this might as well be a stegosaurus

I feel anxious about the baby arriving. I don't feel prepared and I am not sure how to prepare, which makes me more anxious. I feel like I could easily be bringing home a stegosaurus and I would be just as unsure for what to do. Actually, I have owned dogs for years and a new pet may be easier to get a handle on.

I started to search out a basic list of the MUST HAVES for bringing a baby into your home and the lists seems a tad ridiculous. There are no TOP 10's out there. I would like to think that my grandparents and even my parents had less than this and we turned out fine, so I am trying to keep it real.....yet be cautious and a slight nervous wreck and think I need everything. Besides needing the basics stocked up for the baby to be safe, comfortable and feel at home, I need to know things are ready for me to be a mom as well.

for my own sanity - I have pinked the stuff I have, so I know what to still buy.

Here is a compilation of many web generated lists (this only includes cloth diapering and breastfeeding items):
BABY:

Baby Couture:

• one-piece outfits - recommendations say 6 (5)
  
• 6-8 cotton side-snap undershirts or "onesies"
• Snowsuit for winter babies
• 4 or more booties or baby socks
• 6 or more receiving blankets
• Baby mittens (to prevent scratching if baby is prone to this) or for winter babies
• 2 or more hats appropriate for season

Nursery Needs:

• Crib/bassinette - I have both, due to recommendations, but I think 1 is plenty to start.
  
• 4 or more fitted crib sheets (I have 1 so far)
  
• Crib mobile - I doubt this is a NEEDED item, but I like the music mine plays.
  
• Rocking Chair
• Changing table with necessities:
  • Diapers
    If Cloth-diapering:
    • enough for 2 or 3 days depending on your washing schedule. I am going to try 24 all in one that grow as the baby grows diapers and see if that works. (24)
      
    • gentle laundry detergent - although you may have this to have pre-washed clothes I still need some for the cloth diapers.
      
  • Baby wipes or lots of baby washcloths (you can use a spray bottle to wet them)
    
  • Diaper Pail (and wet bags x2)
    
  • Diaper Rash ointment - be prepared for the worst.
    

Breastfeeding Basics:

• Disposable or washable nursing pads
• Nursing bras
• Nursing pillow

Bath Time Basics:

• Baby Tub
• Gentle Baby wash
• Baby Shampoo (or just use the Baby Bath lotion in the beginning)
• Baby washcloths (these are better than adult cloths…thinner and more flexible)
• Baby towels (hooded seem to be all the rage) I am aiming for 4 or 5 due to laundry demands. (2)
  
• Baby-safe scissors or clippers

Medicine Chest Staples:

• Rubbing alcohol, Q-tips (good for cord care)
• Infant Tylenol
• Baby thermometer
• There could be a thousand more things that parents actually need, but I put very little on here as I really don't know what it would be used for.
  

On-The-Road Supplies:

• Car Seat
• Diaper Bag
• Stroller
• Infant chest carrier - not needed right away, but I kept it so i can check it off.
  

MOM:

• a weeks worth of meals made and in the freezer to get through some sleepless days
  
• labor bag packed - more lists online :)
  
• nursing bras
• pads
  

RIDICULOUS LIST:
This is the list of things I have seen on many lists that fall under redic for me. I can see why these things will eventually be important, but seriously, are they NEEDED for the first few weeks or months and are they really something you should have a new parent worry about?
To all new moms.....get this when you need it, or anticipate needing it....do not fret over these items prior to the birth of your baby.

• high chair - - your baby cannot sit up for months, no worries about this item.
  
• electrical plug covers - your baby cannot crawl or get around on their own for many months, therefore no where near electrical sockets.
• baby gates - same as above
  
• safety locks and latches - same as above
• toys - this can probably be kept to a minimum in the beginning.
• walker- wait until your baby can sit up for these types of babysitters.

I will try to 1> remember to make a better list after the baby is born and I actually see first hand what was good, bad and unnecessary for bringing a baby home and 2> make some lists of diaper bag needs and hospital bag needs.