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When a couple finds out they are expecting a baby, they experience many emotions. There is, of course, joy over a new life, fear about not knowing enough about children, and even the worry of added expenses. A baby is a blessing, not a burden, but it often doesn’t feel like that. When you look at magazines, in stores, and on the internet, the list of “necessities” for your new bundle of joy is daunting. How can we afford all of that??? Honestly, after three children, I can tell you that many of those must have items are actually a waste of money. Knowing what you really need, versus what companies say you need, can save you stress and keep some serious cash in your pocket to start that college fund.
My list of necessities-
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- Crib/Pack & Play- Our first crib lasted through all 3 children so it was a wise investment. Most of the newer ones turn into “big kid” beds too for even longer use. The pack & play was great for trips but also for the first few months when the child slept in our room. Make sure you have a couple crib sheets too.
- Car Seat/Stroller Combo- Unless you plan to stay at home for the entire first year of your baby’s life, you will need a car seat. Adding the stroller allows you to have more freedom and let the baby continue to sleep without switching from the seat to the stroller. Typically these strollers are heavy duty and will be useful even after the child is out of the car seat. This is our favorite- Graco Verb Click Connect Travel System, with Snugride Click Connect 30 Infant Lightweight Stroller Comfortable Car Seat, Motif
- Diapers- I haven’t found a way around using diapers….but we have used cloth diapers and loved them! It is important to choose a good quality diaper that doesn’t break the bank. We fell in love with Just Simply Baby diapers because they are super absorbent, cute, durable and affordable.
- Wipes- Some may disagree, but I use wipes for so many other situations. (wiping hands/face, cleaning a surface before eating when out and about, etc.) I decided to try homemade wipes and it did save us money. Make sure you buy good paper towels for this. {Recipe: Paper towel roll cut in 1/2, 1 cup of water, 1 T. baby oil, 1 T. baby wash & Rubbermaid container for storage. Place water, oil and soap in container. Add paper towel roll cut side down and wait for roll to absorb water. Remove cardboard tube and pull up wipes from the center. Easy, great for sensitive bottoms & cheap!}
- Clothing- Babies have super soft, touchable skin, but they do need to cover it up with clothing to stay warm. Little ones also grow extremely fast, so don’t buy too many clothes in any one size. Keep it simple. You can find great deals on infant outfits at yard sales and clearance racks.
- Breast Pump- If you plan to breastfeed, you should also plan to have a pump. It doesn’t matter whether you will be going back to work or staying home full time. There are many reasons you may need to pump such as increasing supply, engorgement, and more. Check with your insurance company before buying one because they often provide it for free to new mothers.
- Nursing Cover– For me, this was a lifesaver. I tried using blankets with the first child, but they never stayed in place, therefore, didn’t keep me covered. It became frustrating when baby was hungry while I was out in public. When I discovered the cover, it made a huge difference. I now give them as gifts to new mothers when I know they have decided to give breastfeeding a try.
- Baby Sling/Carrier- I didn’t use this as much with the first baby, but it was a necessity with the children who followed so I could have free hands for the other little ones needing my attention. Everyone has favorites and varying opinions on which is the best, so you may need to ask around or even borrow a couple from friends before you make a purchase.
- Bouncy Seat/Swing– This was seriously the best baby shower gift we received. Some babies prefer a swinging motion and some prefer a bounce. This item was well-used with our three children because of its versatility. I am sure I could have gotten along without this, but the bouncy seat is easy to move to different rooms and gives me a safe place to sit the baby (think showering or switching laundry from washer to dryer). The swing was perfect for helping our fussy baby relax.
- Small spoons/Bowls with lids/Training Cup- Your baby will be ready for these things before you know it. Having a few good bowls and spoons makes feeding time easy. We made our own “baby food” to cut down on cost and used ice cube trays to freeze the mixtures for later. Pop one in a bowl to thaw and you are all set. Using a sippy cup can help prepare your little one for water, cow’s milk or juice. They won’t be breastfeeding or taking a bottle forever. There are numerous options out there and some babies are picky about these things.
- High Chair- We chose a seat that would fit on a regular dining room chair and become a booster seat as the child got older. It was perfect because it didn’t take up extra space and we could easily take it with us to family gatherings. I highly recommend this: Fisher-Price Healthy Care Deluxe Booster Seat, Brown/Tan
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Keep this list in mind when making your gift registry or when you attend a friend’s baby shower. If you are planning to have more than one child, consider buying everything, with the exception of some clothing, in neutral colors. This will ensure the option of passing it down to the next child. These things will get you through the first year of your precious child’s life. Hopefully this short list of must-have baby items calms your anxiety and allows you to focus on the miracle of a new life.
Seeking Wisdom,
