Helpful Baby Checklist:

Crib. Check.  Stroller.  Check. Car seat.  Check.  Swing and/or bouncer. Check.
What's next?

Here's my list:

1.  Diaper bag.  The bigger the better.  Needs to fit your entire life in it.  Always have a least one change of baby clothes.  The second you step out the front door, they are going to have an up the back blow out.  It's fine.  Also consider the fact that they are only a baby for a little while and if you are going to spend crazy money on this you may want something you can use after the 'baby days'.  I had an OiOi and after four it was destroyed but I highly recommend.

2.  Bedding.  The only thing you really need is fitted sheets.  I said 'sheets', plural.  Get a few.  I recommend getting waterproof flannel crib pads.  They are easy to pull and wash, without having to wash entire fitted sheet.  I also like sleep sacks for babies once they are done with being swaddled.

3.  Blankets and burp cloths... Can't have enough.  With blankets, the bigger the better. Aden + Anais and Little Giraffe are superior and most likely to become your childs' 'lovie'.  I like the burp cloths made of muslin as they are extra absorbent and it's hard for the spit up to just roll off them as it does with others.  Aden + Anais swaddlers double as burp cloths.

4.  Bath.  I've had one of everything and found the most useful thing was a traveling mesh bather.  It's the cheapest thing ever and works the best. Plus it takes up zero room.  No cleaning and just hang it to dry.  Burts Bees is my favorite bath wash and I wish I could buy it in bulk.  Test them all to see what your favorite is, then stock up.  The older generation loves a good wash cloth.  I consider this one more thing to wash and therefore superfluous.  Hooded bath towels are nice but get the bigger thicker ones designed for bigger kids as some of the baby one's don't wick away moisture.  Pottery Barn does a nice job in this department.

5.  Binkis/Pacifiers/Dummies.  They may not take one but I'd get a couple of different kinds to have on hand.  At worst they can be used as chew toys.  I like the kind with the flat back (Advent) because my kids had fat cheeks and the curved ones would cut into their cheeks and leave imprints.

6.  Books & Toys.  I recommend little board books that can be thrown in diaper bag and double as chew toys.  Plush toys are sweet but useless.  They are usually light colored and hard for little hands to handle.  Don't go all out on toys as they find their hands and fingers way more entertaining than most toys.  Ring-a-links are awesome, simple and are currently being used to lock certain people out of the DVD cupboard.

   7.  Clothing.  Onezies and sleepers with a zipper.  The zipper is key, as you will be changing them in the middle of the night.  Buttons will be your actual nightmare and compel you to swear.  As far as their wardrobe, worry more about fashion when they are going to be out of their car seat/stroller/carrier more.  Keep in mind, newborn size is a waist of time if your baby is over 8lbs, so stock up on the bigger sizes.

8.  Carrier.  I preferred sling but everyone has different opinions on what they like and what is comfortable for them.  I recommend trying them out first.  I had the Baba sling and loved it!

9.  Diapers.  Decide what system you will use whether it's cloth, disposable or biodegradable. Don't go all out on newborn sizes.  Again, if your baby is 8lbs or heavier it won't be in them long.  I liked Luv's because they were cheap and effective then Huggies Overnights for, well, overnight.  Huggies wipes are also superior.  Stock up.

If you are considering cloth, I recommend  AIO's (all in ones).  P.S.  It's not as hard as you think. I did it and I'm pretty lazy...But either do it or don't do it.  It's very hard to half ass.  Get at least 15 diapers, bio liners and a wet bag. 

10.  Boob stuff.  Boppy pillow is a must unless you are having twins (then you need something the size of your couch cushion and can forget wearing a shirt).  Breast pads are necessary but Lily pads, which are like suction cups for your boobs and stop the leaking before it starts, are awesome.

11.  Bottles/pump.  My last two didn't take a bottle at all and just the sight of one would send them into a panic but if you are going to bottle feed I would say find a pump you like first then make the call on the bottle.  If you are using formula, I recommend bottles that look more like the breast.

12.  Kitchen supplies.  I liked making my own baby food.  It's cheaper and healthier.  My Cuisinart has taken a beating and is still going strong.  Go ahead and get baby spoons, the slender shallow ones are the best (I like the ones that are metal with the rubber tip), remember you are trying to get it into a very small, sometimes unwilling, target.  Also, get some small bowls/containers with lids.  You won't be sorry, I'm still using mine.

13.  Pack-n-play.  You will use this all the time, eventually for time out and then other peoples kids.  It will be one of your most used purchases. 

14.  Creams and medicine.  You will never have too much.  Stock up on Butt paste, Orajel, teething tablets, gripe water, baby Tylenol and lanolin.  You will use it all!

 15.  Safety equipment.  Electrical socket plugs, locks, harnessing equipment and gates.  Containment is key.  In the words of one of my fellow field experts:  Lock yo shit up!
If you care about it, pack it away.  Everything, and I mean everything, is up for grabs.  Unless you are one of those soon-to-be parents that think you are going to 'teach' them not to touch.  I smile smuggly just thinking of you.  Good luck.

Everything else is extra....You got this!

Oh and if you need some toddlers for a test run, mine are available.  No charge.