By Barbara Pronin, RISMedia Columnist

RISMEDIA, September 9, 2010—If you’ve walked through a baby supply store recently, or even attended a baby shower, you are aware of the hundreds—maybe even thousands—of baby gear items it seems you can’t do without.

But the fact is, your infant will not know—or care—if she’s sleeping in a fancy four poster crib or in a well-padded dresser drawer, according to Moneywatch.com finance editor and new mom Stacey Bradford. So if the budget is tight, there are only five pieces of gear you really should have, at least for the first few months of your baby’s life.

Besides such basics as diapers, formula, clothing and a few linens, Bradford suggests investing your baby budget in the following five items—and planning to add a highchair by the time your baby is five months old:

Car seat – You can’t get by without it, and unlike other items which you can purchase used, you should invest in a new one for your baby.

Crib – If you buy a used one, replace the mattress with a new one—and whether you are purchasing a new or used crib, be sure to stay on top of the news about cribs that have been recalled for safety issues.

Stroller – Prices for strollers are all over the board. You can start out with a simple frame which holds the car seat (about $55) and purchase another new or used one when your baby is six months old or sitting up comfortably.

Bouncie seat – This is not a necessity for your baby, but you will appreciate having it when you are fixing bottles or doing other chores. (An alternative is a collapsible play pen, though your baby may not like it quite as much).

Baby bottles – Even if you won’t be bottle feeding your baby on a regular basis, it is important to have a few bottles handy for feeding expressed milk or for occasional formula feedings.

Changing tables are excluded from Bradford’s list, because diaper changing can be accomplished just as easily on a bed or a dresser top fitted with a changing pad—and Bradford suggests bathing your baby in the kitchen sink to eliminate the need for a baby bathtub.

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