What's a Item You Used for Your Baby That You Couldn't Live Without??

VIDEO MONITOR: It was great especially for a firs time nervous mom because if the baby was crying, I could see if he was in a weird position in the crib or just being fussy. My mom also loved it.

FISHER PRICE PAPASAN INFANT CHAIR: Best buy ever. It has music and vibrated. Both my son and daughter loved it. My daughter was having trouble sleeping flat in her bassinet so I would put the chair and she was able to sleep in that. I help me through many rough nights.

Congratulations and enjoy. They grow up so fast!

Pacifiers, night light and a good monitor with screen so I could see the baby if I need to go to the bathroom.

A pack-n-play!!
http://www.target.com/Graco-Pack-n-Play-Morgan/dp/B004DN8...

A papsan bouncer.
http://www.target.com/Fisher-Price-Little-Lamb-Infant-Sea...

One small but very hand item I have and love is the Mommy Hook. It is a large metal ring that opens and you can hang things on the stroller with it. I needed it not with a newborn but as soon as I wanted to get out and around with the baby. I'm sure she will choose a car seat and stroller she likes on her own.

I would have LOVED a baby video monitor, I couldn't afford one so she slept in her crib beside me and my ex's bed for a long time because I was paranoid (we lived in an apt).
I LOVED the rainforest theme fisherprice bouncer. It was SO cute with the lights and music and animals, so cute and my daughter loved it... (I am actually guilty of still having it haha).
A nice umbrella jogging stroller that you can take to the store or take jogging.
A nice car seat like Graco nautilus
A high chair
One thing I seriously LOVED was the baby carrier that I wore so she was against my chest when I went to the store. It didn't look like these backpack looking things these days, it molded to my body. It made me feel safe and not worried about her safety because she was right there with me.
I would've loved a glider.
I loved the waterproof crib sheets, they don't cover but a portion of the mattress so I bought two, I still use them... love them so much.

Wow Joy P has some good people in her life. I would've loved that, my parents lived 7 hours away (by car) at the time, in laws were 3 days away (by car)

Update Oh my goodness I wish I knew about Moby wraps, those are awesome (looked on the site just now).

Hi J.-
The best things that helped me transfer into parenthood were not things, but people.
#1- Having my mom come to help out on Saturdays to help me with my twin babies while I did some chores. She also gave me adult conversation and it seemed like I got a lot less of that since I was no longer working as a teacher. (My husband also worked a lot of hours at the time.)

#2- Having my mother inlaw come and visit AND take all of my laundry to her house. She washed the babies clothes carefully and separately from my husband's and my clothes. She did this every Tuesday.

#3- My cousin was single at the time and she would come over 2 to 4 times a month to visit me and stay the night.(My husband owned a billiard room at the time and didn't get home until after 1:00 am.) Again... the adult conversation helped me and she also told me to run my errands while she watched the babies. She worked nearby so she slept in the extra bedroom.

Okay.... people from church stopped over with casseroles, etc... and that meant a lot to me, too.

But....let's see.... In case the above does not apply to your question, here are actual things that helped me a great deal:
*baby swing
*sling to hold a baby
*bouncy seat
*bassinet to have in the family room
*a glidder/rocker type chair
*a pillow that velcroed around the back of me.... great for breastfeeding
*a white noise device... helped my colicky daughter
I swaddled her too with a blanket because they didn't have the velcro kind 9 years ago.
And another great "gift" my mother inlaw and mom did was not to hover over me while I raised my babies. (They didn't constantly give me unsolicited advice... rather, they let me do things my way without constantly questioning me. I have heard from others that this stuff does happen with some new moms.)

Well good luck and enjoy your grandbaby!!
-J.

Edit- just an after thought.... the reason the visits by my mil, mom, and cousin were extra special were because I didn't get out of the house with 2 premature babies during the winter months.

Pack-n-Play
Boudreax's Butt Paste
Angel Care Baby Monitor
Breathable Crib Bumpers

- Most important, love, support and an OFFER of help from family/friends (and their understanding when I turned down the help or gave specific instructions on how to do things with my baby)

.

2 things, actually:

Boppy pillow
Baby swing

Congrats!

A sound machine!!! White noise mode or waterfall mode both make a constant noise that blocks out the phone, dogs, etc....We used one for all three of my boys! I even sleep with one. Homedics makes the best one I have found because it turns up so much louder than the "baby" version. Its also great for travel!

http://www.amazon.com/HoMedics-SS-2000-Relaxation-Machine...

I also liked the "waffle" type blankets the best for swaddling once the baby gets a few months old. They wrap really tight! Don't be afraid to swaddle tightly. Babies love it!
Congratulations!

The best thing my momma gave me (and she's given me a ton of wonderful and thoughtful things) was her time...she makes meals for my freezer and loves my babies as much as I do...it is the most amazing gift. I've never needed her as much as I needed her after my babies where born!

I loved my sling. My daughter always wanted to be held & the sling let me get things done and kept her happy. She also loved her jump-a-roo. I have a nice jogging stroller now, and I rarely use the older one with the carseat that attached. Congrats on the new grandbaby! Your daughter is lucky to have such a caring mom!!

