What do I need to raise my baby?

Thrift stores and Cragslist are great for baby stuff, just make sure it isn't recalled. The only thing I would spend on, is the baby sling/carrier. You can find many in thrift stores, but most are WalMart/Sears/ and that type of store junk slings that are unsafe or uncomfortable. Look at baby wearing websites for ideas on a good carrier. I have a Slingling pouch, and a ring-sling from a href="http://www.attachedtobaby.com/" rel="nofollow"http://www.attachedtobaby.com//a and don't fall for the Seven Sling 'free sling, just pay shipping'. Baby wear-ers have been giving this sling poor reviews. As for car seats, are you going straight for a convertible seat from birth? (the Cosco Scenera is great, and will last you about 4 years for under $40 at WalMart). Or do you want to bother with an infant seat (that lasts less than a year)? As for a stroller, you can find these without the infant seat, as long as it reclines you can use it for a young baby. Bedding; sheets, a mattress protector (if you go WalMart, pay the extra $2 and get the Sealy brand, not the WalMart one. much nicer) , and a not-to-thick blanket. For chilly days use a blanket sleeper. And check into those swaddling blankets. Our lil guy lived in his! This was the only way we could get him to sleep.