Baby Items

One more thing that saved my sanity!  White noise. Something that makes white noise. She didn't sleep well without it the first few months or so. My hubby is a musician and has a studio recording equipment. He recorded a few minutes of him shaking her rattle in a rhythmic pattern then looped it over and over again to make a 30+ minute CD of this. We'd play it at her bed time and without it she cried.

They have a lot of things out there that make noises like that including bears and other stuffed toys. My hubby insisted on making one, though. He was like $20-40 bucks for something I could buy or the cost of a CD to make our own. Totally fine with me ;)

My friends say I'm "hippy" but my favorite thing was a moby wrap.  SAVED ME! My lil one wouldn't sleep unless in it.  http://www.target.com/p/moby-wrap-original-baby-carrier-natural/-/A-11110329#prodSlot=medium_1_4&term=moby+wrap

Also with my 2nd I loved the momma roo. it's a type of swing.  also a portable swing is handy, as you can move it room to room easy and take it out on playdates. http://www.amazon.com/4Moms-Mamaroo-Classic-Classic-Black/dp/B007UK1CBY

I would also suggest a pack n play instead of a crib, or at least a really good pack n play for downstairs (if they have 2 floors) for napping. and as far as pack n plays go I liked the ones that had a hard raised changing table. and I prefered it to an actual changing table. Like this one> http://www.amazon.com/Graco-Newborn-Napper-Elite-Vance/dp/B005UV0UU4/ref=sr_1_2?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1397609849&sr=1-2&keywords=graco+pack+n+play+newborn+napper  the new born napper was a godsend...

A carrier for later on would ******go carrier, I loved my carriers. they are great for shopping, cleaning, running errands, etc.

as far as swaddling blankets I hated the halo ones as they were too hot. Find a muslin material one like http://www.target.com/p/aden-anais-for-target-zooaroo-swaddle-wraps-4pk-gender-neutral/-/A-11219328

hope this helps! The stuff is expensive, just my suggestions. Consignment stores can be godsends as well.

Great suggestions all the way around.  I'll wait to see what her shower brings.. If all else fails I can always get diapers.   My other dil just had a diaper and wipe shower.. never heard of that but for baby #2 guess it's perfect.