As a new father, I found The New York Times story on overbuying baby stuff of interest. Apart from some things (like a stroller) we received as baby shower gifts, we bought everything just when we needed it.

Here is a highly personal list of things we found useful (you will notice that I disagree with some of the items that the Times thinks is unnecessary):

Five-ounce Bottles: New-borns sometimes drink only an ounce or two of formula. It is very difficult mixing half an ounce in an eight or sixteen ounce bottle.

Swings: I first bought one and found that both the boys liked it, so I got another one. The swings are a lifesaver and we owe them many a night’s sleep.

Crib: We put both the babies in one crib initially. Now, they are too big and tend to wake each other up. I will wait and see if I need another crib.

Mobile: I cannot believe that we bought a $100 mobile, but it was worth every penny. The boys still enjoy it for hours on end. A cheaper mobile might have worked, but we don’t know that for sure.

Obvious stuff: Blankets, diapers, stroller(s), car seats, bath tubs (we did not want them peeing in our kitchen sink!), clothes (don’t buy too many new clothes as they overgrow them so fast), rechargeable batteries (to operate the swing, mobile etc.)

I also think that the following things are useless:

Nursing Pillow: Bought it and we used it once or twice.

Snugli: I see many parents with their babies very happy in a snugli, but both my boys hate it (I think they feel cramped).