I don’t have children and am not expecting, but I thought this would be an interesting thread to start.
[name]Say[/name] that you’re advising expectant parents on tight budgets about what to buy for baby. What items would you say are the essentials? Are there any items you bought while expecting that you thought you would need but never actually used at all? What items would you recommend expectant parents definitely NOT buy?
All thoughts and experiences are appreciated!
Wow, mimimommy, that is an extremely helpful and comprehensive list! and kudos to southern.maple for creating this thread! I am about to become a young mom with limited family support; thus, I hugely recognize just how tight my initial budget is going to be and knowing the absolute essentials is really helpful.
As I’m sure so would many other moms (younger, older, first-time, fourth-child, whatever!), I would definitely appreciate it if other experienced moms (or dads, of course) chimed in with their thoughts! 
Good list from pp. I’d add bottles, nipples, cleaning supplies, etc if you opt for formula over breastfeeding. I just found a great deal at our local baby supply store on a whole mess of bottles and accessories. They can be expensive, but look for deals and closeouts and you shouldn’t have to spend a ton on all the pieces. Those bedside bottle warmers - don’t waste your money. Definitely not worth it.
Also, I’d add receiving blankets or other large rags, cloths, etc. You’ll get tons for gifts so don’t worry about buying any. Anything soft and thin to wrap [name]Baby[/name] in when he’s chilly, clean up the random spit and drool that will inevitably flow, an extra layer of padding on a hard changing surface, etc. They’re very versatile and I’ve found them invaluable.
First list was great - as a soon-to-be mommy in December, I’ve been really thinking about this, as I’m very green-centred, and minimalistic in my approach to life. Here’s my personal list that I’ve come up with, along with my rationale.
Diapers
I’m doing cloth diapers for environmental and economic reasons, and because it’s proven cloth diaper babies potty train faster. I’m sold.
Crib
I’m not a huge fan of co-sleeping. My husband and I are both incredibly light sleepers. We have a hard enough time just sleeping with each other, much less another body in the bed, or even the room (we learned that the hard way when we got a small dog - teeny tiny movements by him were enough to drive us both up the wall). We’ll have baby in another room, in their own little bed so that I can sleep and won’t be disturbed by normal nightly whimperings and movements. But still quite close that I’ll wake up to the “Please feed me” cries.
Car seat
The law requires we have it.
Stroller/Snap-and-Go
I have slings that I am really looking forward to using, but I know for longer excursions that I won’t be able to use them exclusively, because I have a bad back. Again, I want to be at my best for [name]Baby[/name], so carrying them around for a few hours in a sling isn’t worth me being laid up for the rest of the day.
Clothes
Because the winter is cold - I truthfully might not be as worried about this if we were giving birth in the summer.
And… that’s it. If I’m unable to breastfeed, I’ll be using glass bottles and formula. I’ve been given a ton of others things - like a Bumbo, swing, change table, bath tub, etc. but I’m still deciding if I’m even going to keep these things. The Bumbo appeals to me, because it’s very compact, but everything else just takes up so much space, and how often are they even in all of these things? I’m actually looking forward to being inventive with [name]Baby[/name] and doing things outside the norm. I’m already cringing a little bit at the advice I’m getting from moms… things that I “need” and “must do”. [name]How[/name] to be polite without agreeing with them? I don’t want to offend other people’s parenting style, but I really disagree with a lot of what people think is “best” for children. That’s another topic!
To me the essentials are:
Diapers
Car Seat
Crib
Clothes
Stroller
Wipes
Bottles (formula or breast pump) - if breast feeding, then maybe not necessary, except I know I wouldn’t want to have to do that in public!
Changing Table or Pad
Safety things - baby gate if you have stairs, electric outlet covers, plastic around sharp corners, safety stuff for drawers you don’t want baby/kid in.
[name]Just[/name] had our tenth, and let me tell you we have had or own just about every baby product known to man, lol!! I admit, I am a bit baby product obsessed! [name]Love[/name] new strollers, carriers… all of it… but when it comes down to it, here is my list of “must haves” that I go to with each baby.
