Budgeting for Baby
Our first baby is due in two weeks time. We don’t have much money set aside but we were wondering, what are the essential things we need to buy now before baby comes and what can we defer for later?
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First a Tip: Baby is new, but new baby does not need new equipment to be happy. If you have limited budgets look around at garage sales, online websites and ask family and friends about donating used baby equipment and furnishings. Clean everything thoroughly before baby arrives and get everything set up. Do NOT repaint furniture and equipment to make it appear better!!
Here are some things you should put on your list:
1) A crib. Even if you keep baby in your bed at night for the first couple of weeks, a crib is a must from the start. New babies sleep a lot. During the day a crib protects the baby and will allow you to do things more peacefully without worrying about each breath baby takes. In the end nervous parents who are attuned to every breath become just too exhausted by the effort. Make sure the crib has soft linings around the inside and a good mattress.
2) A sturdy baby seat that can be used for carrying baby with you –and can also double as a protective car seat later on. If you are taking baby home by car from the hospital, this is an absolute must of course.
3) A baby bath and a few accessories to facilitate bathing.
4) Lots and lots of diapers and cleaning wipes – mothers never seem to have enough of them!!!
A new arrival in the family does not need to break your piggy bank. With the first born, many parents worry they know nothing about babies and want to equip themselves with every accessory available to better the situation. Be patient. What seems difficult soon becomes easy to do. Many parents quickly discover they can manage quite well without a vast array of “necessary” accessories. As the weeks go by you’ll learn what things you really need to make your lives and baby’s life more comfortable.