Some type of cloth baby carrier like the Moby Wrap. Babies are happiest when "worn" close to Mom or Dad, and parents have two free hands! Also a good rocking chair.....I loved my La-Z-Boy recliner/rocker. It was large enough for me and the new baby and my toddler when my second child was born, too! Please research swaddling. There is some new information that swaddling may actually NOT be good for babies. Is the baby actually happier swaddled or so stressed that he/she is shut down? While swaddling may be helpful when used occasionally, routine swaddling during the first months is associated with greater risk of: respiratory illness, hip dysplasia, SIDS in prone sleeping positions, and overheating. Also swaddling during breastfeeding to restrict babies' hands may contribute to breastfeeding problems.

One thing I received and have since purchased for nearly every new mom I know is a sherpa cover for the infant car seat. Both my girls were born in the winter and I never once used a snow suit for them. I simply placed them in their seat and zipped the cover up. When it was extremely cold, I put a receiving blanket around them first. They are warm and cozy with no struggling. Plus, when they fell asleep on the ride home, all I had to do was unzip and lift them out.

I was never one for "gadgets" but I sure loved the swing!! I could put my babies in there for 15-30min and get dinner done!!!

This is a silly one, but I received a thermometer for the bathtub when my first was born, and I still use it (my 3rd is 2). I like to know how hot the bath water is, because I can tolerate MUCH hotter water than tender baby skin.

My second recommendation is a REALLY REALLY fast and good thermometer for the forehead. I bought one for about $50 with my first, and wish I'd even bought a better one. When your tiny baby has a fever, the last thing you want to do is a rectal or other slow thermometer. Fast and accurate and easy is the way to go.

J.

I LOVE the lightweight muslin wraps from Anais & Aden! I used them to swaddle, as a cover while breast feeding, blanket, wipe and stroller cover for naps and to protect from the sun. They are breathable and light weight...still use them today!
Breathable crib bumpers, the thick, decorative ones can be suffocation hazards.
Sleep gowns with 'mitten cuffs'! Easiest diaper changes and mitten cuffs keep them from scratching themselves & you don't have to try to keep those little mittens on them!
Congratulations!

My best piece of 'furniture' was a bouncy seat that also rocked. It was small enough to carry up and down stairs (NOT with the baby in it of course!) and kept my babies close by while I showered, cooked or whatever. Easier to move from room to room than a playpen and the one I have is convertable for toddlers too. When the baby's not in there, my 4 and 2 year olds fight over it :o)

In no particular order:
*Gymini play mat. Kept baby busy while I showered, etc. Was awesome from a few weeks until she could crawl away.
*Snap-n-Go stroller
*This foam wedge from Babies R Us that baby slept on and made it really comfortable and better for digestion/snuffy noses. Velcro sides to keep her snug as she grew. Made transition from our bed to co-sleeper to crib to pack-n-play effortless - we just moved the wedge wherever she went!
*Beautiful blanket from Petunia Picklebottom. Loved it and used it so, so often.
*Video monitor. I didn't even want this - seemed over the top - but we ended up LOVING it. Baby TV. And so helpful too - one time she was crying and w/o the monitor I would have let it go a little longer but could see that she had flipped over on her stomach and couldn't get back to her back. Could check to see if she was in trouble, trying to climb out of the crib, etc. So, there is a real safety value, but also hugely entertaining to see what your older baby does during nap and bedtime!!
*Kit to make handprints/footprints. Seemed weird at the time, but LOVE having those tiny hand and footprints now.
*Books. We got a ton and we loved (again and again and again) them for years. Little board books to classics. Inscribe -- "One of your mommy's favorites when she was little," "From Grandma" etc. We read these inscriptions and the books over and over for years. Now they are keepsakes.
*Coupons for grandma to come babysit or bring dinner over!!
Congrats and enjoy your little one!

Boppy pillow, hands down best baby purchase on the market. As a nursing momma, this pillow is invaluable, and worth every penny spent on it. So many uses! Matter of fact, I am pregnant with my second child, and just bought a second Boppy pillow in addition to the one I had with my first born. Such a great product!

Medicated powder my girls never had a bad rash after we started using it.
You may need to purchase it on line. My daughter used it too and my granddaughter never got a rash.

Desitin
-Binky holder (clips the binky to baby's shirt so you don't have to keep picking it up off the floor)
-Mylicon or generic drops
-burp cloths
-sleep positioner
-disposable changing pads. I would put these over the diaper pad cover. These would keep from going through washing the diaper changing pad covers so often after changing a diaper and getting peed or popped on!

My ergo baby carrier with infant insert.
A good stroller system with a spot for coffee.
Bumbo chair (although that was useful right away, until baby can support head).
Baby swing and bouncy seat.
Pack n play (was our bassinet and changing table for first few weeks).