Diapers
Wipes
Car seat
Onsies
[name]Baby[/name] gowns or sleepers
Recieving blankets (I can not stand to see a newborn all exsposed, I keep mine under light wrap and swaddled most of the time until almost three months old- my favorites are [name]Aden[/name] and anais - they are pricey but worth every penny- especially if your baby is born in warmer months)
Gerber cloth diapers… I use these for burp rags, not exspenive and they are all white so they can be bleached if necessary, plus they are bigger than most “burp cloths”
good breast pump
Several good nursing bras and one or two nursing tanks
two bottles (in case you have to give a bottle) (I do not buy a ton of bottles before they are born, because each baby is different- nursing babies can be very picky- believe me I have invested a ton of money in bottles just to give them away b/c baby won’t take it. Right now I am haveing great luck with Dr. [name]Brown[/name]'s, but again, I would start with one or two, and see how your baby takes to it)
Bassinet (which stays in my room until about three or four months)
good baby sling (pieces if fabric are great when they are small, but for me, I nned something structured as they grow, or it kills my back)
Boppy pillow ([name]LOVE[/name] ours!!)
Toys (a few good, age appropriate ones)
really the rest of it is just for “thrills”
swing
bouncy seat
baby gym
moses basket (I do love mine, it is so pretty)
baby bath tub (I usually bathe with mine until they are about 6 months (then they can sit in the kitchen sink)
Stroller (most of my babies will not sit happily in a stroller until 10 or more months…)
That’s all I can think of
This is so helpful!
I’m getting cloth diapers/wipes, some clothes, including hats and booties since he’ll be born in winter, a car seat, a crib (I’ve rolled over and squished the cat in my sleep, so I don’t feel I’d be a good candidate for co-sleeping) and I’ll need a breast pump for when I go back to work (but for now we’re planning 6 months, so not buying this yet). Pretty much just the stuff I feel I need to get home with him. I registered for items that would be helpful but aren’t necessary and if I come across something that I really wish I had, I can always get it then.
We’ve also been saving by keeping an eye out for yard sales, secondhand stores, big store sales etc. Most of his clothes came from a yard sale where they’d gone overboard and there were all these name brand outfits and even 3-piece sets with the tags still on for $2 each. The cloth diapers, while a bit of an investment at first, will save lots in the long run, and can be found in good condition used. We’re also spreading out purchases, like the crib one month and the car seat a month or two later, watching for items to go on sale.
I was 16 and lived in an apartment with my friend when our daughters were born, so we were on TIGHT budget. We shared costs/supplies though. We bought cheapo diapers (probably like the Walmart brand), I know, you shouldn’t, but it was our only choice. We bought a bunch of bulk onesies from Walmart. And shared them. [name]Sophie[/name] and [name]Evie[/name] [name]Anne[/name] shared a pack n play (we “splurged” on it and got a nice one that could be elevated for newborns) until they were about three months old and we bought another. We also had Walmart wipes. They had the pacifers that the hospital gave us. We breastfed. We got some baby blankets from Walmart. We had a baby shower together and got a bunch of nice diapers, wipes, lots of clothes, socks, toys, and our friends collected some money and bought us both a Graco Snugride car seat and infant car seat frame. That baby shower saved us! SO MUCH of what [name]Soph[/name] and [name]Evie[/name] [name]Anne[/name] used/wore/still use is from all of our dear friends. We also got a lot of “special” stuff from them, like baby slings (the nice ones), bottle warmer, baby bottle set, formula, etc. We never had a change table (we had a change table mat/cushion thing that we kept on the floor (yes we cleaned it always) with all the diaper supplies in a container. When they were about 9 months we had a program that gave both girls a nice wooden sleigh-style crib. We also got a baby swing from the baby shower. We usually just held the girls in their slings, but it was convenient to be able to put one down and not have to leave her on the floor. We didn’t have baby bathtubs. [name]One[/name] of us held a baby in the kitchen sink while the other sponged her down with a washcloth and baby soap. (that we did use). We didn’t have a diaper genie. [name]Just[/name] a trashcan from target that has a swinging lid. Works the same way, just cheaper. They wore onesies and sometimes leggings over it most of the time. We didn’t have frilly tutus and designer dresses for them. They had some toys, but we made others by rolling up socks, putting rice into a baking powder container and sealing with duct tape, cellophane inside of two pieces of fabric, stitched together (makes a crinkly toy), and the really big huge pom-poms from the dollar store. We were kind of a bare minimum basic thing. We did get a ton of help from friends though!
thanks
[name]Ivy[/name], [name]Evie[/name] anne, and baby girl to come
mimimommy had an excellent list.
