I'm not a parent so I don't have any great pearls of wisdom on this topic, but over at Eco Child's Play there is a very interesting series going on called Baby Essentials That Aren't. The first article talks about the crib and the second discusses the infant car seat.

It was interesting to read as I am hoping to have children of my own one of these days. My husband and I frequently discuss the cost involved, types of baby gear we could buy used or borrow and the environmental impact of things like disposable diapers.

I am guessing that many people never stop to think about what you really have to have for a baby. Or, if they do, many things like cribs and infant car seats are on the list of must haves. They certainly were on my list until I read the first two installments in the series.

A regular, convertible car seat with a good infant insert can be used from birth until the child is big enough to go without in a lot of cases. Sure, it costs more and you can't carry your baby around in it the way you can with an infant seat but you only have to buy one instead of two or more for your child's early years. Having only one seat to deal with for several years would definitely be worth it to me.

The first article points out that a crib is not necessary either. You can try co-sleeping with your baby or have a mattress on the floor or even a floor bed for the baby. The crib bars aren't necessary if the child is already at floor level.

Obviously these ideas could be a bit controversial or against the norm and for every person who can say it works for them, someone else will have an example of why these ideas don't work or are dangerous. You should always do your own research and do what you feel most comfortable and secure with when it concerns your children. Babies come with so much gear though, any little bit you can reduce helps.