Okay those are the physical things for baby. But what helped my transition and sanity was my mother in law would come by and take my son for a short walk a few times a week; giving me the precious gift of some time. I could use it for shower, folding laundry, other tasks or simply to close my eyes for a few minutes. Every new mother NEEDS that.

Congrats Gramma!

I see many great things here. I loved my nursing pillow as well. The boopy was a god send the first 3 weeks.
Bumbo seat is great but that is a little later on.

As a Mother of 3 who's 1st had colic and acid reflux,2nd acid reflux,and 3rd acid reflux and digestive problems...along with everything every baby goes through,lol! I would never have another baby without a Boppy pillow (especially good for nursing mothers who have c-sections!) A good comfy swing (was great for restlessness!) A good comfy vibrating bouncy seat,vibrating was good for calming when it was impossible to hold them and I used it for them to sit up in for 30 min after feeding bc of their reflux.Baby magic's soothing lavender baby bath,(the name explains it,and it smells good too!) And last but not least Hyland's natural teething tablets when the baby starts teething (the doctor's said not to use oral gel bc babies were choking and they actually worked!)

Updated

As a Mother of 3 who's 1st had colic and acid reflux,2nd acid reflux,and 3rd acid reflux and digestive problems...along with everything every baby goes through,lol! I would never have another baby without a Boppy pillow (especially good for nursing mothers who have c-sections!) A good comfy swing (was great for restlessness!) A good comfy vibrating bouncy seat,vibrating was good for calming when it was impossible to hold them and I used it for them to sit up in for 30 min after feeding bc of their reflux.Baby magic's soothing lavender baby bath,(the name explains it,and it smells good too!) And last but not least Hyland's natural teething tablets when the baby starts teething (the doctor's said not to use oral gel bc babies were choking and they actually worked!)

Updated

As a Mother of 3 who's 1st had colic and acid reflux,2nd acid reflux,and 3rd acid reflux and digestive problems...along with everything every baby goes through,lol! I would never have another baby without a Boppy pillow (especially good for nursing mothers who have c-sections!) A good comfy swing (was great for restlessness!) A good comfy vibrating bouncy seat,vibrating was good for calming when it was impossible to hold them and I used it for them to sit up in for 30 min after feeding bc of their reflux.Baby magic's soothing lavender baby bath,(the name explains it,and it smells good too!) And last but not least Hyland's natural teething tablets when the baby starts teething (the doctor's said not to use oral gel bc babies were choking and they actually worked!)

Swing - has been a lifesaver with all three
Pack n play with the bassinet/changing table insert - all three of mine sleep or slept in the pack n play. I have one in the bedroom and one in the living room.
Plain white cloth diapers - you can use them for everything
Bouncer
Window shades for car if the windows aren't tinted or if they aren't very dark.
Baby bathtub with a sling for newborns
Mylicon drops
Infant tylenol - must have for after the shots
Musical light up mobile
Zip front all in ones and zip front sleep sacks
Baby gowns - much easier to change their diapers
Temporal thermometer - love mine - use it constantly
The pampers diapers with the yellow strip on the front that turns blue when they are wet.
A pair of nail clippers with the balls on them are much easier to use.

My third child is currently two months old, so I am listing for you all of the things we currently use on a daily basis.

Congratulations on the new grandbaby to be!

I have said to many people, many times, that the one thing I couldn't have lived without was a really great stroller. We got a travel system, which was convenient for the first 8 months or so, because you could just pop the car seat out of the car base and right onto the stroller. After she outgrew that, we used the stroller part of the set for FIVE YEARS! And I know we put a few thousand miles on it, too. I can't think of any other thing that you can use from infancy through five years of age...so, it's definitely worth the money to have a nice stroller (provided she will be going places, going to parks, going for walks, holidays, vacations...really, anything.) We had to buy a new one for daughter number two, because we wore the first one out!

Nursing or not, also make sure she has some really nice cushy pillows to prop herself up in a chair, in bed, wherever, while she's feeding the baby. My back was so sore from trying to use a "boppy" pillow...I don't recommend that. Ever since I bought just a really nice, large, cushy pillow (for about $4 at WalMart) and a nice sham to cover it with...something I thought was nice to look at, I am much more comfortable.

Video monitor I still use, and my daughter is one, LOVE it!!! My daughter had acid reflux and couldnt sleep flat so we bought the newborn rock and play sleeper by Fisher Price.
http://www.amazon.com/Fisher-Price-Newborn-Rock-Sleeper-Y...
After sleeping with her on the couch on my chest for about 6 weeks straight, as soon as I but her in that, she was sleeping through the night and next to me by my bed. Whats great about it, is that is mobile, can fold away in a closet, pack in the car, ect. I also still use a white noise sound machine its wonderful.
http://www.amazon.com/Graco-Sweet-Slumber-Sound-Machine/d...
This one you can connect an ipod to it also.
I also used a white noise stuffed lamb on the go, kept her asleep in stores or restaurants.
http://www.amazon.com/Cloud-Sleep-Sheep-Go-Soothing/dp/B0...
She loved this precious planet mobile, it lights up and does music, she could care less about the pretty mobiles that come with the comforter set.
http://www.amazon.com/Fisher-Price-Precious-Planet-Projec...

