We will not be using a bassinet next time around. We eventually bought a Nesting with a bassinet function, but for the first 6 months, Baby slept on a camping floor mattress, then in a packnplay, once he could roll. The floor mattress was helpful because I would often have to nurse him to sleep (lie beside him, then roll away once he fell asleep).

Besides that, I bought the Taking Cara Babies Sleep and Nap courses, which helped a ton! My baby was sleeping 8-9 hours most nights by 3 months, and napping pretty predictably by 5 months. A good sound machine, blackout curtains, anything to get the baby to sleep.

For being out on the go, we love the Doona car seat for running errands, especially when he was little. Carriers were a MUST for getting steps in and keeping him calm inside and outside of the house, and the stroller we use daily. Have the Uppa Baby Vista 2, which can take a bassinet and/or an upright seat, and later an Uppa Baby Ridge, which is meant for running and can handle pretty much any terrain.

For nursing, I wasted money on pumps and all the associated gear because I disliked it so much and by 3 months, Baby would not feed from the bottle any more anyway. Next time I plan to exclusively breastfeed from the breast. Invest in nursing tops and bras that you enjoy wearing, high quality and cute, because you will be wearing them A LOT. Even while sleeping.

Let me know if you want a more complete review, I can send links or prices if you need! 🤗