It’s hard not to get caught up in purchasing everything you see for your first baby. You want to buy everything new but when you go to the stores, there is so much you don’t know where to start.
You start looking at cribs, playpens, car seats, strollers, clothes, bedding, etc. For every item you see there is a large variety to choose from and the cost just keeps going up. One thing all parents eventually do is research. They look to see what the experts say is item to choose, which have recalls, why should you pick this playpen instead of that playpen.
The problem with this is that there are so many experts out there giving advice, how do you know which advice to follow? Honestly, it can be extremely overwhelming and exhausting. You don’t want to overdo it and spend a bundle. Don’t get swallowed up by the $4 billion baby products industry. They will try their hardest to get you to buy everything they are selling and trust me, before you know it you have spent a fortune and find out you really didn’t need half of it. There are actually couples that will buy their first baby everything they can find.
The clothes they purchased are name brands. For instance a dress would cost $50.00 for a 6 month old baby girl when they could have purchased a similar dress at $15.00. Name brand shoes for over $30.00 which they wear a few weeks or maybe a couple of months. They would pay $40.00 for a pair of tennis shoe and the baby was 1 year old. This isn’t necessary.
It’s okay to have a few special outfits but remember, they grow up fast, they get dirty quick and you have better things to spend your money on. Try some of these tips first before making any purchases.
BUDGET
Set up a budget as to what you believe you will spend just to welcome the new baby. When doing this budget, don’t forget to add hospital cost. You may have to be a little flexible with your budget because until you have your baby shower, you won’t know what items are left to purchase.
SECONDHAND
You will start receiving donations from many of your friends and family. Actually it will look like a never ending pile. Don’t say no, accept these. There is nothing wrong with using these items. Go through all the clothing you receive, sort it all out and choose what you like. The remainder of the clothing, pass it on, that’s if the person who donated it doesn’t mind. You will save lots of money doing this.
FURNITURE / CRIBS
Cribs are expensive and it can be hard to choose. If you wish to purchase a new crib then try investing money in one that can be converted into other types of bedding as the infant grows up. There are cribs that can later on become toddler beds, daybeds and full size beds. As for dressers and changing tables, there are dressers sold that is specially outfitted with a changer. You buy one item for two purposes and save money.
REGISTRY
Once you are ready to do your baby registry, ask someone who has gone through the experience of becoming a mom recently to give you some ideas. You find out from them what they bought and received that they never used. They can offer you good tips on what to add to your registry. Also, register yourself for free items. You can do this at baby stores and some larger stores, such as Babies’r’us.
MATERNITY CLOTHING / SHOES
Maternity clothes can be very expensive and at times not to your liking. Don’t purchase too much, you will only use it for a few months and then put them away. If you need to purchase more than you would really like to because of work, then visit some of the consignment shops. Also, remember, those friends and family that passed on the baby clothes will most likely pass on maternity clothes. As for shoes, don’t invest too much. Towards the end of your pregnancy your feet will swell and in many occasions they won’t shrink back down to your original size. Just make sure to purchase two good pairs towards the end of your pregnancy, slip-ons will be more comfortable for you.
GUIDEBOOKS
Consider making your first purchase a guidebook. Pick a guidebook that gives you tips on how to save 20% to 50% on baby furniture, clothing, equipment and much more. They include checklists so that you know exactly what is best to buy. It keeps you from overspending and buying the wrong items.
With the new baby on its way, there is lots to do but don’t let that overcome you. Relax, get everything in order, accept help and be ready for all. During this time, don’t forget to add to your list to set time aside for you and the daddy to be.
You want to sit down and enjoy a nice dinner out, maybe a long weekend away. Do what you can now, once the baby arrives you won’t be able to escape as much as you would like. One suggestion, until you are completely sure of the colors and décor you want for the baby’s nursery, don’t buy a single item. Of course it is hard to just walk buy and not buy anything. If you do, don’t take it out of its package, don’t wash it until you are sure. Remember, you could change your mind so save those receipts.