Lurker w/ ?s for those w/ small spaces or in urban areas

WithinReach

Hi! Lurker here :-) I've posted this in a couple places, so sorry if you've seen it already. Someone suggested you all might have better answers, so TIA!

I'm trying to get a rough budget for pre-baby expenses as well asmonthly expenses, however most of the checklists, etc. I can find seem overly comprehensive.

DH and I live in a very urban area and I'm certain we won't want/need ALL the stuff on those lists.

We currently live in an 800 sqft. 1-bedroom and may or may not move to a 2-bedroom before we have a baby (not yet pg), though I'm leaning towards a 2-bedroom.

We are also likely going to be one and done.

I haven't entirely decided on my plans after baby re: work, so for now we're going to factor in full salary with full-time daycare.

We do have one car and we'll need a stroller than can work for city living (crowded sidewalks, public transit, etc.) 

Does anyone 1.) have a monthly budget outline of expenses and/or a checklist for start-up costs and 2.) if you live in an urban/small space what things have you found are necessary and what could you have lived without and/or waited to get (i.e. - high chair).

TIA!! 

 

ClickMama

For a High Chair I recommend the Stokke. We have a small kitchen and got the space saver FP chair and LO hated it. She couldn't sit upright in it. We got this chair and she loved it as she can be at the table with us. I would consider a rock n play in your situation too. It folds up and is fairly compact. For a stroller I would visit a boutique and BBRUS in person and try them out. I would avoid the travel systems as they are heavy and bulky, perhaps consider a smaller stroller like the bugaboo bee or the quinny. Check consignment stores too or CL and you may be able to get a good price. 

tracyl0826

We also live in a small apartment.  You can definitely do without the high chair.  Right now we feed him in a bumbo, and we'll be getting a booster/space saver chair that goes on top of a regular kitchen chair.  I also didn't use the swing much.  It takes up a lot of space and my baby didn't really like it.  The doorway jumper is a good idea, as well as one of the play mat/gyms.  They can fold and easily be slipped in a closet or under the crib.  I looked a lot into strollers and found the Graco Metrolite to be a good one.  It's not huge and it's light.  It can easily be taken on public transportation, in and out of cab trunks, etc.  Also, the car seat that goes with it can be buckled in without the base (great for cab rides).  One other thing that turned out to be great for us was a moses basket.  I didn't want to buy a bassinet because (1) it takes up a lot of space and (2) we wouldn't have a use for it after a few months.  The moses basket was great because I could move him wherever I was (i.e. in the bathroom while showering).  Now that he's outgrown it, I'm using the basket to store his toys in.  Good luck!