New Parents - Checklist...What to Buy and What Not to Buy

Not so long ago I was expecting my first child...my husband and I were flooded with ads from every major baby supply company.  We were exhausted from late nights trying to decide which items were the "essentials" and which were simply the extras. 

Of course, baby-companies want you to think that ALL products are essentials...but this is simply not so...therefore, I have comprised a list of some basics --

WHERE TO PUT YOUR MONEY

1. Crib: Don't rush out to buy the most expensive designer brand...your baby doesn't care if it's designer or not, eventually he or she will chew on it, regardless.  DO buy a multitasker...the best cribs will convert to a toddler bed, and then eventually to a daybed as your child grows.  This makes life simpler for you in the long run...and cheaper.

2. Convertible Stroller: Look for one that is reasonably priced about $100.00 - $200.00.  These strollers usually have an infant car seat that snaps into the stroller unit...then as your child grows and you eventually move-up from the infant car seat - the stroller will still work for a child up to about 40lbs. 

3. Cool-Mist Humidifier:  Most first-time parents don't consider this an essential until their wee-one comes down with their first cold.  Considering that the average child does get sick with 8-10 colds per year...these are handy.  Opt for a relatively inexpensive one - $30.00 is good-enough.  Also, look for a humidifier that doubles as an air purifier...which may limit the on-slaught of germs.  Bonus: the whir of the motor might help your child sleep better through the night....even if he/she is not ill.

4. Johnson & Johnson's Lavender-Scented Products: Apparently these are clinically-proven to encourage sleep when used nightly.  They smell fantastic, are cheap...and, let's face it: anything that may help a newborn sleep through the night is worth a shot.  Look for the Disposable Wash Cloths in the grochery store baby aisle - these are great for sponge baths with infants that still have their umbilical cord stump (don't get this wet).

5. Diapers:  I know this may sound like a "duh" but there are some things to know when buying diapers.  First - do NOT buy in bulk.  I know that this sounds crazy but babies have a fantastic way of growing at their own pace - your child may be in newborn sized diapers for 2 months or may be in size 5 by just 4 months...so don't risk wasting your money on lots of small diapers.  You are better if you buy just enough for a week at a time - I planned on 20 diapers a day...sometimes your baby will pee, cry to be changed and then poo just seconds after you changed the wet diaper.  It happens.  Just don't buy more than a week's supply.  Wait until you can see how fast or slow your child will grow out of sizes before you buy the Costco sized box. 

6. Wipes:  Go for the Costco sized box...you can never have too many of these and for the next 2 years or so they will be your life-line.  'Nuf said.

7. Bottles: Babies are pretty good about getting into a comfort-zone, so whatever bottle you train your child on - stick with it.  Even if you are nursing your child, bottles can be used - and are recommended if you plan to have a C-Section...

8. Sleep-sacks: Buy the 0-9 month sizes...they will be big on your infant but you will get a lot of miles out of them.  And trust me, when you have to change a diaper at 2am you don't want to mess with lots of buttons, snaps or leg-holes - these are a wonderful alternative and keep baby warm. You want at least 1 sleep-sack per night, unless you plan on doing a LOT of laundry. 

9. Onesies: Super basic.  Onesies are about the only outfit your child needs to wear until he/she can crawl.  Buy enough for 2-3 changes per day due to poop, pee or spit-up episodes.  Make sure to have some  footed pj onesies if it is colder outside. 

10.  Bibs and socks: The only accessories you will really need - even if you are nursing - until your baby has mastered the suck-swallow dance, a bib can help cut down on outfit changes during feeding times.  Socks are important to keep you lil' one's toes warm.  Ditch the socks during hot weather, however...you don't want to over-heat your baby.  For the first few months you need about 10 soft bibs and about 7 pairs of socks...this allows you to cut down on laundry. 

11. Bouncy-Seat with Vibrator Option: Believe me...this will be the best thing since white-bread.  You can't carry your child around 24/7 and after 2 weeks of sleep deprivation you won't want to for fear of dropping your bundle of joy while in your stupor. The vibration also helps baby relax...

12. Keepsakes: Let's be honest - your newborn will grow fast.  You have little time to capture those moments.  I suggest photos and home-videos.  Also, set aside some money for bootie-bronzing, baby-books, etc.  But set a budget and don't go overboard.  There is a fine line between loving and going overboard.

WHERE TO PASS

1. Clothing:  Its tempting to want to load your child up with all the cutest baby-wear...especially if this is your first child.  The reality is this is an expensive waste of time.  You will likely get too many cutesie outfits if you have a baby shower and your child will likely grow so fast he/she won't get to wear half of them.  If you aren't having a baby shower, simply buy enough onesies to allow for 2-3 outfit changes due to poop over-flow and spit-up sessions, per day.  14-21 onesies are recommended - divide them between traditional onesies and the footed pj onesies.  Gerber sells them both in packs of 3-5 for about $10.00 per pack. 

2. Accessories: Binky-holder pouches, sunglasses, coats and shoes are a big waste of time.  Nothing is worse than trying to wriggle your newborn into that cutesy jean jacket only to have to try removing said jacket while trying not to wake your baby.  Binky-holder pouches can be found for nearly $8.00 each and are a waste of money - use a zip-lock bag.  They are cheaper and disposable.  And shoes?  Forget it until your child has mastered walking.  Socks work better.

3. Baby Bath Systems: I know many companies that insist these are "essential" during your child's first year of life.  It is a nice thought but it is mostly useless.  The first 2-3 weeks of your child's life he/she won't be able to have anything more than a sponge bath.  After that, you'd be better off bathing your child in the sink with a towel or two for padding (just disinfect the sink prior to bathing) or co-bathing in the bathtub (just keep the water at the right temp). 

4. High-Chairs, Walkers and Excercise Systems for Baby: Not worth it in the beginning.  You'll have enough expenses -- hold off on purchasing anything like this until your little one is at least 6 months old. 

5. Baby Toys: For the first 3 months your baby will mostly eat, sleep and poop.  And cry.  No amount of baby toys will really interest baby.  Wait until your little one starts smiling socially and has found his/her hands.  Then, take the baby down the baby toy aisle and let your child be your guide.  What interests some babies may terrify others. 

6. Bottle Sanitizers: Use your dishwasher or just boil some water.  Save your money for jr's college fund.

7. Baby food: The new guidelines warn against starting solids before 6 months.  Skip this until later.

8. Baby blankets, pillows, towels: Until age one, the guidelines for sleeping advise against using blankets and pillows due to SIDS.  Baby towels are not really worth the money...use some regular, soft towels.  One exception: baby washclothes - it's helpful to have smaller ones and their bright color make them easy to distinguish from yours.  Plus they are often softer. 

This list may be incomplete - so feel free to add your suggestions as well.  This is just my personal opinion...things that have worked and not worked for me.  Best wishes with your new baby!