The crib

A crib with drop sides is easier on the back, but Consumer Reports say they can be dangerous. Once again, Ikea offers some unexpensive ones, that can be turned into toddler beds.

The Sleepi looks cool, comes with wheels and can be transformed into a kid bed:

Notes:

- Standard crib sheets fit the Stokke -- no need to buy the special oval sheets

- The bassinet is very cute but a waste of money: the baby will outgrow it in a matter of months

The sleeping bag

Blankets and sheets are dangerous for babies but what the French call "Turbulettes" or sleepsacks are difficult to find in the US. I love this cute one by Babylicious:

Favorite bed companion

Cute and its sounds (waves crashing, rain falling, etc) are ultra relaxing -- for mums and babies.

Bouncer

Max will usually wake up, have his breakfast, be changed and once propped in his bouncer, he will relax in his clean diaper and..

Exercise ball

When Max is overtired, I use my exercise ball. I bounce and bounce until he falls asleep in my arms.

Humidifier

The baby was a bit congested but things got better with a (real cute) humidifier. The pediatrician advised us to leave the baby in the bathroom when taking a hot shower or to use Vicks Baby on his chest. She is very much against the nose pumps which can damage the fragile baby's nose vessels.