I’d say the bare basics you need are diapers, wipes, a couple of soft baby blankets to swaddle them in, a car seat [obviously], pacifiers [they’ll normally give you a couple at the hospital but not all babies like them], bottles and formula [if you are not breastfeeding], some onesies, a [name]Moses[/name] basket and/or bassinet, and a [name]Moby[/name] Wrap. [I prefer a [name]Moby[/name] Wrap to a carrier, but I can see where it might be useful.]
The other things you can buy as you go along, such as toys and whatnot because a newborn is going to spend most of their time just wanting to be held, fed, and sleeping.
A lot of the stuff I had for my son was given to me as gifts. A swing, a stationary play seat with tons of toys on it, bathtub …some of those things consider not necessary. I honestly didn’t use the swing that much. I bought a nice bouncy seat at a garage sale for 75 cents and so I used that quite often when the baby was small and I needed to shower or do up the dishes real fast. Honestly, I held my son a lot when he was newborn, it was fun and enjoyable. Here are some things to me that was worth it, I know these can be quite subjective.
The bouncy seat. For 75 cents, yes. I wouldn’t have spent 50 dollars on one though.
Monitor- This was good for piece of mind as a first time mom. It was a gift though, I didn’t buy it. I still use it, we have a two story house and I especially like it for at night/evening time when I’m downstairs cleaning and he is in bed. Our house is hard to hear in from room to room.
stroller- I used mine a lot, I got the travel set where the carrier snaps onto the strollers. It was awesome for grocery shopping when hubby and I did it together. Next baby we have I will invest in a sling/carrier of some type. I never spent the money on it and didn’t get one as a gift, but I think it would be useful, especially since I’ll have an older child and need free hands a lot. I also took walks every day with my son in the summer time. That was soooo nice when I needed to get out and he was a little older and wanted to sit up like a big boy and look around and play with toys. Slings won’t work then.
I actually liked the baby bathtub I got. It fit across our sink and was a lot easier on the back. When my son got to be about 5 months or so, he splashed to much and I used it in the tub, which is great for when they can’t sit up. Once he got to be about 9 months, we put away the bathtub for next baby and just let him bathe with us or I plop him in the tub and sit by him and do quick baths. It can be hard on my back(I have scoliosis so lots of back pain) Again, the bathtub was a gift, and it was a cheaper one. I wouldn’t spend a lot on one if you do buy one.
Bassinet- For me, I loved this. It was also a gift and an expensive one too! It rocked and had a little nightlight on it and soothing water sounds. I used it for 3 months and then he went in his crib.(we are not comfortable co sleeping. My husband sleeps so hard and would NOT wake up if he rolled on the baby, I’m sure. I’m too scared to try. Now that our son is 15 months, he sleeps with us sometimes and is big enough to fuss when he gets bumped and what not)
So I guess these are few things that I had that I thought very useful. I guess, I could definitely go without some of these things if I had to. Oh yeah and the walker saved my life, lol! I know some people think they aren’t safe, but by 7 months my son only wanted to be in the walker. He walked at 9 1/2 months. I would have gotten nothing done if it weren’t for that walker. Again, it was a gift. )
Unfortunately, my son would not breastfeed for numerous reasons I won’t get into here. I tried for 3 months and he just wouldn’t do it. Next baby I will see a lactation consultant to make sure my chances are the highest to breastfeed.
I just wanted to chime in that I love this thread! My sister is VERY thrifty (i.e. cheap) and has shown me you don’t have to spend a ton of money to raise a baby right. What’s saved the most money is that she buys clothes and toys secondhand. Many of the clothing items still have tags on them and new clothes are marked up so much! She would brag that she could get entire baskets of clothing for as little as a dollar! They grow so fast, I don’t see the point in spending so much on something they will wear only a few times. Plus, my nephew is always dressed to impress!
