I have a July 2016 and August 2020 collectible representing each of my babies. Being a mom is tiresome, but it's also expanded my emotions and empathy 10000x.
Here is my bullet list I share with friends (applicable in the US):
Quick tips or things I wish someone told me while I was pregnant:
· Baby clothes:
o buy outfits with a wide head slot, so you can take the clothes off by pulling them down their body instead of over the head (built like an eyelid like these:
http://a.co/1X6RDU1) – important for diaper blowouts
o sizing: the tags will have age ranges or a single age. if it's a single age (like "9 mo."), that indicates the maximum recommended age for that size
· Diapers
o sizes start at preemie to newborn to 1-5 to #T
o we used Huggies because our hospital did, but there's no such thing as a bad diaper anymore (don't get caught up in brand names)
o don't buy too many in advance
· Breast pump:
o acquisition, free if you have health insurance, go here :
https://aeroflowbreastpumps.com/qualify-through-insurance
§ this site sent me free parts all the time, love it!
o model: Spectra is awesome -- sleek, compact Korean design; most hospitals use Medela, but those are giant and clunky IMO
o don't pump on a higher setting -- it doesn't make milk come out faster and can damage your nipples
o If you choose not to breastfeed (and feed baby with formula instead), that's fine! Don't let anybody judge you, even the grandparents. As long as baby is healthy, it's fine.
· Sleeping:
o doctors encourage the ABC sleep method: ALONE (no toys, no blankets, no bumpers), on their BACK, in the CRIB, in the same room with parents for the first 6 months
o we didn't do this, as working parents, and chose to co-sleep with kid1 in between us in our bed -- which is more common outside the US, but definitely a health risk
§ this made it tough later on, to get him to sleep outside our bed
o many people compromise with a bedside bassinet
· Car seat:
o make sure to acquire and install in the car before hospital delivery time
§ unless your kid is <5 lbs, in which case they'll need a special seat or car bed -- which is what happened to us because kid1 was born premature by a month
o something like 90% of parents install the carseat poorly or incorrectly. You can have a professional check your installation (scroll to the bottom of this link)
https://www.nhtsa.gov/equipment/car-seats#inspection-inspection
· Useless items: don't buy these unless you really want to...
o Nosefrida (sucks boogers out of babies' noses) – useless for us / clunky
o Diaper genie / other diaper pail -- only if you have a huge house with a dedicated room for diapers and don't take out the trash often...
o Bottles -- don't buy a bunch, just a few, as your kid may have a nipple preference
o Lots of Shampoos / Lotions -- your baby may have various sensitive skin conditions, so don't buy a large amount of anything relating to skin; CeraVe Baby is the brand recommended by the dermatologist after multiple visits for kid1
o Baby Nail clippers (for the first few months): use a nail file instead, works while baby is asleep also
· Awesome must-have items in our experience:
o rocking swing
http://a.co/6Z66ghi
o baby carrier
http://a.co/hszIkCv
o wide angle backseat mirror
http://a.co/6hpOKb2
o static cling car shades
http://a.co/bQrh88M
o graduating baby tub
http://a.co/gc0YE46
o And if you like reading or having a searchable ebook of authoritative info (rather than the rabbit hole of Google), Baby 411 was recommended by all our doctors.
https://www.amazon.com/Baby-411-Clear-Answers-Advice/dp/1889392413
o Phone numbers to have on speed dial in your phone now: OBGYN (duh), Pediatrician, Pediatric After-hours number, Poison Control (1-800-222-1222),
- If you don’t have a pediatrician lined up yet, start shopping around!
· Main points:
o Don't let anybody guilt you or judge your parenting style (including grandparents!) -- as long as you are doing your best, following the pediatrician's guidelines when you can, then baby will be fine
o To the Baby-Daddy -- Life as a working mom and a stay-at-home mom is tough. I've tried both and there are benefits/detriments to both. Support mama in whatever she decides to do, if you can. Also, check on her all the time, even if it's nap time. She might need something! Especially water!
o To the future momma -- Recovering from delivery: I had a C-section both times, so I can't comment on natural labor, but you're going to make it. You are strong and amazing and you will be great. Take it one day at a time. Stay hydrated. Everybody loves youuuuuuu
Raising a child is exciting and scary but I can promise you that is is the most amazing thing you will ever do.
Good luck mom! you got this!
Your child will absolutely change your entire life ... you will be blown away by the power of the love you will feel for this little person - full of wonder and awe over every smallest detail,
Congratulations! 