These are just a few, hope it helps.

Well if she is nursing then a nursing cover is great! I nurse my baby under it everywhere and when people come visit. Also I bought a bumbo seat and it was awesome. my son loved sitting in it.

This is a great question! I've had three (my youngest is now 6 months), and things have changed a lot over that short period of time! For all of them, these were/are my go-to items:

-thick burp rags (not the cutesie ones... these are more like cloth diapers)
-coffee (for me, not the baby! and yes, I nurse)
-diapers (great sale at Walgreens this week... and this week only!)
-Baby Bjorn
-big hooded towel (my four-year-old still uses his!)
-Robeez (the only shoes that actually stay ON baby's feet)
-good nighttime CD to calm baby (and mommy) down in the middle of the night
-not-too-bright nightlight for middle-of-the-night changes

Good luck, and congratulations! Enjoy that new grandbaby when it comes!

Updated

This is a great question! I've had three (my youngest is now 6 months), and things have changed a lot over that short period of time! For all of them, these were/are my go-to items:

-thick burp rags (not the cutesie ones... these are more like cloth diapers)
-coffee (for me, not the baby! and yes, I nurse)
-diapers (great sale at Walgreens this week... and this week only!)
-Baby Bjorn
-big hooded towel (my four-year-old still uses his!)
-Robeez (the only shoes that actually stay ON baby's feet)
-good nighttime CD to calm baby (and mommy) down in the middle of the night
-not-too-bright nightlight for middle-of-the-night changes

Good luck, and congratulations! Enjoy that new grandbaby when it comes!

bouncy seat
Bumbo
swing
mini dvd player --FOR ME while I nursed. It also plays music so that was nice at night.

A baby sling! I used it EVERY day! I am a stay at home mom and I used the sling to keep baby with me while I did laundry, dishes, and other chores, plus the sling was a lot easier than lugging a stroller when I went on walks. Mine was a "hotsling" brand, (out of business) but "karmababy" and "munchkin jellybean" slings are basically the same, just by different companies.

I also used Aden and Anais swaddling blankets made from muslin, they were and are my FAVORITE blankets and I used them as swaddle wraps, sun covers over the car seat, "floor blankets" when we were at the park or friends houses, nursing covers and occasionally as a "burp cloth". I LOVE them!

also, I got baby sunglasses from jublo. They were price, but they were worth it because my daughter wore them every time we went out. In the carseat it can be hard to always cover the baby up from the sunlight because they want to see what is going on, but then the sun shine right in their little eyes! If you start a baby wearing sunglasses early on, then you don't have to fight to get them to wear them when they are older! of course, along the same lines sunhats are also a great thing to have, since most baby caps are "beanies" instead of hats with a brim!

If she plans on breastfeeding- and electric breastpump of good quality is SO great to have. Hand pumps are a real pain to use (especially if you have ever tried an electric). Mine was a medela "in style" pump- and that brand is AWESOME. even though I stayed at home... the pump was the only way my husband and i could have taken advantage of going out on "date night" the first time when my baby was two months old.

Speaking of- the biggest gift you can give is your time! A few date nights can do wonders to re-invigorate a new mom. Someone else cooking one night is a lifesaver! My mom lived too far away to help out for me, but my mother in law was gracious enough to stay over and help a few times and it was a lifesaver! Even if she doesn't leave the house, your daughter will surely cherish if you come over one evening and simply let her take a nap, or soak in the tub, or be a couch potato for a few hours! If you want to make it an official "gift" print out some "coupons" that she can cash in when she simply needs some 'time' and put them in a pretty box of envelope!

If she doesn't have one, a highchair will be nice later on. I got mine from IKEA for under $50 - it was the "antilop" with snap on tray. As I am sure you know, babies are MESSY eaters, so the fact that it is simple plastic is GREAT so i can just wipe it down with a soapy washcloth and not have to fuss with washing cloth covers after every meal! (or digging encrusted food out of every crevice- yuck!) Of course, i didn't get a highchair until my daughter was 5 months old, and she started eating solids at 6 months... so this could be a nice "you made it this far" gift for later down the road!

Congratulations Grandma!

Well the swaddlers didn't work for us. My baby hated them. As soon as she was born all she wanted to do was stretch, and thats how she wanted it. She still, at 2 y/o, will stretch for 5 minutes before getting up...just like her daddy, lol.
The things I loved were...
The hospitals bulb syringe (not the store bought ones!)
Swing
Bouncey Seat
Sling
Tyke Light Jr (night light for late night diaper changes/feedings)
Quick read thermometer
I still use the night light, thermometer and the bulb syringe!
If you are thinking of buying her a sling maybe ask which one she likes. I got a second hand one from a friend and I loved it (still have it), but with the next one we have I want the one that wraps around and you can put the baby in a few different positions (not the back pack one).
Congrats! =)

my nursing pillow!!! A good one, like Boppy brand or My Breast Friend is great :D For a really little one I like the little sleep and play out fits so much. They look like jammies in that they have long sleeves and footies. But they are cute like outfits. You can get them in a thinner cotton for a summer baby or thick fleece for a winter baby. I really liked them so much bc I wanted to let my little baby have lots of floor time without worrying about a sock pulling off or him being too cool. That was like the first three months or so, then I just went to regular clothes, but when being warm enough is a big thing, I love those things!!

