Just a couple of comments...
We didn't co-sleep...we used a crib, but the pack 'n play play yard was great when I wanted to work outside in the garden and it was baby nap time. I put the sun-shade up and she slept outside in the fresh air. Also when we traveled to visit family since we don't co-sleep it was helpful to have a bed for DD.
Never used a diaper changing table...just got a bunch of waterproof pads and put those down in the crib or on our bed covered with a cloth diaper when we changed DD.
Never used a baby tub...seemed like a waste of money when I could clean out my sink and put a big fluffy towel down and then fill the sink with lukewarm water. When she got bigger and a bit more fidgety, I just crawled in the big tub with her.
Didn't like the front carrier because I always felt like the baby was getting too warm in it. Will try the sling this go around.
I found our rocking chair uncomfortable for nursing, but we recently purchased a chair from IKEA (can't remember style name of chair but you'll know it when you sit in it...MMM!) that has a bit of a bounce to it if I need to rock the baby, and a foot rest as well.
You don't need a fancy-schmancy diaper bag but any bag will do. I found backpacks were helpful after a while. Just be sure it is pre-packed with the stuff you need so all you have to do is grab the bag and lock the door behind you when you are inclined. I had a a girlfriend that took HOURS (well...maybe not HOURS
) to get out of the house because she repacked her diaper bag just before we were ready to leave EVERY TIME...UGH! If you are using wipes (we didn't because DD developed a rash early on from them...even the hypoallergenic ones) have them in a small baggy, toss in a few diapers (cloth or disposable depending on preference) and don't forget a ziploc bag to put the dirties in!! Some rattles, a book or two and a changing pad (see above...waterproof pad and cloth diaper!) and you are ready to go. I found it easiest to repack the bag when I returned rather than waiting until I was ready to go...much quicker. You have to empty the dirty diapers anyway so might as well pack the stuff all up ahead of time.
We had a jogging stroller but I rarely used it because I gave up jogging (had knee surgery 6 months after I had DD). I agree, however, that it is great for city use, particularly if you are using it on uneven sidewalks. It is also great for "country/off road" use because the tires are pretty sturdy.
If you are using cloth diapers...either get a delivery system or purchase diapers/wraps/pail/etc. If you are using disposables, 'diaper genies' help keep odor down. We used an excellent delivery service until we moved to a place that didn't have a local service. Used disposables (mostly Tushies and Huggies) for last year of diaper use (between 2 1/2-3 1/2 yo).
Since I was a working mom, I needed a breastpump. I had a friend who could hand express like a champ but I never got the hang of it. I got a small electric/battery pump from Medela and it worked marvelously.
Last bit of advice...I'm not one for shopping at Baby Gap (TOO EXPENSIVE AND TOO TRENDY) but I got a pair of socks from them for a gift and they NEVER fell off of my DD's feet. All other socks did!!!! I vowed at that point that my children would never wear anything else but Baby Gap socks!!!! They have NEVER let me down!
We were d-mn poor when we had DD and we made it with second hand stuff borrowed from friends and also purchased from "Once Upon a Child"...even with a decent income now, we expect to do the same for baby #2! Keep it simple...babies don't care...they just want you to hold and love them!
Cheers...Robyn
Anyway, I had one and loved it...until I went and had our carseat professionally inspected at the fire dept. The inspector (they're all certified) told me not to use it because they are not all that adhesive and not permanently mounted. So, if you're in an accident, it's a projectile in your car. And since it's positioned to be facing your child, it's a projectile right into your child's head. Once he said that, I realized how they really aren't that secure suction-cupped to the window and immediately took mine down. I missed it sooooo much, I also loved being able to see my baby!
: ), so i used the kind that attaches to the backseat headrest with velrco. It came with a large safety pin which i assumed was to secure it so that it would not become a projectile in a crash, but I think these types have unbreakable mirrors, as opposed to the suction cup ones, although I may be wrong about that.
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