really need both? We don't have a ton of storage, but pillows are obviously small if it's worthwhile.  We returned the Boppy lounger that someone got us, and I didn't use my Boppy much either since she nursed in a lying down position at first.  So I found neither to really be worth the space, although I did keep the Boppy.

- When do I really have to start baby proofing? I know I have a while, so this one is only fueled by the not-that-lucrative completion discount.   It's gradual.  We probably started with gates around 8 or so months when she was starting to crawl.  Then outlet covers, then cabinet door locks, at 22m we still need to do doorknob covers for key doorknobs, etc.

Uh...I think that's all for now, lol. 

[BeagleMama]

Yes for car mirror.

I have both and loved the k'tan at home because it was so soft. Nice to have to do chores or rest with her in that vs. a big carrier like the Lillebaby.

Never used a humidifier in her room.

Yes, very easy to use/have a forehead thermometer.

Yes to window sunshade, it will make a difference.

No to diaper caddy. All her stuff is in her dresser drawers.

It will be 6 months-ish until she can sit up well enough for a stroller. You're going to need a way to move her around in the infant carrier or a flat surface style.

We just had a Boppy. Still use it, it's great! Never needed anything else.


Skip the babyproofing stuff and just get what you need later. We've needed minimal stuff (outlet covers at 7 months) because she really doesn't go into cabinets and stuff at this point (14 months). I would have bought way too much if I guessed at what I needed a year+ ago.

[gerberdaisy]

Sept 18, 2017 11:19:16 GMT -5 hamster said:

- Mirror for the backseat. We have a Subaru Forest and a big Ram truck, if that in anyway affects your opinion on this.
Yes, need.
- I know I want a Lillebaby for a carrier. I like the K'tan as well, but is it really necessary since the Lillebaby is infant-friendly?
I Love my lillebaby and hate my k’tan. I’ve used it once. I’ll send it to you if you want one.
- Humidifier. Yay or nay? We use wood heat, though I'm guessing we'll want to use the wall heaters in the nursery as well.
Only need it when they get sick, but got one in the beginning.
- Forehead thermometer?
I liked it  
- Those little shades for vehicle windows. We live in the PNW, so sun is elusive and we're often "in between" on the sunglasses vs. not. 
Found they were never useful, didn’t block the right place
- Diaper caddy aka basket for the changing table (dresser). I won't be changing elsewhere as we have a small, one-story house. Basically is it nice to have it all laid out and organized on top, or am I just going to want that extra space and keep it all in the drawer?
I like them

- I have a BOB and a Liteway Plus stroller. When can the kid sit in the BOB on his own? Not for running, just walking. Basically I'm trying to establish if I need the outrageously expensive adapter for the carseat to connect to the stroller. We live in the country, so the BOB would definitely be the preferred stroller of choice for walks leaving from the house. 
Pick up a snap n go on Craigslist
- I got a Boppy and a Boppy lounger. Obviously they have different purposes, but do I really need both? We don't have a ton of storage, but pillows are obviously small if it's worthwhile.
Wish I got a boppy lounger, but we use the boppy all the time.
- When do I really have to start baby proofing? I know I have a while, so this one is only fueled by the not-that-lucrative completion discount. 
Can’t remember, but it was a while and we really only did socket covers and cabinet locks

Uh...I think that's all for now, lol. 

[sju1982]

- I liked the mirror.  I'm the type where I would start to get nervous if I couldn't hear DS so it was helpful being able to see him.  DH never bothered with once since he changes cars weekly, but he was always jealous of my mirror.
- I picked up the Lillebaby carrier on Prime Day, and plan on getting the infant insert.  
- We had a humidifier with DS, but I don't think I will bother with one for DD.  It was messy, and I was always worry about it warping the furniture. When DS was really stuffed up, we sat in the bathroom with the hot shower steaming it up. Worked better than the humidifier. 
- Forehead thermometer kind of suck.  I can use it several times in one sitting, and get several different readings.  When DS is really sick, I go with rectal, which is what my pediatrician wants me to do anyway. 
- I never messed with the sun shades, even in summer.  My back windows are tinted though.
- We stashed our diaper stuff in the top drawer of a dresser that we kept the changing pad on.  We also had a small basket that we stocked with diapers, wipes, and travel changing pad that we moved around the house as needed.
- We used the car seat with the jogging stroller until just shy of 6 months.  If you plan on using it a lot over the first 6 months then it's definitely worth buying.
- I used the Boppy for nursing all the time.  We never used it for DS to lounge in so I would not bother with the lounger.
- We didn't do much with baby proofing until DS was close to a year.  Even when he started crawling, it was mostly just moving things out of the way.  