There's so much useless gear in the baby market these days in my opinion, but there have been a few inventions that I wouldn't have wanted to live without:

1) Bundle me (my 1st was an October baby so it was cold pretty much right away)...they make spring weather ones that aren't too warm too
2) Snuggle nest - great safe place to sit the baby down when you need 2 free hands
3) Snap & go stroller - BEST invention ever!!
4) Baby monitor
5) Swaddle blankets - brilliant! But get a couple more so that she can always have a clean one
6) Foam bath liner for baby tub...baby tubs are so slippery; and the ones with the cloth inserts are such a pain. If you hang them to dry, they never dry fully fast enough so they eventually start to mildew unless you wash them in hot water every time. Who has time for that?! You can buy the foam baby tub inserts at Target or Babies R Us and they are so cheap. Easy to wring all of the water out and they dry fast. Makes it so, so much easier to bathe the baby without them slipping around in their tub or the sink.

Congrats and great question!

Hi there~

I haven't read all of the posts, but if Sleep Sheep is out there I am seconding that one. We didn't have it with DD1, but rec'd it as a gift from G & G with DD2. Wow!!!! What a HUGE difference. DD2 is fussy and colicky, but this is like some sort of magic sleeping pill for her. The minute it turns off (I think 45minutes), she starts fussing so she knows when it's on and is clearly relaxed by it.

Mustela Cradle Cap care- called Stelaker. Best stuff on the market by far. Nothing else has worked for DD2 except this stuff!

Steam Bags save tons of time.

Pre-made freezer meals. My mom came in from out of state and helped fill our freezer and in general give us her time and attention. Hands down best gift ever.

Congrats to you & your family!!!!

First few months...boobs and a nursing cover. Blankies and jammies. Sling/wrap.
Lol. My two kids were really quite different from the very start so what worked for the first (and I prepared for the 2nd)...well...I didn't need.

One baby item I could not live w/o regardless of baby personality/temperment (though it is more for 6mths.+) is my shopping cart/highchair cover. (I have The Floppy Seat-wonderful invention!)
Really. I could not live w/o it. :)

Could not have lived without a bouncy seat. I used it with both my babies and it allowed me to take showers, dress, use the bathroom without my baby crying. Mine played soft music and vibrated. I can't tell you how many days they took naps in it when they wouldn't sleep anywhere else. I still have it and my kids are older. I guess I'm kind of attached to it because it was such a lifesaver!

I know you have a ton of answers but there is one thing I found that's a lifesaver... Safety 1st 3-n-1 Thermometer.

It switches to different modes (rectal, armpit, oral) and takes the temp in 10 seconds. My baby boy's nickname is "Squirmy Wormy" so time is of the eccense when I take his temp. He's teething and spiking fevers just about every night. Like I said, this 10 second thermometer has been my lifesaver.

I got it at Babies R' Us, it's orange and white and even comes with a fever chart that tells you when to call the doctor (I checked with my doc and approves the temps). It's a great reference for when you have a fussy baby and can't remember what the baby books said.

I had an Itzbeen timer. It was a Godsend.

Hmmmm... There is some much that springs to mind!

The first - mylacon!!! It can be generic too. My children have (and are - the youngest is 2 weeks old) lived off the stuff. I breastfeed exclusively and as a general policy, I give them some before the feeding and then nurse. I do this especially if I am gassy as it seems that a gassy Mama means a gassy baby and the bubbles are painful for the baby since their systems are immature.

Also, while lots of folks like the Boppy, I always recommend the breast-friend pillow instead. It needs to be the deluxe model though since this has the back support and the velcro/snap belt on one side for adjusting and a pocket in the front. I strap the pillow on, nurse, and then can carry/balance the baby if I need to get up for any reason. I keep one hand on the baby and rest their back/butt on the pillow. It's like my own little table. LOL. and the pocket is great for keeping the little things (like that bottle of mylcon) close by.

Lastly, and this will sound silly, but Omaha steaks or some other pre-packaged meals are a HUGE help. Homemade ones are even better, but the steaks are very good. With my first child, I would get to 10pm at night and realize that I had not eaten! She had a really really really bad "witching hour" that went for several hours starting from like 4 or 5 pm (right around my dinner time) until like 10pm! I was paralyzed trying to comfort her and felt like I couldn't leave her to eat something. At 10pm, it was too late to cook something so I usually ate a PB&J sandwich or other "fast" food. Not eating well impacted my mood and my ability to care for her. With my second and now third children, I had to make arrangements to ensure that the siblings (as well as myself) were eating at a normal time and eating well - this is where having a few Omaha steaks or their other meals in the freezer has made a world of difference... (PS. Daddy cooks when he is home but due to being out on disability, he works extra nursing shifts to "make-up" the difference in our income due to my missing paychecks....)

