Many first time parents overspend in preparation for their new baby. With the excitement of parenthood and a first baby in the house many parents buy every baby-related item they set their eyes on. Believe it or not, every baby-related item is not needed by your new baby. Though it can be fun to shop for your new bundle of joy, buying just the necessities can save you both time and money. There are obvious necessities that every baby will need: bassinet or crib, diapers and wipes, clothes and blankets, and a carseat. Other than those items, most everything else may not be needed by your baby in the beginning. Clothes and blankets are easy items to overbuy. New babies grow so fast in the first couple of months that you don't need to buy a closet full of clothes. Two changes of clothes a day, enough for a week is really all you need. One or two sleepers or pajamas a night is helpful too. A handful of blankets is all you will most likely need or use as well. If you enjoy buying baby clothes than it might me more wise to buy clothes for when your baby gets older. You can buy a few different outfits for each stage of their first year. This way you will be slightly prepared for when your baby will outgrow current clothes. Toys can be another area new parents overspend on. Infants do not play with toys. As a parent you may shake a rattle for your baby, but the majority of your infant's days will be spent sleeping and not playing with toys. A couple rattles in bright, bold colors is really all you need. Other items you may want to buy, but are not needed are: a diaper pail, a vibrating motion seat, a baby swing, a baby carrier- for the parent to wear, a baby tub, baby detergent, a baby monitor, changing table, and a crib toy or stuffed animal that plays noise resembling that of being inside the mother's womb. These are not necessities, but can be useful during the first month and beyond. It's easy to overspend in preparation for your infant, but it may be better to buy just the necessities before your baby arrives. Once your baby has arrived you'll have a better idea of the other items you will also need or want. |
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