Essentials for starting out:
diapers, cloth or disposable. There are significant pros and cons with each. You will diaper your newborn approximately 10-12x a day for the first few weeks, so you need LOTS. Cloth diapering is associated with a higher incidence of diaper rash since they don’t wick away moisture from the skin as well; they leak more too, even with rubber outer pants. If you use a commercial diaper service (where a diapering company picks up soiled diapers and drops off sanitized, clean ones at your home) then the environmental impact and cost of cloth diapering is higher. If you do it all yourself then cloth diapers are cheaper and have a gentler environmental impact than disposables.
diaper wipes: again, you will need lots. Buy in bulk, several hundred at a time, to save money.
desitin or another barrier cream containing zinc oxide for the inevitable, universal diaper rash. Diaper rashes are caused by moisture and require the presence of both urine and feces in order to arise. The urease in feces interacts with the urea in urine and de-epithelializes the skin with which it comes into contact. They heal overnight if you can simply protect the damaged skin from more moisture. Fungal (candidal) diaper rashes are less common and require an anti-fungal cream, but I wouldn’t bother with stocking one. If it arises [name]Baby[/name] should be seen by a pediatrician to diagnose and work out the underlying cause.
a diaper changing pad to be placed on a bed or a dresser. This will become soiled frequently. If you place it on a hard surface (dresser, coffee table) it’s much more comfortable for [name]Baby[/name] than just a towel or piece of cloth.
pacifiers, 4-6. Most babies like them-- though not all. They soothe the infant by the focused, rhythmic action, which often lets him focus inwards instead of on outward stimuli and fall asleep; for an alert baby, the mouth is the primary sensory organ and they often enjoy the sensation of the pacifier. They do not interfere with feeding nor with breastfeeding. The desire for a pacifier is not a hunger cue- you will quickly tell the difference! Buy one-piece molded plastic pacis; 2+ piece pacifiers can theoretically come apart with vigorous sucking and can present a choking hazard.
At least 6, preferably 10, plain white onesies. These are very inexpensive and serve as infant underwear. An extra barrier against the moisture from spit-up, drool, milk dribbling down the chin, etc. An extra barrier too again diaper leakage and the inevitable blow-outs.
Clothing: comfortable, easy separates with long sleeves and long pants (for boy or girl). Newborns do not regulate temperature as efficiently as older children/adults and always need to be dressed more warmly-- even if it’s 80 degrees inside the home. You will change your baby’s outer clothes at least 2, more often 3-4, times daily from spit-up, diaper accidents, etc. They grow extremely quickly but you do need a decent amount of clothing on hand, even with daily laundry. I would advise not buying any shirts/tops that don’t snap at the crotch; otherwise they inevitably ride up and provide little warmth/protection (or aesthetics). If your bottoms don’t have feet, always always keep [name]Baby[/name] in socks!
blankets: 2. These too will be laundered frequently
swaddler: a blanket with velcro tabs that helps you quickly and efficiently burrito your baby. They love, love, love this. Reminds them of being constricted inside the womb (freedom of movement is actually a bit startling to a newborn). You can swaddle with a regular blanket too, but in my experience [name]Baby[/name] can escape much more easily and will awaken early.
infant carrying device: no matter if you prefer a sling, [name]Moby[/name] wrap, giant piece of cloth, or a true infant carrier, you must have this! I mean really must. I tried a sling and felt he was always needing to be readjusted, even when quite small and not too wriggly. The [name]Baby[/name] [name]Bjorn[/name] is truly the most useful baby item I purchased. It’s very safe, [name]Baby[/name] loves it, he can look out and see the world, it’s hands-free and it’s truly impossible for the [name]Baby[/name] to slide around or wiggle out. I cannot emphasize enough how much more useful than a stroller this is. You can go to the grocery store and push the cart with [name]Baby[/name] riding in front (try the logistics of a stroller and a cart. Go on, try it). You can walk in the park holding several carrier bags. You don’t have to search for handicap ramps, you can go up and down flights of stairs-- everywhere. It’s truly been indispensable.
Bottles: at least 6. There is only 1 situation in which you will not need bottles: A) you practice true dyed-in-the-wool Attachment Parenting, where the mother literally does not leave the baby for the first year of life (you read mimimommy’s post above: no going out for an evening, baby uses you as a pacifier, baby is carried around in a sling constantly, baby is exclusively breastfed, mother does not ever leave baby in care of father, grandparents, etc due to anxiety about attachment) and B) you do not, will not have any supply problems with breastmilk and are deeply philosophically committed to breastfeeding above all. The vast majority of women, in the US and everywhere else, have either occasional or longer-lasting problems with breastmilk supply. Most women are not interested in never separating from their baby for an hour’s time or more (i.e. grocery shopping, religious services, hair appointments, work, visiting friends, dinner out, movies), as it completely constrains their social, intellectual and professional lives. [name]Even[/name] more women simply cannot afford it, nor do they have partners who can completely support this sort of lifestyle.