Best of luck and congratulations!!
~C.

The swaddler wrap was one of the most important thing for me!!

I also love the lavender scented Johnson's. I very much believe in aromatherapy. It really helps calm the baby.

A vibrating bouncy chair (we love our Boppy brand one), an Ergo, gripe water, Dr. Sears Baby Book and a good stroller.

Couldn't live without my hooter hider nursing cover

Good job on the swaddler! I really loved the Woombie swaddler. LOVE IT! A good rocker like a dutailier really is wonderful. I found with most rockers the pads squish down and so you then can feel all the wood and springs. dutailier is one of the best in my opinion.
I boppy is a great thing if she is breastfeeding. Nursing bra's and maybe a couple nursing shirts or shirts that you can easily pull down. Or wrap shirts/dresses. They work well.
I also love having more natural products on hand. Like air freshner for around the diaper pail, cleaners for areas that they baby play or hangs out a lot.
Unlike a previous poster, I HATED the sponge bath mats. It never dried in time for the next bath, even though I had it sitting where it could drain and had tons of air. I did wring it out too but it didn't matter. I also don't like sponges in general since they are bacterial breeding grounds. I like the plastic tubs with a natural slant to them.No need for a fancy one, just ones with slants are nice.
I really wanted a swing that was small and portable so that I didn't have to lug the giant swing all around the house.
A high chair that can recline was so helpful for when I was cooking and he couldn't sit up yet, but I could set him down but not close to the floor like his bouncy chair.

Updated

Good job on the swaddler! I really loved the Woombie swaddler. LOVE IT! A good rocker like a dutailier really is wonderful. I found with most rockers the pads squish down and so you then can feel all the wood and springs. dutailier is one of the best in my opinion.
I boppy is a great thing if she is breastfeeding. Nursing bra's and maybe a couple nursing shirts or shirts that you can easily pull down. Or wrap shirts/dresses. They work well.
I also love having more natural products on hand. Like air freshner for around the diaper pail, cleaners for areas that they baby play or hangs out a lot.
Unlike a previous poster, I HATED the sponge bath mats. It never dried in time for the next bath, even though I had it sitting where it could drain and had tons of air. I did wring it out too but it didn't matter. I also don't like sponges in general since they are bacterial breeding grounds. I like the plastic tubs with a natural slant to them.No need for a fancy one, just ones with slants are nice.
I really wanted a swing that was small and portable so that I didn't have to lug the giant swing all around the house.
A high chair that can recline was so helpful for when I was cooking and he couldn't sit up yet, but I could set him down but not close to the floor like his bouncy chair.

My favorite things:

- Crib
- Changing table
- Lazy Boy relciner/rocker (big enough to fall asleep on)
- Boppy
- Get Out of the House Backpack (backpack with everything I needed; from baby gear to makeup to cash to spare clothes to medicine). Decide to leave. Put baby in carseat. Leave.
- Recieving Blankets (he was a spitter)
- Music/ Radio
- BOOKS. Kiddo was a marathon eater/burper (easy 45 min on each, so 1.5 hours total). Reading while burping kept me awake. I read the entire Nero Wolf series, Earths Children Series, and a few others).
- My mum. Who kept me sane, and taught me how to take 5 minutes, and let me sleep.

Boppy pillow, cloth diapers for burp clothes, Mylicon gas drops, gowns for nighttime changes, waterproof pads for changing table are some of my favs!

* portable swing w/lights & music (still have mine from 7 yrs ago!)
* pack n play (it would be great if grandma got one for her house too, so mom doesn't have to lug her's there)
* Baby Bjourn
* quick change kit
* large receiving blankets (my friend made some for me by stitching around 1yd. of flannel fabric - its perfect as a light blanket, swaddling, shade, burp cloth, changing place, tummy play, towel - really just about anything, which is why its so great! Two of my three babies spit up a lot, ALL THE TIME and those have been a lifesaver for me!)
* baby powder - constant diaper rashes/yeast infections STOPPED when I started drying the area with a cloth and using powder
* shopping cart cover (I had a preemie in the winter and this ended his rounds of ear infections!)
*infant car seat/stroller combo (I too used my first stroller for FIVE YEARS, until the plane ride damaged it). I'm now using stroller #2 going on FOUR YEARS - definitely invest is a large, quality stroller with a large storage on bottom

a scheduled time of help in some way - a new mom wants to prove she can do it, so asking for help seems to go against that idea. If you say you'll be there every Mon to do some cleaning, etc, its not about her "needing" you, its about you being there no matter what!

some helpful ideas here are:
housecleaning
running errands
organizing or providing a variety of nutritious meals
holding the baby so mom can do something for herself

A Bumbo chair is an absolute must! Babies can start using it as soon as they can hold their heads up... we used it at restaurants, the park, the floor while mommy cleaned, pretty much everywhere! They sell them at Target and Babies R Us... don't know of any other places lol. Happy shopping!

