OT: What was the most useful baby item you used?

[NyssaTheHobbit]

Diaper genie, changing table and baby wipes! Also, cloth diapers, which I could use for burp cloths, protection from my son's "shooter," and something to catch the pee/poop that kept coming out during diaper changes.

The carriers didn't work for me at all.

 

[bliz]

Four things were most valuable to me with three wee tot youngins'

chest carrier for little ones
backpack for older
good old British terrycloth nappies
hand held food grinder that can come to the table

 

[Dorothea]

I'm lucky! We're getting a swing, an infant car seat, and a jumperoo (for later) from the BIL. I've also heard that a bouncy Boppy seat (not the pillow, but the little papasan-looking chair,) is REALLY useful while they're little for getting to put them down while you shower, for example.

I've also heard the Moby won't last forever, or at least, not to the 35lbs they say it can handle. But by then, I might be interested in something more structured, or something like a Mei-Tai. And we're definitely intending to have more than one kid, so I could get another 6mo's use out of it with a later baby.

OOOOOOoooo, you've got it made. You are lucky!!!

 

[Spiritus7]

Congratulations, choirfiend! I am not married nor have any children myself; but I have a new niece and a sister who is a nanny for many children. My sister mentioned the cups that conform on the babies forehead to wash their hair and help rinse out the suds without getting it into their little eyes. This seems to be very helpful. Also the pacifiers are always a help, and the little clips that attach the pacifiers to their outfits for when they spit them out.

 

[Thekla]

Congratulations !!!!!!!

How awesome

My 'can't do without' six times (and link to the - imo- most secure and comfortable carrier design, having used several):
New Native Inc. - Home of the New Native Baby Carrier, Sling, Baby Sling, Baby Pouch, Baby pack, and a line of natural baby products

(also, this one can be used through aprox. age 3 or so - making it cost efficient, too)

 

[cassc]

Congratulations!!!

Although I haven't had children yet, during college I worked in a nursery taking care of the newborns and teaching parents how to wrap, diaper and bath their babies. There are a lot of great recommendations, wash clothes are indispensable, the absolute best baby T-shirts are the snap ones that MR recommended because you have easy diaper access and if you are bathing a baby in a drafty room it's easy to sponge clean without completely exposing baby (example here) The pacifiers most used by hospitals: soothies but my favorite thing to give any mom expecting a little boy is the pee-pee teepee it might be useful but more importantly it just makes everyone laugh

 

[heart of peace]

Congratulations, choirfiend, on your pregnancy. May you have a blessed and enjoyable pregnancy with a happy and safe birthing!

In addition to the many awesome suggestions offered already, I LOVED LOVED LOVED my baby bumbo seat. I used it for a loooong time.

 

[Tiger Lily]

I was going to suggest diapers, but a lot of others already suggested it. Guess that one is well-covered... no pun intended.