When you are thinking of having a baby, it is important to start shopping for baby stuff early on in order to prepare yourself for the new addition. Getting baby stuff in advance can help ensure you have the best quality for your little one. You will also want to purchase some items ahead of time to save money. This includes baby clothing and accessories, as well as baby gadgets, toys and gear.
Stocking up on baby stuff
One of the best things to do before you bring your baby home is to stock up on baby stuff. Whether you want to go to the store or online, you should take some time to make a list. During pregnancy, you can buy many supplies at a discount.
While you’re doing this, you should also keep an eye out for special deals on baby items. In addition to essentials such as diapers, you can buy household cleaning products and other non-baby related items.
Photo by insung yoon on Unsplash
When you’re stocking up, it’s wise to try to purchase items in bulk. This is especially true when it comes to cleaning products. You can save money by buying the largest size you can find. For example, a large tub of soap is great for refilling.
You should also consider purchasing food that is shelf-stable. For instance, you may want to stock up on extra baby formula so you’ll have enough to get through a few weeks of feedings. Also, stock up on fortified baby cereal.
You should also consider purchasing disposable diapers. These are handy for those first few days when you’re not in the mood to run to the store. Aside from being convenient, disposable diapers are sanitary.
Other items you might want to purchase are baby lotion and baby bibs. Be sure to check with your doctor about the best medicines to give your child. It is also a good idea to ask if you can have a prescription delivered to you.
If you’re still on the fence about whether or not to stock up, there’s no need to worry. Having a little bit of everything will go a long way toward helping you and your baby enjoy the early days of parenthood.
Budgeting for baby gear and gadgets
A new baby is exciting, but preparing for a newborn can put a strain on the family budget. Luckily, there are some simple tips to help parents get a handle on their finances.
Most babies don’t need a lot of expensive gear or gadgets to be happy. They expect to sleep, eat, and be cared for. The first few weeks aren’t the best time to buy expensive clothes or toys. However, they do require gear to keep them healthy.
Investing in a high-quality car seat is a must. Many hospitals require a car seat inspection. You might also want to invest in a car seat monitor.
Buying used items is a great way to save money. Check around for second-hand stores in your area. Second-hand items can include baby clothes, maternity wear, and strollers. If you don’t want to buy something new, you can also ask friends and relatives if they have anything you can borrow.
New parents often overspend on baby equipment, but it’s important to avoid going overboard. In fact, you can easily save thousands of dollars on your baby’s first year of life. There are many ways to do this, but here are some of the most basic:
Changing your laundry habits. For instance, you can use cloth wipes instead of disposable ones. These wipes are gentle on your child’s skin and rashes are less likely to occur. Similarly, you can freeze your favorite meals before baby arrives.
Keeping your home stocked with necessities is important. Toys, bedding, and a crib or bouncy seat can all keep your baby occupied. Even a rocking chair can be useful.
Buying baby clothes in advance
Buying baby clothes in advance is a good way to prepare for the arrival of your child. However, it’s important to consider the child’s age before purchasing.
When buying your baby clothes, you want to make sure they’re made of breathable materials. You also want to choose ones that are easy to put on and take off. This means you need to look for soft cotton and no tags.
Your baby’s skin is very sensitive, so you don’t want to wear anything that could cause irritation. Choose outfits with elastic neckbands and waistbands. Leggings should be stretchy and shirts should have a broad neck.
If you’re worried about cold weather, use fleece or layering. Socks and booties can keep your baby’s feet warm.
Having a baby is exciting. But, it can also be stressful. There’s a lot of stuff you need to buy. It can also be expensive. Make your shopping experience a breeze by browsing online stores. Some sites offer great deals and a variety of products.
You can also buy boutique-made outfits if you prefer. These tend to run small, so be sure to compare them to other outfits before you purchase.
Purchasing your baby’s clothes in advance can help you take advantage of sales at the end of the season. Just be sure to check the store’s returns policy before making a purchase. Otherwise, you could be stuck with unworn, unwanted items.
A newborn can go through a lot of clothing. In fact, he or she might need more than one new set of clothes a day. Buy a few newborn size pieces, but don’t purchase too many in the same size.
Photo by Yuri Shirota on Unsplash
Safety of hand-me-downs
Hand-me-downs can be a great way to save money on baby items, but you need to make sure they’re safe. While many babies will outgrow their old clothing and toys, it’s never a good idea to accept an item that’s ill-suited for your child.
In addition to safety, you should also be on the lookout for items that are missing parts or are not up to date. Toys should be certified as lead-free, and the fabric used on clothing should be labeled as flame resistant.
If you’re in the market for a hand-me-down crib, be sure to check its crotch post and railing for loose or broken parts. The United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recommends that you don’t use a crib that’s more than ten years old.
Baby sleepwear should also be flame-resistant. It should also have a five-point harness.
Another good reason to consider using a hand-me-down is that it might have been a present from a relative. However, if you’re giving it to your child, be sure to remove the drawstrings. Leaving them in place can cause strangulation.
A pacifier can be a real bargain, but it’s still not worth the risk. Pacifiers that have microscopic tears can be breeding grounds for bacteria, and they’re not easy to clean. Fortunately, you can buy new ones for a fraction of the cost.
Other things to watch for include choking hazards like loose buttons and drawstrings. Also, check for frayed edges or holes in the fabric. These omissions aren’t necessarily bad, but they do indicate that something’s not up to par.
Finally, check to see if there’s any mold or fungus on the items. Even if the clothes are clean, they could be a risky choice for a baby.
Planning for a baby shower
There are different factors to consider when you decide to plan a baby shower. You should also think about your guests. If you are planning to host the shower, you may want to invite a lot of friends and relatives.
In order to ensure that your shower goes well, you should plan a menu. Your menu should include food and drinks. It should also be a fun event. This is your chance to celebrate the new parents.
The guest list for your baby shower should be made early on. This gives you plenty of time to RSVP and add more guests. Also, keep in mind that you can ask for hand-me-downs from other family members.
A few weeks before the shower, you should begin to buy baby items. Buying this close to the date of the shower will help you prepare and avoid a last minute shopping frenzy.
Some cultures consider it bad luck to acquire baby items before the baby is born. However, this is not always the case.
You should also keep in mind that the gender of the baby can impact how you buy things. For example, if you are expecting a boy, you might consider buying dump trucks or dinosaurs for the nursery. If you are expecting a girl, you might consider pink.
The time you decide to buy these items can also affect how you decorate your home. Flowers, balloons, and greenery are great decorations. These will make a big statement.
If you are throwing a baby shower, you should plan for games, such as a scavenger hunt or a “guess what I’m having” game. Games can be a fun way to get to know your guests.
