Ten things no newish parent should be without

For some time now, I've wanted to do a post about items that, as a newish parent, I can't live without. I'm not talking about doing a post along the lines of "I don't know what I'd do without my Ergo Baby Carrier!" or "No parent should be without a BOB Revolution stroller" [Though both those statements are true in my opinion] or the typical "Before baby arrives lists" (i.e. you'll need to get 10 onsies, 3 pairs of socks, 4 hats...) Lists like that are a dime a dozen on the Internet.

No, I want to write a post about all those indispensible little items that get you through the day as a parent, but no one thought to give you at your baby shower. So without further ado, here are my...

TEN THINGS NO NEWISH PARENT SHOULD BE WITHOUT (in no particular order [though if I had to pick, I'd say number 1, 8 and 10 are pretty important])

1. OxiClean Baby: Babies pooh lots. It leaks. 'nuf said.
2. IKEA washcloths: Babies make messes out the other end too. These come in a pack of ten -- buy two. Also useful for milk sprayage, so buy three.
3. Internet access: Keeps you sane through those early days and is very helpful for keeping relatives abreast of the latest developments. YouTube can also be good for entertaining particularly fussy babies ['cause watching the computer isn't nearly as bad as sitting them infront of the TV now is it?]
4. A phone: Not for the reason you'd think. Yes, it's also useful for keeping relatives abreast of the latest developments, but it makes an even better toy. Extra points if your phone will play music instead of just beep when you press the buttons.
5. Pampered Chef prep bowls: Once your child starts eating solid foods, you learn the frustration that is a toddler's appetite. In my experience, meals get started, but rarely finished so the containers come in handy for the eight million leftovers that continually cycle through the fridge.
6. Remote control: 'cause I've never met a baby who didn't love 'em.
7. Baby Tylenol: We swore we'd never use the stuff...then Abner had her first fever.
8. Soap: Lots and lots of soap. I've never washed my hands more than since becoming a parent. Seriously considering investing in Lever.
9. Straws: Useful for making rehydration a little easier in those early days of breastfeeding when it was really a hands-on affair. Also good for hours of entertainment for the little one - it's helpful that they are so easy to find (try any Starbucks) when you're out and about and realize that your child just dropped the only toy you brought along for the day about six blocks back.
10. Bathroom scale: Not so you can obsess over those last 10 pounds of baby weight, but so you can toss it in front of the baby and, ahem, 'do your business' in peace. Digital scales are particularly good since they have numbers that light up for added entertainment value. Be sure to store the scale within arms reach of the toilet or it will be no good to you!

There you have it. All you new parents out there can thank me later.