The things no one tells you when you are having a baby

By Judy Stone

Clothing: 0 - 3 months it's all about the footies/onesies. You only need about six or seven day outfits more for when the baby is about three months.

Based on my experience, here is info on baby brands:

• Baby Gap - Runs very big
• Koala Kids (this is sold at Babies R Us) - Runs big
• Little me - True to size
• Ralph Lauren - Runs small
• Just One Year - True to size

Shoes: As cute as they are, do not buy any 0-6 month shoes. If you get them, exchange them for 6 - 12months. Total waste.

Books: Just read Babywise. If you want your baby to sleep through the night by 2 months, this is the book you follow.

Essentials:

• Swing
• Bouncer
• Exersaucer ( this is when they are a bit older but essential if you want to shower)
• Jumper ( again this is for when they are about 6 months old)
• Playmat
• The soft books
• Saline drops: put some saline in the nose when stuffy and suck it out with the green sucky things
• Green Sucky thing
• Blankets for swaddling

The Hospital Prep: Make sure you get that overnight bag packed! We actually had one together about a month before my due date and it came in handy because I went into labor two weeks early. Make sure you have a camera and a video camera.