A Chinese saying goes: Raise the first baby by "shu1" (book), raise the second as a "zhu1" (pig).

For first time parents, we recommend such a great book:  Baby Bargains: Secrets to Saving 20% to 50% on Baby Furniture, Equipment, Clothes, Toys, Maternity Wear, and Much, Much More! by Denise Fields, Alan Fields Publisher: Windsor Peak Press; 6th edition (April 10, 2005). ISBN: 1889392197

The book covers the updated rating of almost all baby stuffs, and many money saving tips. Honestly we found that the book contains too much information, therefore we may post a light version some day. Its online message board is equally impressive and very informative.

Thanks go to our friends for their kind suggestions and generous gifts. Three months later, there are a few items we found very useful.

Diaper Champ
Made by Baby Trend. Great thing is that it uses regular trash bags instead of special diaper bags. Bought at Baby R us. However, it is not odor-proof as the Baby Genie. We will see how thing turns out when we switch to solid food.

Diapers (Start with new-born, available at Target; then size 1-2, 3-4 available at Costco)

Feeding spoons

Toys, clothes, books

Stroller: Kolcraft Universal Car Seat Carrier (Advatage: no need to take baby out of infant car seat). Bought at babyAge.com

Graco SnugRide 8645 Infant seat with five-point harness and a two-piece chest clip (It fits Kolcraft Universal Car Seat Carrier and received the highest safety rating from the Consumer Reports). Bought at Baby R us.

Baby Bouncer or so called Activity seat (Very useful. Baby loves it)

Crib Legacy 29001 at Babyusa

Crib Mattress: Colgate Classica I foam mattress (safe for the new born; light; not expensive as the heavily promoted vibration spring mattress)

Baby carrier: Maya Wrap Sling ($45, we still learn how to use it. Not neccessary). Get a Baby Bjorn Baby Carrier instead.

Playpan Graco Pack N' Play with change pad (useful)

Baby thermometer

Ameda Purely Yours Breast Pump for the Backpack.
    All my friends suggested us buying the best pump you could afford to make your life easier later.  This one got A rating from the Baby Bargain book and is being sold at a discount at babycatalog.com. It has been woking very well. Only drawback: not easy to clean the diaphram.

Bedding
    basically 2 or 3 good crib sheets like Ultimate Crib Sheet made by Basic Comfort    

Halo Sleep Sack

Nursing Pillow (Boppy)

Bathtub

Wipe warmer (useful)

Changing Pad

Music Mobile (useful)

Baby monitor (a must-have)

Britax Roundabout Car Seat (will be used a lot later)

Dutailier Glider/Rocker (Nice to have, not necessary)