Baby products: What I've learned so far

Even though I look around our house and think it is overrun with baby products...we have tried to keep it simple. Here, I've listed what we use for Bridger. Hopefully it will remind me in the future to not be so anal about baby products and maybe you can find something that will help you.

Nursing
Take a class or read a book about it before giving birth. I wish I would have. Have at least one good nursing bra before going to the hospital. Believe me, you won't want to run to Target with a days-old baby. I would get one a cup bigger than your normal size. I didn't recognize my boobs after Bridger was born. I recommend 1 sleep bra and 2 normal nursing bras. You go through them faster than you would a normal bra. Milk inevitably leaks and then you have a crusty mess on your hands. I have also loved just wearing a nursing cami. But that might not work for chestier mamas.

Other necessities:
*Lansinoh disposable nursing pads. Don't even worry with another brand. Cloth aren't worth the effort either. I leak through everything except Lansinoh.
*Gel pads. I wish I would have registered for these. Put em in the fridge and your boobies will thank you for it.
*Lansinoh nipple cream. Again, your boobies will thank you.
*Breast pump. I like my Medela Harmony hand pump. I use it a few times a week, or just when I know   that I'll need a bottle or two for Bridger. It's good for them to learn how to take a bottle so you can go out with your husband every so often. And a little formula isn't bad every now and then either.
*Burp cloths. You cannot have too many.

Sleeping
We use a playpen for Bridger. It's perfect for us and all our moving around etc. If you want to go this route, just get a simple one with good reviews. You do not need the bassinet or changing table attachments. We haven't used our's since Bridger was a week old.

We have a simple Graco swing from Target. I like it because we can plug it into the wall, and we aren't running out for batteries all the time. I also love that the bouncy seat comes out of it so I can take him into the kitchen with me and I know he's safe. The music and sounds on this one suck. I never use them. If needed, I'll just turn the radio on static or use simplynoise.com.

Bathing
We hate our big plastic tub. I wish I would have gotten the Puj Tub, I have heard such great things about it. But Bridger is so close to sitting up, I don't think it's worth it to get something else now. Oh well.

We use Aveeno's baby wash. Love it. It seemed expensive when we bought it, but we are still using the same bottle.

Diapering
For the first 3 months, we used half cloth and half Pampers Swaddlers for Bridger. Some people say not to even buy newborn diapers, but I disagree. Bridger was over eight pounds and used newborns for at least three weeks. We don't have a changing table or even the standard changing pad. We use a simple travel changing mat that we keep on the floor in our bedroom.

Once he was 4 months, every time he pooped it was everywhere. And I change him as soon as I see him strain. We have since switched to Huggies Little Movers and I don't have a single complaint. You gotta have the elastic around the back, otherwise it will be in his neck. Yuck.

As for disposing of the diapers, you do not need a diaper genie. We throw them in a small (bathroom size) trash can next to his changing area. That way, it gets changed out often. Poopy diapers go straight to the outside garbage.

Activity
Stores are full of baby toys, I don't feel like I share much that is enlightening here except that he loves his rattle O-ball. And the play gym Nate made for him. Now that he is 5 months, he loves using a sit-in walker around the kitchen. (This is a good item to borrow or buy second hand). We try not to buy too many toys because it can get out of hand. Plus, he loves playing with a whisk more than anything ;)

Stroller
I spent the most time while pregnant researching this topic. Such a waste of time because I hated the one we got! We returned it and got the Chicco Liteway. We love it. It's easy to fold, it's light and Bridger is happy in it. Easy to turn and push. The perfect width. I just wish the car seat fit into it. That can be annoying. But I hear the 2013 model has a car seat attachment. If you are crazy like me and are researching strollers until your eyeballs fall out, here is a funny and helpful post about some of the better strollers out there.

What are your favorite baby products? Anything we just have to have as he turns 6 months old?