It is amazing to realize how little you really need when it comes to having a baby. I bought an inexpensive crib that, despite the price, is pretty darn sturdy.
You didn't ask for the information, but I'll toss it out there anyway. This is strictly my opinion, and I"m sure that many other mothers have differing oinions. Keep in mind, too, that Bubba is very likely to be my one and only child, so I didn't feel a huge need to spend big bucks on an item- such as a crib - that I'd only be using once. If you plan on having more children, certainly, invest in better quality stuff that will last through the additional children and through the years.
I definitely get lots of use out of the mini-co sleeper (it afixes to the bed so that you can breastfeed or tend to the baby in the middle of the night without getting up out of bed.) Because having it adheared to the bed makes it difficult to just get out of bed without having to club around the c-sleeper, I never hooked it up to the bed. I do, however, have it in the bedroom, so Bubba is handy to tend to when he's hungry, needs a diaper change, or just wants to snuggle. He is almost at the weight limit and size where he will soon migrate to his crib.
Crib - I'd skip the four-in-ones (crib, toddler bed, daybed, and full-sized headboard). Seriously, by the time that you'd go through all the stages of possibilities with that piece of furniture, you'd be sick of seeing it. Also, unless you spend high-dollars, none of the other options other than the crub is very sturdy.
For future use, I did purchase a Captains bed. It is a twin bed that sits rather high off the floor, but it has a twin trundle bed underneath, and also a row containing three drawers. I figured that the drawers would have some useful storage space, and that the trundle bed would serve as Bubba's toddler bed when he grew into it. And when he ultimately grows in to his top bed (it is so high that it will require a small step stool), the trundle bed would make a great place for overnight friends to sleep.
Changing Table - I never had one, nor felt a need to have one. The min co-sleeper that I have serves also as my changing area. I also purchased four extender legs that raises the co-sleep up an ectra four inches, so it makes it easier on the back when I change Bubba.
I did get an un-finished armoire that I painted white to match the crib and other bedroom items. This armoire holds his toys, medicine, and the drawers below hold extra sheets and blankets. And the top is also a great place to store photos and stuffed animals that wouldn't be smart to put into the crib with a small baby.
I have a tall white bookcase that has tons of baby and toddler books for both baby and me, as well as holds some of his cute toys and some photos.
On another note, I am discovering that all the wonderful things that I registered for are not nearly as used as I thought they'd be. I never use the diaper genie. I rarely used the heated wipes holder, although I did use it when Bubba was teeny and the weather particularly cold. I bought an almost $300 dual electric breast pump that I should never have bought. I have a Boppy pillow that I've used maybe three times. I wish that I had thought a little more about how the baby would fit into my life, and not just about the cool doo-dads that are for sale that look cool and have all kinds of claims. Truthfully, I wish that I had registered for more diapers, wipes, and baby formula - the things that DEFINITELY get used.
Another thing that I'd recommend is that you keep the original packaging that most of your items comes in. I kept most of mine, with the original user's manual, so that I can pack up what it is good working order and still looks great and sell it either on e-Bay or at the consignment store in Lusby.
Another thing: plastic tubs are GREAT for separating the clothes that you get. I have six tubs in Bubba's closet that are marked for sizes 0-3, 3-6, 6-9, 9-12, 12-18, and above. For my showers I received 77 onsies, and took back many that I knew that I'd never need. You'd be surprised to find that you don't need nearly as many clothes as you think you do.
In that case I have a swing, boucy seat, and the seat that they sit in with toys all around (barely used) I'll sell you.
