Had my shower and I have a few questions on

What do I truly need?
First, it's so exciting having all of this baby stuff, it makes it seem even more real - as if this big stomach that moves all the time isn't enough -
Anyway, did anyone return clothes? As Claud posted today - you do get a lot of clothes for all different stages and your not sure if you will ever use them - I received a lot of adoralble outfits for 0-3 but will I really be putting our little girl in a pair of jeans with fur or a little mini skirt and turtle neck?
What do you dress them in the first 3 months? Will I be putting her in any of these adorable outfits?
How many blankets do you think you need?
How many receiving blankets?
How many bottles?
You see I have no idea

I am so happy for you that you had your baby shower - how exciting!!! When you get a chance, tell us more about the details, okay?

Now, regarding the 'stuff'...here's what I think:

- You will mostly dress the baby in one piece 'stretchies' during the first few months. Honestly, babies do not like cumbersome clothing, so anything that has a big collar or will annoy them in any way is OUT. (Keep thinking to yourself...will these clothes be so uncomfortable that the baby will wake up if she moves and it creeps up over her mouth, or if she can't find her thumb b/c the sleeves are too long, etc.) It's all about keeping the baby SLEEPING in the first few weeks/months.

- You really don't need a ton of bottles in the beginning, b/c you might need to try different kinds to find the right one for your baby. Just like adults, babies have different preferences. My son refused to use a latex nipple, so I had to find a bottle that had the option for latex/silicone and then buy all silicone (BTW - Playtex nursers are the best; if you are BFing, that Evenflo Elites are great to help teach the baby to have a wide gape during latch.) But, again you need to see what works best for your little one.

- Someone told me when I was PG that you need a lot of receiving blankets (about 10). I found this to be true, b/c the baby would be wrapped in a blanket constantly for the first couple of weeks to keep them warm and cozy. You'll probably have to change blankets at least once a day, if she spits up or wets. So, it's a good idea to have plenty of receiving blankets.

- Regular blankets is a tough one. I have used the same two blankets for Paul since he was very little. They have become his favorites. But, it is helpful to have others on hand just in case something happens in the middle of the night (again, spit up and wetting). Just a little caution, though....newborns really don't need any blankets besides the swaddled receiving one b/c they could get smothered.

- If you want, you can wait to exchange the 0-3 mos outfits. Just take the tags off of about 10 stretchies and see how you do with them the first 2 weeks. If you can get by with that many, don't remove the tags from anything else. If you need more, than only wash 1 ro 2 more at a time.

Let me know if you have any other questions, or if I can help in any way.
Tummy pats ...remind me again..when are you due??

Thats so nice ! Its great to look through everything after the baby shower !
we had a few posts on this subject...do a search for 'baby' or just my name under parenting. i think i posted several times in detail !
TUMMY PATS