ChezMiscarriage asks 'what can you not live without?' in preparation for a summer baby. My comment got so long that I figured I'd post it here instead.
#1: For recommendations on specific items, read daddytypes and baby bargains.
#2: Get a Baby Bjorn or sling. The bjorn was easier for us, many others preferred the sling. When he was in the bjorn, he almost never cried. Outside of the bjorn, good luck.
#2: A swing. We got a fisher price one that went side to side and front to back. He spent many a 4 AM in it watching #3.
#3: A Baby Einstein DVD or two. Mozart, Beethoven and Bach are the best for that age. When babe's up at 4am and you're just not feeling perky, pop it in the DVD player, put the bouncy chair in a position so he can see the tv, and then zonk off. The best part is that these DVDs have a 'repeat play'! I got countless hours of sleep thanks to these. We still watch them, from time to time actually, even though he's almost two, he still loves them.
Other than that, the things you really need are for you rather than baby. Do dreamdinners or another one of those "make 2 weeks worth of food up front and freeze it" services, or home delivery if you can afford it. Buy groceries online. Save up and plan on eating a lot of takeout/delivery. Own a pair of really comfy pajamas on the off chance that you spend most of the day in one.
Sleep when the baby sleeps - seriously. Every advice book says to do this, and every new mom ignores it. I am sooooo going to do this with #2... except, darnit, the toddler! I missed my chance!
I agree with all of our suggestions...especially the sleep one!
Posted by: kat | April 12, 2005 at 02:24 PM
You have finally figured out that all the parenting books have left off the last part of that sentence; "Sleep when the baby sleeps (here it comes) EXCEPT if you have a toddler. Then sleep in 3 months."
Posted by: Kendra | April 15, 2005 at 02:33 PM