The Boppy pillow! And an inexpensive plastic bathtub from Target. And many cloth diapers that were used as spit rags (mine was a "spitter"). Along with the one-piece jammies and the blankets, that's all that was really needed.

A good glider (rocking chair). I use it every single day before naps and bedtime and use it with my newborn now. It's really important that it's comfortable and well made if you're nursing. Mine is a Dutailier and they're expensive new, but I got mine in mint condition on Craigslist for a song.

a snap and go stroller.. they sell them at babies r us.. it is a stroller frame that is super light weight and you are able to just snap the infant car seat into it.. my mom bought me this :) and also I had a bouncy / vibrating chair at my house and my moms house. When I had my second child my parents surprised us and my Dad would visit and bring diapers once a month from Sams club for a year as well as formula.. They sell Pampers and enfamil at sams club.. Such a help since our youngest just started preschool and we had a lot of hospital bills.
Congrats!
L.

One of my favorite things that has lasted through all the stages that my 10 month old has been through so far is my diaper kit... I hate hauling around a big diaper bag everywhere, and I got a little kit as a gift. It's got a changing pad, space for diapers and wipes, and a small pouch for a few essentials. Much easier to carry around, and it makes me feel better about using public restrooms when changing her while out and about.

Swing, bouncy seat, when they get a little bigger a NICE umbrella stroller (not a cheapo). We also use a white noise machine and boy, did it save us when our boys were colicky. We still use it in their room at night and they are 7 and 3 now. Also if she is nursing a nursing stool will help her position better and what's called a "My Brest Friend" nursing pillow (these are 10 times better than a Boppy because it supports your back and actually wraps around you entirely). I took the nursing pillow with me even when I traveled to visit family, loved that thing.

Here's the stool: http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2403243
And the pillow: http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2609109

And a good pump if she is going to work, or money towards it so she can pick it out.

Ocean wonders baby swing, vapor plug-ins and humidifier, keepsake newborn-6 month hand/foot print kit gift from Pottery Barn Kids. Swaddle, Baby Einstein activity mat. Graco Travel System, Pack N' Play. Glider for the nursery....a life saver. I forget now but also we stopped getting the mobiles that went with the bedding and were give the Ocean Wonders remote control mobile...Love it. You can turn on the mobile again without baby seeing you.

Ibuprophen, boppy pillow, newmans ointment(prescription only)

My favorite item was my baby sling. It was so much more comfortable and easier to maneuver than the "backpack" style. It's made from a single piece of cloth, and the instructions show you different ways to "wear" your baby as they grow. My son is almost three, and still sits in it! I had mine custom made from a website called "Seven Slings" for a little over $20.00.
Congratulations on becoming a grandmother and wanting to be practical for your daughter! Good luck!

I didnt read thru all of the answers so i may be repeating...

1. the bottle steamer- wash bottles and then stem for 2 min...saves soooo much time instead of putting in dishwasher.
2. a sound machine
3.fisher price rock n play- and it is good for traveling too

Both my daughter & I loved her little bouncy seat. It was so soft, vibrated, played music and had a cute toy bar across it! I also couldn't live without my Ju Ju Be mommy bag. A must for the organized Mom!

The Miracle Blanket for swaddling (the best!) and Fischer Price My Little Lamb Papasan swing (so cozy and a total sleep machine-my 5 mo still takes 2 2-hour naps in it daily!). Also, frozen, home-cooked meals for my freezer were awesome!

One of the most thoughtful "gifts" I recieved was frozen meals. As a present, my husband's employees' all made one homemade frozen meal (chicken pot pie, tamale casserole, soups etc) for us. Those first couple of weeks can be really rough and a new mama needs to keep her strength up and eat right. It was a lifesaver to be able to go to the freezer and pull something out and just throw it in the oven.

A bouncy chair if she doesn't have one already. My daughter loved hers and I could take her from room to room in it really easily. I'd put her in it in the bathroom with me when I showered, and lots of nights, the only way I could eat my dinner was with her in it on the floor next to me, with one foot bouncing the chair. I got pretty good at it :) Congrats!

There are a few things I wouldn't want to go without that a lot of women have already mentioned like a swing, bouncy seat (I like the Papasan style ones because the kind with the flat backs don't support newborns too well)

There's one thing I haven't seen (although I haven't read all 55 responses to be honest). When I had my 1st baby almost 12 years ago someone gave me onesie undershirts that have snaps all the way down the front as well as the ones at the crotch. I absolutely LOVED them (I know, how can anyone get that excited about undershirts, right :) ?) I loved that you could open them flat, lay the baby on it, and snap it up. No trying to pull something over their wobbly little head. If the baby was being changed when he was half asleep, I could change him without him winding up wide awake. If he had a really nasty poopie diaper that leaked all over the onesie, I didn't need to try pulling it over his head (some undershirts have narrow neck openings) or pulling it down.

It was one of those things I made sure to get with the three children I had after that, but they've gotten harder to find. Babies R Us has them online, but not all their stores carry them. Here's a link to what I'm talking about:

http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2305160
Congratulations on your 1st grandbaby!:)

Snap and go-didn't have it for my first and did for my second, loved it!

