What a fabulous thread. If you have unlimited funds, you can buy anything you want and splurge.
If you have a very limited budget, there are LOTS of things you don't absolutely need.
You need: a crib that's safe. Diapers, (cloth or disposable). You don't need wipes, you can use paper towels or wash cloths. You don't need a changing table, a towel placed on a bed works great. You don't need an expensive "travel system", a safe second hand car seat and a second hand stroller are fine. You don't need a ton of outfits - 6 or 7 outfits that are comfortable cotton will be fine. You need several things that will serve as spit up rags, but those can be any kind of clean soft material.
If you have a lot of money go for it - but for those moms who don't have a lot of funds, the market is trying to make you feel like you need a lot of stuff you don't need at all. Teenagers are INCREDIBLY expensive to parent - babies are practically free.
Enjoy this baby an if you can't afford all the bells and whistles the market is trying to make you buy, you'll be just fine.
With my first I used the pack and play with the bassinet and chaning table. She slept in that for a month or two in our room! I purchased one to use for my second! That was my must have. Diapers, wipes and clothes is really all a baby will need for a month or two.
My baby girl is almost 3 weeks old, and besides the obvious must haves like wipes, diapers, clothes, and blankets, I have this thing called a rock n sleep. Its amazing and my baby girl loves it. It holds her up at an angle so she thinks she's still being held when she's asleep. And it vibrates which she likes too. AndI love my boppy. I am trying to bf only, but I had to have surgery so iI'm formula feeding right now and the boppy is still really nice to use there too.
Just had my baby two months ago!
Definitely things you'll need: DIAPER AND WHIPES (obviously), car seat, stroller, baby bath, wash cloths, diaper bag, hand sanitizer, bassinet (I got a pack n' play that converted into a bassinet, works so much better if you ask me! Plus theres a changing table on the side), if you're breast feeding then a breast pump, and I also think a boppy pillow is a must have it helps with breast feeding and tummy time and helps them first sit up. I find my swing for her very helpful also when I'm tired of holding her or having trouble getting her to sleep.
Ftm but my registery has a must get and good to have list .. must haves=
Somewhere for baby to sleep ex: crib w matress, dresser unless youre using closet, changing table, crib sheets, sheets savers, blankets, wearable blankets, carseat/stroller, head support, diaper bags, nursing pillow, 4 or 5 ounce and 8 9 or 11 ounce bottles (dr browns a good brand) 6-10 ea, flow nipples, bibs, binkys, teethers, high chair eventually, diapers, wipes, ointments, tubby, wash clothes, shampoo, lotions, thermometer, detergents, humidifer, towels, body suits, sleep and plays, socks, mits, booties, gowns, pull on pants, side snap shirt, gates if you have stairs, first aide kit, play mat, bouncer, swing, soothing music.