Moms, when you were pregnant, what did you had before the Baby's arrival?

I bought everything before because I didn’t want to be rushing around when she got here. I bought her the long sleeve gerber onsies, bottles, pajamas, soap, pretty much everything before I had her. I just wanted to be prepared

Yes! You will be so exhausted and busy, especially with another young child in the house. It’s best to be prepared.

The bad luck thing is a cultural (or maybe generational?) superstition. In reality, being prepared is never a bad idea! Perhaps you could buy the things you’ll need, but not bring them into the house before her arrival. Keep them at a neighbor’s, or in the trunk of your car. Would that calm your husband’s fears?

I wouldn’t worry about it. Things have a way working out. If it will make the whole baby experience more meaningful for your husband to honor his feelings of superstition then let it be.

It’s a Jewish tradition not to get things for the baby before it is born, but I set up the nursery before my son was born because I wanted to feel prepared. The idea of having the things at someone else’s place until the baby comes sounds like a good compromise.

Congratulations. It’s so exciting to be coming close to the time when you will meet your little one.

Both my boys came early. With the first, I felt very unsettled because we had nothing. I learned quickly that newborns don’t need much. You already have the carseat. That’s key.

Beyond that, all you need are some newborn diapers, wipes, some blankets for swaddling, and a place for little Valeria to sleep. If you don’t plan to nurse, have some bottles and formula on hand. You say you have a crib, but if you feel that’s too big, a dresser drawer lined with a couple of folded towels works great as a temporary bassinet.

The only real downside to not having clothing, etc. is if you happen to have a c-section. You won’t be able to go shopping for yourself to pick the things you like. You’ll be dependent upon someone else to pick and buy. I’m sure you’ll have plenty of people willing to help. Other than that, there is just that feeling of wanting to be settled and prepared. If you can set that aside and come to terms that you’ll constantly be thinking of things you want to have and none are particularly crucial during the first few weeks, you’ll be fine.

Other things, can be purchased over time. Newborns don’t do much except sleep and eat.

A car seat and a crib. Some hospitals issue a cheapo but functional car seat to all new moms, but we wanted a nicer one. We also had some onesies, tiny socks, a couple of blankets, 6 bottles, and one package of diapers. I had previously painted the nursery, repainted a childhood dresser, and added a single bed to the room as a place to collapse in exhaustion. I discovered at the hospital how vital a good rocking chair is, so my husband bought one before we came home and added it to the nursery.

Everything else came after.

In addition to the car seat, I would get a baby sling so you can have her close to you but still have your hands free.

Definitely diapers and wipes and a few basic clothes, but not much else is necessary right away. I like the sling idea and I’ll get one with my next baby…and a nice rocking chair is a plus.

Some other things that we have used alot are the bulb syringe, fingernail clippers, and a good thermometer.

Congratulations! How fun!

Someone told me to enjoy being a mommy and that was the best advice ever…take time to enjoy holding her and loving on her, they grow up so quick!

@miasmom – you got that right! Mine is driving already but yesterday she was learning to run (not walk – she never walked).

For something for the baby to sleep in, we had a Moses basket, that had a stand. It was perfect for our house. (we did have a crib and a fully stocked nursery, but the Moses basket was my favorite thing!)

The basket was great and easily moved, from room to room. We used it for a long time – he was tiny!! After we finished using it, I store his toys in it and eventually passed it on to a friend. She loved it, too.

Like everyone has mentioned, wipes, diapers, certain first aid items (I hope they give you the bulb syringe from the hospital!!) and blankets. Simple clothing, socks and hats (knit style, but not too bulky) to keep her little head warm! :)

Really, the beginning stuff, you do only need the basics and then build – but don’t leave yourself empty handed. I understand your husband’s fears, but truly, this is not the time to be unprepared.

…oh! Side note. I couldn’t breast feed. It didn’t work for me, I didn’t produce enough milk; but, we didn’t find out right away. You just might want to keep a few bottles on hand, too – and a recommendation of formula, just in case!

I had hand-me-downs for a changing table, a bassinett, my mother bought the crib as a gift. I bought cloth diapers and some onesies. We got some baby clothes as gifts, but since he was born in Springtime and we’d already gone over 90•F, he mostly just wore diapers and onesies.

I’ve never heard that superstition before, especially since you’re so close to delivery. I always hear about everyone redecorating the nursery and getting all the gizmos and gadgets they sell way in advance.

I would get whatever you need now. I remember feeling weak and dizzy (not to mention sore as hell) for the first several weeks after childbirth. Shopping was the last thing on my mind. Plus, I didn’t want to take my newborn out shopping nor did I want to leave him at home or let hubby do it.

We didn’t buy much though. He had a place to sleep, a carseat, 1 pack of onesies, diapers and wipes. Anything else, we bought as we needed it.

Max is 6 months old now and we still buy his clothes as needed. I hate the idea of over buying and packing up clothes that he never even wore before he was too big.

And take advantage of the stuff the hospital gives you. I took everything I could get my hands on. My nurse even brought me an extra pack of diapers to take home.

Oh…take some wipes to the hospital with you! Most of them have the kind you have to wet yourself…they suck big time.

Good luck!

I went through a major “nesting” stage, the day of my baby shower, which was at 36 1/2 weeks.
I had tons of onesies, crib, carseat, diapers, wipes, stuffed animals, all bathing necessities…you get my drift.
I didn’t feel it was bad luck to be prepared. But, if you think it is, then just make sure you have some receiving blankets, onesies (in newborn size!) diapers, wipes…You’ll be okay. Good luck!