Things I loved -
Books - there are some really good ones and some truly awful ones. Try reading them 30 times in a row. If you are still sane buy the book.

Onesies - I loved the Just One Year by Carters. Absolutely hated Gerbers. I don't think she will know until she tries them.

Diapers, wipes, baby first aid kit, baby toiletries kit. Diaper genie, diaper service (if using cloth).

Clothing for older infants - I was inundated with size 0-3 months - never even wore some of it. I would ideally base clothing choices on the clothing style of the parents - many people don't really want their child covered in blue puppies or pink princesses even if they look adorable in the store.

Gift cards - these are wonderful. see below.

I hate to say it but I exchanged a LOT of gifts. Many came without gift receipts and I ended up either donating, regifting or throwing away many things. We did not use a baby bathtub, crib positioner, exersaucer, swing, blankets (we received 43 blankets), baby walker, pack and play, sound machine or baby monitor. We selected our own bouncy chair (a non-mechanized model from Oeuf) that we never would have received and were very happy with the diaper bag from the hospital. Replaced it with a non-diaper bag when it wore out.

My top two are a nice linen large swaddling blanket where I would wrap my baby up really snug and cozy. He loved to be swaddled. Also, the baby bjorn carrier--I literally lived in that thing-- my baby had severe reflux and colic and so he was carried in a sling or wrap or the bjorn 24 hours a day. Those two items were lifesavers for me! Good luck!

m

Boppy Pillow - even if she doesn't nurse
Snap and go Stroller
Video Monitor - had one for my second, and not first. Wish I had for first.
Ergo Carrier for older than 3 months.
Sling of some sort
Halo Sleep Sacks
A GOOD breast pump
Sheet Savers
Video - Happiest Baby on the Block.

A bouncy chair! It was a life saver. when we first brought him home he couldn't sit in it but it was perfect when ha was a few weeks old. A friend actually bought it for me from a garage sale and a never even put batteries in mine but hhe learned to rock himslef in his. Also my sister in-law bought my son a glow in the dark sea horse that played music. Most nights its the only thing that could put him to sleep. I hope it helps!

Ok, I have 3 ...
1. Miracle Blanket ... http://www.miracleblanket.com/index.htm
2. hangs in the door way bouncer/swing ... http://www.nextag.com/baby-door-bouncer/shop-html
3. Wrap/Sling ... http://www.google.com/search?q=mei+tai+wrap&hl=en&amp... .... and hot sling ... http://www.google.com/products/catalog?q=hotsling&hl=...#

Baby wipe warmer
Little Tikes push car
Safety 1st bath seat
Gyrobowl

Book, Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child, by Dr. Marc Weissbluth. Excellent. SOOOOOO helpful

The One Trip Tote (www.onetriptote.com). This is more than a tote! It is large, horizontal open carryall that you can pack up with everything you need for the day and make "one trip" out the door. Great for parents with one to many children. Can use it for MANY things...daily outings, trips to grandma's, toys, laundry, beach, pool, picnics, shopping bag, trunk organization, etc... fits into carryon luggage even, so can take on trips. I fill it with goodies and give it as baby shower gifts all the time!! It collapses too, when not in use (which is rare). Great price point too, at around $37. Perfect gift for any and every busty mom/woman. Congrats to you!

These are the gifts I received when I was pregnant that we are still using over 3 years later [my son turned 3 in January]:

Rocker/glider chair!

Boppy newborn lounger [different than the regular Boppy]...perfect for newborns and my son still uses it as a pillow

Sound machine with rotating slide projector [we have the "Homedics iSoundSpa Lullaby with Picture Projection and Auto Timer"]

Nice blankets- my son still loves his baby blankets. We kept the really nice ones

Good thermometers!

Good monitor [We have the "Safety 1st 08026 Crystal Clear Monitor". I got it second-hand from someone who used it with their baby and it's still working perfectly after over 3 years in our home too]

You got lots of great suggestions. Here are a few more, some are repeats:

1) Snap and Go stroller. Even if your daughter doesn't think she wants one, she will love it. I thought it was useless when I first got it, but boy is it fantastic.
2) Exersaucer
3) Jumperoo
4) The boppy didn't work for me, but I used a Breastfriend pillow for nursing. It is a personal choice, so maybe let her choose.
5) Meals for the freezer
6)Hand print/foot print kit. This is the BEST baby thing I got. My daughter is 4 and I still love it.
7) Babysitting for an hour or two so she can nap, get her hair done, whatever.
8)Glider/Rocker. Buy a quality one. I bought a cheap one at first and it only lasted a year. Bought a Dutailier which is still going strong.
9) Those t-shirts that wrap around like a little kimono instead of going over the babies head -- great for newborns.
10) Burp clothes/cloth diapers for spit up -- used a lot of those.
11) Swing
12) Books! Started reading to my daughter when she was 4 days old and her favorite activity is still reading.

Congrats and best of luck!