May 2015 Moms

Buying stuff for baby help/advice!

So this will be my first newborn, I have a 5 year old daughter, but she is my boyfriends from a previous relationship and I came into her life when she was 3!
So I'm excited/scared/anxious about having one of my own!
I'm just trying to get ideas on what we should get first, what kinds of things we absolutely need.
We are on a bit of a budget and aren't getting much from family or friends so we want to get what we need before we go all out on the fun stuff!
I'm thinking;
- Crib (mattress, sheets etc..)
- Car seat
- Stroller
- Bathtub
- Clothes
- Blankets
And obvi diapers and wipes!
I know that's not nearly half of the things we need, but is there anything else I need first and foremost?? 
Any suggestions or advice is helpful!

Re: Buying stuff for baby help/advice!

  • Burp rags, if your state doesn't have a program to help with formula I would stock up on that as soon as you know what baby can tolerate or unless you are breastfeeding. If you wanted to, you could get a bouncy seat or swing, it helped with my first LO because it was all he would really sleep in during the day or be content. Every kid is different, mine didn't like the swings. Definitely get nighttime baby bath or lotion! It's a miracle worker for when the baby is fussy and is having trouble sleeping. You might need baby oil for cradle cap as well as a diaper rash cream, if it's a boy you will need to have a&d ointment if you have him circumsized. And fingernail clippers. Sorry this is long but hope it helps some. You can never really be fully prepped for the LO specially on a budget! Things happen where you will have to go get something else for them!
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  • There are tons of checklists out there that can help. To make it simple I would focus a place to sleep/a way to travel/a way to eat/a place to play/something to soothe and cuddle/a way to get clean and something that stimulates. In between all that of course clothes, diapers and wipes :)

    Also I would add items that are not obvious. For instance laundry detergent...you'll be cleaning up lots stained baby clothes. Also items that you grocery shop for; so you don't have worry about going out unless you got help.

    As STM I registered at babies r us. Not because I'm expecting a shower but I wanted that completion discount. Yet they changed the rules and now giving you cash back rewards for buying things off your registry. So since this time we will be purchasing most of the stuff on our own it's a great way to get cash back.

    Good luck!
  • One thing I can tell you about diapers is you don't have to buy huggies brand.some babies get rashes from certain brands so just try out different brands.first. And don't buy a lot of newborn diapers or onsies.
  • I think your list is good, OP. Babies really don't *need* much at all. Just the basics - food, clothes, diapers, a place to sleep, and a car seat. You could even do a Moby wrap or sling instead of a stroller to save money. Then buy the "extras" later if/when you have more money.

    I also recommend looking to consignment sales. Just Between Friends is a national one that has regular sales all over the country and you can get things super cheap. Like $2 outfits and a $10 high chair.
    Me: 38, DH: 35
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  • Do you plan to keep baby in a crib right away? We didn't (NOT recommending this, bc the transition to the crib was SO rough)- we used a Rock N Play for the first 4-6 months and it was awesome. She slept great and it was cheaper and smaller so we had time to save up and find a good crib on sale. 

    Also, burp cloths- I bought a pack of cloth diapers. They work so so well and there were like 12 or 15 in the pack and it was all we needed. Lots of moms use these. 

    Blankets are a yes, and as far as clothing goes- yes, of course, but don't go overboard yet. For 2 reasons. 1- my daughter was naked for like the first 6 weeks. haha. They're so fragile at that age and I hated changing her and she'd just spit up or poop on it anyway, so I did a lot of skin to skin with her with a light blanket draped over us. It was great. I plan to do the same this time. 2 - you don't know what size your baby will be. I wrote journals on my daughter and was goign through them last night- at 3 months she was in the 50th percentile for growth but she was wearing 6 month clothing and it fit snug. I don't know why but in the first 9 months, baby clothing sizes can be fairly off. 

    I would buy a cheap sound machine, as that might help since you have an older kiddo in the house. I found I didn't need washcloths or baby towels. The thermometer is a good thing to have. So is a nosefrieda. As far as play mats and bouncers and all that go - they're not at all essential and only some babies like them. I only really valued the bouncer, and even then I didn't feel comfortable using it until baby was about 3 months. 

    Check to see if you have a Rhea Lana resale or others near you. I stock up at these things and local garage sale websites. Lots of great stuff for a fraction of the price! 
  • I'm skipping the crib for this one because eventually she'll end up on the lower trundle of my daughters bed. Instead of a crib, i'm getting a pack and play that can be used for sleep as well as play when the baby gets bigger. You can get a pretty good one for under $100.

    A swing is nice but not necessary. I'm getting the Fisher Price one with the removable seat so I can leave the base in the master bedroom and carry the seat around the house to do chores. The one I want is on sale at Toys R Us for about $160.

    You might not need one but a swaddling blanket saved me so much heartache with my son. He was always relaxed and calm when swaddled. If you like you should get the thinner muslin fabric ones since you're due in May and it will be pretty warm. I've seen them at TJMaxx for 3/$14 in a pack. Or sometimes the hospital will let you take one home for free. Those are pretty perfect but definitely not as cute.

    I hope this helps.
  • I would definitely say a swing. My daughter loved hers. You really don't need a strolled unless you will be taking the baby out alot. I got a 12.00 baby carrier and plan on using that. You may also want a baby bag if you plan on going any place with baby. Also baby nail clippers. I needed these alot for my daughter. Good luck hope this helps a little.
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