Being a parent for the first time has always been an exciting and admittedly frightening job. You just never know what to do. But the biggest dilemma comes before labor: baby shopping. Ever stopped to stare at a gorgeous bracelet for your baby only to walk past it after looking at the price tag? We understand you. Napkins, bibs, diapers, clothes, strollers, food, the sheer weight of these things can empty your pockets rapidly.
Here are five tips to utilize when shopping for your newborn. Be sure always to pick out your favorites, and never let these tips prevail over what your baby will find comfortable.
Tip #1: Gather Your List
Most new parents don’t know what to buy and not to buy for their newborn. A responsible parent will have a list of every item necessary beforehand. Some handy things to keep in your wishlist include:
- Clothes: Babies usually require clothes which are light and airy, except in the case of winters, when more comfy and warm clothing would work. Babies grow very fast though, and your newborn clothes won’t last long.
- Food: Babies need only the best and most nutritious meals. For the first six months, breast milk or store bought milk is all your baby needs to keep his bones and other anatomical systems strong. It is recommended to breastfeed, but milk can also be provided from outside sources.
- Diapers: Newborns are very messy, and if you’re not ready, you’ll learn that the hard way. Children need a lot of diapers, especially directly after birth. Have at least ten diapers handy on your first day, and keep buying more and more packs over the course of a month.
- Strollers: Babies require walks down the park just like your local pets. Spending money on a stroller can be smart, but many can be expensive and unaffordable. You also always have the option of a double stroller, which would be great for twins.
Tip #2: Find The Perfect Milk
For the first six months, most experts say that breast milk should be your first option. Breastfeeding is not only healthier and more natural for the baby, but it also costs nothing. Ask your nurse or midwife for nursing tips. Most commonly asked questions would be regarding the frequency of feeding and the amount.
Milk from cows contains high concentrations of lactose, calcium, lipids (fats), vitamins, and multiple minerals. It makes it an excellent option for newborns. If for some reason, breastfeeding is out of bounds, then buy cow’s milk. It is a cheaper option when compared to soy milk. Try your best to buy those on sale, but remember: some things are cheap for a reason.
Tip #3: Consider Your Options For A Stroller
Strollers can be relatively more expensive, and many parents choose to look past them. The cheapest one can cost as little as $60, but the good ones can cost as much as $200. We wouldn’t recommend spending on one if your budget is tight, but if you have to buy strollers which can be doubled as a bed and a baby chair. Most people choose to let their baby eat and sleep on the same tram, but they also must remember to give the baby other surfaces to sleep on too once in a while.
Tip #4: Don’t Hire A Baby Nanny
If you feel like you cannot look after the baby yourself, then it would be best to hire a nanny. But most nannies nowadays charge an arm and a leg for a simple daycare routine. If you’re tight on the budget, we recommend looking after the baby yourself. Get some help from the nurses and doctors in the hospital. Ask a local mom or a friend how they took care of the baby. You can even call your parents over to give some tips on baby care. If need be, hire a nanny for when you have to go out and cannot take the baby with you.
Tip #5: Start Buying From The Hospital
If you want to cut down on exorbitant retail prices and scams, it would be wiser to buy goods straight from the hospital. Hospitals sometimes can even provide some staple products for free, such as napkins, diapers, sheets, thermometers, disposable pacifiers, and even some rubbing alcohol. Just be sure to never steal for your baby. Even the pharmacy can offer lesser prices, and you can also get some help from the doctors there.
Conclusion:
Being a parent scares all of us, but if you see the number of successful parents, you’ll realize that raising a child right is not as hard as it seems. In the end, basic survival is necessary, but watching your child grow into a hero is a parent’s final dream. So hold on to your cash and your diapers, because tonight you’ll be baby shopping!
Image credits: gettyimages; baby.sina.com.cn; amazon
