Bringing home a new baby? Sure, you need diapers, baby clothes and a car seat, the only real necessities. But what else makes the transition to parenthood a little more pleasant? Sometimes the most obvious paraphernalia can seem genius to first-time parents. Here's a list of indispensable baby gear — for the home, on the go or anytime — tipped off by The Advertiser's 'Ohana columnists Esme Infante Nii, Mike DeMattos and Monica Quock Chan, who among them have one son and three daughters.

SLEEPSACK

At home: Unlike a blanket, the SleepSack stays on, no matter how much your infant turns in his sleep (that means sounder and longer sleep for baby and you). Part sack, part shirt, it zips from the top down. Baby can wear it over pajamas or by itself.

Find them at: Halo, www.halosleep.com or other online retailers.

A bonus: As baby learns to pull up, the sleepsack makes it tough to climb out of the crib.

DIAPER RASH OINTMENT

Anytime: A chaffed bottom makes for an uncomfortable (read: crying) baby.

What kind: Nii recommends Balmex.

Note: "We've tried every diaper rash ointment on the market," Nii reports, noting that they rub it on at every diaper change. "Diaper rash at our house is very rare."

ONESIES

Anytime: New dad DeMattos loves 'em: "They're great! Unsnap, roll up, change the diaper, good to go. It was like a sleeping bag, or a pocketknife — it's all self-contained and perfect."

Note: You can make them from old T-shirts; buy the snaps at a craft store that sells fabrics.

BABY MONITOR WITH VIDEO

At home: Gives you reassurance — and a little more freedom. Since you can keep an eye on baby, you can close the nursery door and don't need to sneak peeks (less noise means baby might sleep longer).

What kind: Nii likes her Safety First model, pictured. Most are pricey, running about $150 to $200.

Note: Video enables you to make sure bedding or clothing doesn't hinder baby's breathing. And with the door closed, you can do noisier chores or take a "Grey's Anatomy" break, she says.

DIAPER WIPES

Anytime: Beyond the titular use, handy for sticky toddler fingers and even to rub off Mom's makeup.

What kind: At home, Chan uses Curity, a plain, dry wipe that's a hospital staple, with water. On the go, it's Pampers Sensitive Baby Wipes.

Note: She finds Curity at Dauterman Medical in 'Aiea.

PLASTIC BAGS

On the go: To wrap up that leaky baby powder, or carry home that stinky diaper.

What kind: Any zipping-top bag; the more smell-blocking, the better.

Note: Once you've stuck a few extras in your diaper bag, you'll never leave home without them.

BABY CARRIER

On the go: Allows you to carry the baby hands-free, safely and comfortably.

What kind: Chan and her friends swear by their BabyBj¬orn. Chan likes the Air carrier, made of a breathable material, for hot weather like Hawai'i's.

NURSING PADS

Anytime: Keeps leaks at bay.

What kind: Chan and Nii recommend Lansinoh. Chan also has Medela's washable, reusable pads.

CLOTH DIAPERS

Anytime: Not just for what you think. "After cleaning baby's bottom with wipes, we use these cloth diapers to softly buff away (and fan away) the last traces of moisture before applying diaper ointment," says Nii. "Getting baby's skin really dry before applying ointment helps prevent diaper rash." Nii also used them as burp cloths, nursing aids, wipes for spills, and impromptu changing pads on the go.
What kind: Some like the padded middle, others like the four-ply.

Note: One dad raves about how useful they are for washing the car.

PORTABLE PLAYPEN

Anytime: Provides a place for baby to sleep/play. Some double as a bassinet/diaper change station.

What kind: Chan's a fan of her Graco Pack 'N Play. ("There are many versions, but the Pooh Days of Hunny at Wal-Mart was less than $80," she noted.)

Note: She liked it so much her parents bought one for when granddaughter visits. "The elevated diaper changer makes it easy on parents' backs without having to spend more money for an actual changing station."

A STURDY DIAPER BAG

On the go: Hands-free storage.

What kind: Dads seem to like the messenger-style, according to the latest baby mags. Moms like over-the-shoulder or "big purse" styles.

Note: Unisex backpacks, such as the one below, were our columnists' choice.

A REALLY STURDY STROLLER

On the go: Besides the obvious, can double as a grocery cart when you don't want to wake up baby for a trip down the produce aisle; carries luggage through a busy airport and transports nearly a roomful of toys for play dates.

What kind: Test-drive to see.

Note: Choose for distance, rather than appearance.

RECEIVING BLANKET

Anytime: To swaddle, provide shade or warmth, prop up baby's head, provide a clean place on the floor for them to nap, among others, said Chan.

What kind: Take your pick.

Note: These can go from cheap, soft cotton to cashmere, but "washable" should be your keyword.