[clseale]

Sept 18, 2017 11:19:16 GMT -5 hamster said:

Seriously, though. lol. FTM overload here. I have a fair amount I need to buy, and I'm trying to figure out what I can absolutely skip, would be nice to have, and is a must have now that I have to spend my own money on this stuff! Plus some other questions in similar vein...

- Mirror for the backseat. We have a Subaru Forest and a big Ram truck, if that in anyway affects your opinion on this. I enjoy having one, but I don't think it's a must.
- I know I want a Lillebaby for a carrier. I like the K'tan as well, but is it really necessary since the Lillebaby is infant-friendly? The Lillebaby should be fine, but keep your receipt. My child HATED being worn.
- Humidifier. Yay or nay? We use wood heat, though I'm guessing we'll want to use the wall heaters in the nursery as well. I'd probably go ahead and get one. You'll want it at some point, and you don't want to be running out to get one when you have a sick baby at home. 
- Forehead thermometer?  I could go either way on this. We use it to gauge whether or not her temp seems high, then if it DOES seem high, we follow up with the rectal since the forehead thermometers are known to not be as accurate.
- Those little shades for vehicle windows. We live in the PNW, so sun is elusive and we're often "in between" on the sunglasses vs. not. In theory these are nice. In practice, I can't get it to stay put.
- Diaper caddy aka basket for the changing table (dresser). I won't be changing elsewhere as we have a small, one-story house. Basically is it nice to have it all laid out and organized on top, or am I just going to want that extra space and keep it all in the drawer? I just purchased cheap baskets from BB&B and used them to organize these things in the top drawer of her dresser (immediately below her changing pad).

- I have a BOB and a Liteway Plus stroller. When can the kid sit in the BOB on his own? Not for running, just walking. Basically I'm trying to establish if I need the outrageously expensive adapter for the carseat to connect to the stroller. We live in the country, so the BOB would definitely be the preferred stroller of choice for walks leaving from the house. I would get the adapter. We have only just now (6 mo) started walking w/DD in the regular part of the stroller. Even now she is too small for it (peanut), but she sits well, so we do it for walks around the block and running errands.  
- I got a Boppy and a Boppy lounger. Obviously they have different purposes, but do I really need both? We don't have a ton of storage, but pillows are obviously small if it's worthwhile. I used both of mine a lot. 
- When do I really have to start baby proofing? I know I have a while, so this one is only fueled by the not-that-lucrative completion discount. We haven't started this yet and don't have a single baby proofing item. You have time.

Uh...I think that's all for now, lol. 

[Ashley&Scott]

Car mirror - Yes. We didn't have one at first & it really bothered me that I couldn't see him.



Carrier - With baby #2 I skipped my moby wrap & went straight to my Ergo, I imagine you could do the same with your Lillebaby carrier.



Humidifier - Yes.



Forehead thermometer - I hate ours. I really like our Vicks Speed Read, we have always taken underarm temps.



Sunshade - ours got a lot of use, but we have bright days & didn't want the light in the baby's eyes.



Diaper caddy - skip. (or get a tote that you can later use for something else like toy storage)



Stroller adapter - I think my oldest was sitting on his own in the stroller around 5mo. My 3.5mo can't sit in it on his own.


Boppy pillow & lounger - we have both. The lounger was my preferred place to put him for the first few months when I need to get something done & he really liked it too.



Baby proofing - when baby starts moving around.



Do you have an auto rock & play? That's one of my favorite baby items this time around.

[mbcdefg]

For those of you who have a mirror, can you please link it? We don't have one and I think I'd like one.

[hamster]

You guys are seriously awesome, thanks a ton. I'll get the humidifier for sure, and the mirrors from Target so I can return easily if I find I don't use them. I'll try and do without for everything else to start, or see if I can get used (I know I've seen the BOB adapters on CL).

Ashley&Scott, I do not have a rock and play. I know people love them, but I also know that's generally because they sleep in them and I personally am not comfortable with that (which is why I'm guaranteed a refluxy baby, I know). Plus I'm hoping to keep the "stuff" down so I'm opting not to purchase at the outset.

[janegold]

Of the items on your list, I would want:

The mirror for the car

The k'tan was one of the only sure-fire ways to get B to sleep in the early days so I would want that, but it's different for every baby

We did get a lot of use out of both the Boppy and the Boppy Lounger. I wouldn't say the Lounger is "necessary" but it was definitely nice to have.

For the stroller, I didn't think I would use the carseat in the stroller much because we rarely drive but it was sooo convenient to have an easy and secure way to transport the baby to and from the stroller, even when we weren't using the car. I used the carseat with the stroller almost exclusively until about 6 months. (Sometimes I used the bassinet attachment too.)