Baby Gear: The Necessities and the Niceties

Crib, Diaper Pail

Gearing up for baby can be an overwhelming -- and bank-breaking -- undertaking. But experienced parents know that not every item pitched as a "must-have" necessarily deserves that label. Whether you're working with a budget or ready for a buying spree, this guide will help you figure out what to put on your list.

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Necessity: a crib. This is a big-ticket item with a big price tag. If you're tempted to get a used model or a hand-me-down, make sure the crib adheres to current safety standards. To find out what those are, see our print-out guide to choosing and using a crib.

Niceties: cradle or bassinet (compact and portable, but babies outgrow them very quickly, and can sleep in a crib from day one), Co-sleeper (an infant bed that fits securely against your bed; the safest choice if you're planning on a family bed).

Necessity: well-fitting crib sheets. It's important to use sheets specifically made for cribs, and that fit tightly and securely around the mattress. Invest in top-of-the-line sheets designed to stay tucked.

Niceties: matching bedding sets (bumper pads are cute but not needed for baby's comfort, plus quilts and pillows can't be used in the crib for safety reasons), mobile (a wind-up version that plays music can be a great soothe-to-sleep tool, but make sure it conforms to safety standards).

Necessity: changing pad with a safety strap. Why invest in a piece of furniture just for diaper duty? Instead, consider a sturdy changing pad with sloped sides and a safety strap, set atop a regular, waist-high chest of drawers. The chest can be used until baby goes to college; a changing table will be taking up space in the attic in a few years

Niceties: changing table (flip-side argument: it's designed for the task at hand, is often safer, and may be worth the investment if you're planning to have more than one child or if it converts to another use); extra covers for the changing pad.

Necessity: diaper pail. We all want our darlings' dirty diapers to disappear quickly and completely, hence the popularity of those fancy diaper disposal pails that whisk the evidence into coils of tightly sealed, odor-preventing plastic sheeting. But the cost of such pails and their refills can add up. Plus, when you have to open the contraption to empty it, the stench of the stored diapers can be enough to knock you off your feet. If you want a budget option, consider a simple diaper pail and a supply of plastic grocery bags. This can be emptied nightly into an outdoor trashcan.

Niceties: fancy diaper pail (many parents swear by their Diaper Genies), diaper stacker (cute, but who has time to constantly refill it?), baby-wipe warmer (a nice touch, though they sometimes cause the wipes to dry out, and some models have been recalled for safety reasons).

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