tmcc's Profile

If reupholstering costs less than what you would comfortably pay for a new sofa, go for it -- but don't replicate the pattern on the back.

Or, if it's dreamy to sit on and doesn't need any work in terms of beefing up the cushions, you could slipcover it.

Congratulations! The first few months are a very special, bleary-eyed, time.

We use a small dresser with a change pad on top and an IKEA Trofast storage shelf (37x18") next to it. The bins hold our stock of diapers and extra wipes, and we put a basket on top for immediate use - a half dozen diapers, wipes, diaper cream if you use it (My favourite is Magic Stick - all natural, great scent, no dipping your hand in pots of sticky stuff).

Our kids slept in their own cribs from the start, with visits to our bed for nursing - the rocker we bought went pretty much unused. The only other essential item was a small bouncy chair. I could bring it in the bathroom while I showered and baby would fall asleep every time! With our second child we used a baby carrier constantly; our first wasn't a big fan of it. Buy what you need when the need arises.