Note, Santa Cruz. Initially we were researching everything for NYC, or at San Francisco. Only later did we realize that city life is much different than the SC mountains/beach life. Basically, you will need different things for your baby. Some will be the same, some different.
First off, the stroller. We have the Uppababy Vista. Lovely, just lovely, but impractical. If you live in an apartment that directly comes down to a walkable street, well then the bassinet is just a gem. It's stylish, has a retro feel, and you feel like you got the best gear out there. But, if instead you have to put your little one in a car seat and he falls asleep, which they always do, then why would you go through the hassle of taking him out, placing him the in the bassinet, risking him waking up, wanting to be picked up, etc. you get the picture. Also, West Cliff has a nice walk way, but it's pretty rugged, and the Vista wheels are too small for it. No wonder virtually every person I see has the mega wheel BOB stroller.
Next item, the nursing pillow. I was recommended the My Breast Friend. I think all in all its a great pillow, but I have a small problem. I have a really fast flow, which makes my little one choke and cough at every feeding. So instead I have to feed hime completely reclined, thus eliminating the need for a pillow.
My next item, the nursing stool. Just get it. And the rocker. Dutallier is great. They have a better bearing system than the Shermag. Will rock smoother.
As for the play yard, we have the Chicco, but I still wonder if it was necessary. We have a crib and unless you have an individual nursery, which we don't at the moment, and you really do want him to sleep in the room with you, I suggest just getting the crib and putting it in your room. Will look more stylish. And while he's really small, let him sleep with you, and get one of those in bed sleepers so that he has his own space and you don't roll over him. In the city we had a nursery, all equipped nicely for show and tell. In the city it's like you have more friends that come over and all you want to do is show off your pretty blew room. But here, life is more laid back for us, minus the city friends. So in the end, less is more.
Some other things I find useful is the Medela breast pump, NUK bottles and pacifiers (for emergencies only), fisher price bouncer, First Years bath tub, aden and anais swaddle blankets, the ergo carrier and the nojo sling.
The breast pump is a life saver. Despite the fact that every reputable baby site recommends against using the bottle for the first month, I needed sleep, so we introduced it at roughly 2 weeks. He did well. Now he's 4 days shy of being a month old, and I can at least get a 3 hour stretch without being worried that he'll be starving without me. I understand the concern with the nipple confusion and I've read that it's quite possible. It was a risk, but I guess we were lucky enough for him to take on both well. He sleeps longer after the bottle because he gets a bit more, since he falls asleep at the breast constantly and nurses more often during the day because of that.
But, whatever is best for your family is the right thing to do, so whatever you choose, don't beat yourself up about it. :)
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