First time parents are often eager to have all the gadgets and tools that are available for their baby.  Every magazine and many books list off the best learning toys, the best seats, chairs, toys, cribs etc... that will make your baby happy, healthy and smart.

The truth is that your baby IS happy, healthy and smart.  They are born with instincts, and their "needy" behaviors are simply their natural instincts to connect with their Mother.  No amount of toys will sooth a baby who needs cuddles, no seat can replace your arms, many toys intended to teach your baby will simply over stimulate them, and a lot of  the baby "Stuff" that is marketed as essential just take up tons of space.

Keep it simple.  This might be a list of stuff to buy, but these items are chosen carefully to last and save space and money.  These are just some of the suggestions that I have found have had a big impact on reducing the "Stuff" and the expense of having a new baby.

• Buy a sling, and a Snap-and-Go stroller (wire frame that holds your infact car seat) .  These 2 simple and small tools can easily replace the bulky monsters that cost a fortune and take up the whole trunk of your vehicle.
• Invest in a convertible car seat that is for newborn to 80lbs.  It can be pricey at first, but saves the cost and time and space of buying 2 additional seats later on as your child grows.
• Buy a convertible booster that works from 3 months to 3 years to last a long time and take up less space.
  
• Buy a dresser that will work for their entire lives, not tons of baby furniture that has only a short term use.
• Keep a basket/container with your diapering needs and change your baby on top of your bed. Skip the change table
  
• Buy combo wall mount/pressure baby gates so you can buy fewer gates and move them around the house as needed. (wall mounted always at the top of stairs)
  
• Buy small stainless steal bowls for baby food - they last forever, don't break when baby throws them and don't transfer dangerous chemicals into babies food. (cannot be used in the microwave)