If you plan to leave your baby for at least one hour, you need to provide food for your baby while you are gone. This can be in the form of either expressed breastmilk or infant formula. Either way, you need bottles, nipples, and either a breast pump or formula in the home. If you (like most women) will be returning to work, buy at least 10 bottles and begin pumping/supplementing with formula at least 2 weeks before your start date, so [name]Baby[/name] gets used to bottles and you get used to the pumping and the changing demand on milk production.
a diaper bag: it can be any kind of bag, or a big purse, dedicated to the purpose. The purpose-made diaper bags have pockets for diapers, bottles, a wipes box and storage space.
a place for baby to sleep: [name]Baby[/name] is strongly, strongly recommended to have his own place to sleep. It can be a crib, bassinet, [name]Moses[/name] basket, or attached co-sleeper to the adult bed. Multiple studies have repeatedly proven that there is a very real risk of accidental smothering when young infants share adult beds. This makes common sense as well. [name]Baby[/name] needs a firm mattress with no bedding save a fitted sheet. Never, ever give a baby a pillow or a comforter. Bumpers are very controversial because the baby, once he starts to roll, can mash his face against it and suffocate (before he develops the strength to roll away and get himself out of the situation. Older infants can have bumpers with no problems). The safest place for baby is in his own bed, in his parents’ room, within close reach.
carseat: as everyone has said, it’s required by law, and it should be. I do trauma for a living and am still haunted by a few unrestrained infants involved in car crashes that I had airlifted to my emergency room.
baby fingernail trimmers. They scratch their faces up and it’s heartbreaking. You have to trim their nails once a week.
infant thermometer & baby tylenol. Do not attempt to dose your baby with Tylenol-- always call your pediatrician first. Serious liver toxicity can result. And any fever over 100F in a baby less than one month old requires immediate medical evaluation. The baby must be taken to an emergency room if it is after-hours; the diagnosis is neonatal sepsis until proven otherwise.
Things you do not need, but still might like:
Things you really don’t need:
Stuff you need later (2+ months) when baby likes to play:
There are many things that very useful for babies like clothes, diapers, baby blanket, stroller, pram, car seat, sling, medicines, nursery furniture etc. This all baby stuff is very important for all baby.
I’m also going for a sort of minimalist/economist approach.
Right now, I have lots of white and neutral onesies, some receiving blankets, a sling (no stroller), and some basic toys (a rattle, some wooden blocks). My parents gave me a crib, but I’ll probably be co-sleeping for a while. I plan on breastfeeding as well.
I’m not sure if I’m getting car seat or not. I don’t have a car as I live in a major city that has excellent public transportation. I’ve seen plenty of people struggling with strollers and car seats on the subway, and I don’t want to have to do that. But I like that a car seat offers more protection than a sling.
@apple-- you are required by law to have a carseat, even if you don’t have a car. [name]Even[/name] in NYC. Most hospitals require you to produce one before they will discharge the baby. If you ever ride in a car-- taxi, bus, emergency trip, etc-- the baby must be safely restrained.
Buy before baby comes home- bassinet or co-sleeper or I guess a crib, carseat, bottles/formula/bottle brush (even if breast feeding is the plan), diapers & wipes, seasonal clothes but don’t go crazy, a sling or [name]Bjorn[/name] type carrier, boppy if breast feeding is the plan, a swing is a bit extravagant but was so helpful as a place to put het down!
Wait to get- stroller, high chair, toys, exersauce…I waited on a crib too cause I was moving & honestly they’re so tiny in those great big cribs that the co-sleeper was all we needed for so long!
[name]Don[/name]'t bother- bottle warmer, wipe warmer, sophie the giraffe anything like a special tummy time matt when a towel would accomplish the same
Yep. They even make you strap the baby in to test that you’re able to properly use it, car or not.