Congratulations, you're pregnant! Through all the joy and anticipation you're feeling, there may be some apprehension. What type of stroller and car seat is best? Where to buy a crib and how to decorate the baby's room? While purchasing and registering for these items can be exciting, it can also be exhausting. You want to do best by your baby but all the research you're doing trying to pick out the best product has your head spinning. On top of this, you may be on a budget (who isn't these days?), having a small shower, or not having a shower at all.
Don't fret! Here are 10 things you can do to get everything you need, save money, and feel good about providing for your new bundle of joy.
1) Craigslist is your best friend. There are many things you need or want foryour baby that you'll only use for a few months. You can get these items at half price or less on Craigslist. Examples are a Bumbo seat, vibrating baby bouncer, Exersaucer, Baby Bjorn, etc. There is no need to buy these products by buying them new and used and passing them on, you're helping to conserve energy and waste.
2) Wait until you know your baby better to run out and buy something. You may feel like you need to have a room stocked full of everything for the first year, but you really don't. My daughter loved her vibrating bouncy chair and it put her to sleep like a charm, but the gentle rocking swing did nothing for her. You don't need both and maybe you got one at your shower (if you had one) so see if what you already have. We didn't even consider a walker for herbecause she hated being confined or strapped down.
3) You don't need a wooden crib and a Pack n Play. I used the Pack n Play for my daughter and it worked wonderfully. It came with a bassinet she slept in for the first 3 months, an elevated pad, and an adjustment to floor level. I then bought a custom-made comfy mattress for the bottom (this was well past susceptible SIDS age) for about 40 bucks and put an organic cotton sheet over it. It also came with a detachable changing table that cleaned up easily and was great for midnight diaper changes. They come in stylish designs and are about $ 150. Compare that to buying a bassinet and separate conventional crib.
Skip the crib 4) altogether and co-sleep. This may not be for everyone, but if it works for you, buying a crib is not anissue. The pros and cons of co-sleeping warrants a separate article, but there is plenty of free literature on the subject.
5) Seek out baby swaps. Some are free or charge a small fee and they can be a gold mine of gently used clothes, books, and toys. Again, there is nothing wrong with getting used stuff for your baby! He or she won't know the difference and will be done with them in a couple months anyway. I got one of my daughter's favorite toys at a swap and of course, this toy also has become old news.
6) Do all you can to make breastfeeding work. I don't say this to pressure you or make it seem easy, because the first month is draining. However, once you and your baby have it, it's rewarding and FREE. You will save a ton on formula, not to mention it's better for yourbaby and for you. You lose weight much faster when breastfeeding-extra incentive!
7) Once your baby starts eating solids (around 6 months) make your own baby food. It's cheaper and MUCH healthier. Cook a lot of one vegetable, for example sweet potato or squash, puree it, put it in ice cube trays and freeze.
8) don't go to the mall while on maternity leave. That's just asking for trouble. Maybe it's hot/cold or you want to get out of the house. Go to the local free public pool, community center or coffee house. You know the establishments in your area. Also, wait as long as you can to buy new clothes. You may keep shrinking, especially if you're breastfeeding!
9) Use the library instead of buying new books. This gives your child great variety.
10) don't buy orfeel the need to buy a new car. I see many new families sporting vehicles they can't afford because they feel it's "safer". If your current car runs well and is safe, you don't need something new and glitzy. Paint is dull or has a dent? Your baby won't know the difference and will appreciate the lighter mood due to less financial strain.
The important thing to remember is that the happier you are, the happier baby is so don't sweat the small stuff and enjoy your time with your little one as much as possible. You'll remember those precious moments much more than the designer diaper bag or top of the line stroller.
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