Having a baby? On a budget? That's ok! This is to let you know the ONLY things you will need for your child. I am a mother of 4 children, I have bought everything under the sun for my children, and this is what I found that I could not live without (and what was not worth the money)!

*Crib - This is a no-brainer here. A good convertable crib is an excellent choice that will give you MANY years of use and is very muchly worth the money! Especially one that converts from a crib to a toddler bed, to twin headboards and footboards.

*Crib Bedding - You will want at least 2 sets (accidents do happen!) and at least 4 extra matching sheets for small accidents. You don't need anything fancy, just a basic, sheet/quilt/bumper set will work.

*Changing Table - Forget It! I had one once, it sat in the closet and used as a storage shelf for toys, extra diapers, etc.

*Playpen - Invest in a GOOD one. My favorite was one that had a 3/4 bassinette on top with a seperate (that sat on top and was removeable) changing system, thing caddy, and mobile. My kids slept in the bassinette part until they were "big" enough for the crib and I could change them right there! A multi-function one like I just described will give you many years of use and take you through all your babies stages.

*Seperate Bassinette - Forget It! See "Playpen" above.

*Swing - Borrow one first if you can to see if your child likes it. 2 of my kids did, the other 2 hated it.

*Bouncy Seat - Again, borrow one first if you can. Only one of my kids liked to be in it, the other 3 hated it.

*Rocking Chair - I would of died without this! Make sure you get one that is comfortable enough for you to sit in for long periods of time and/or sleep in :)

*Boppy Pillow - Another great choice! Really helps to lesson strain on the arms and back when you're stuck holding a baby for long periods of time. My youngest was not happy unless he was being held. This thing made it comfortable to hold him where he wanted to be.

*Diaper Genies and the Like - Forget It! I have heard many people complain that they are a waste of money!

That's all I can think of at the Moment. Now here is a list of other essentials that you will want to make sure you have on hand.

*Blankets - You can never have too many blankets!

*Baby Book - To record all those precious memories.

*Thermometer - You want to invest in a GOOD one!

*Hair/Nails Set - One that includes a medicine dropper, fingernail clippers, fingernail scissors, comb, and brush will be good enough.

*Onesies - These are the best invention ever! They can be worn alone on hot days, as pajamas, as undershirts on cold days, as regular shirts with shorts or shortalls, etc. These are the most versitile pieces of clothing and the best bang for your buck.

*Infant Medicines - Tylonol, Motrin, basic cold and cough medicines, Orajel, gas drops, diaper rash cream, you'll want to make sure you have all that on hand just in case.

*Diapers and Diaper Wipes - Of course :)

*Bottles - Whether you're formula feeding or not

*Carseat - Of course :)