Having a Baby on a Budget

Just one step into your local baby store and you realize you are out of your league. How in the world can an eight pound human need so much stuff? Avarice quickly sets in as you browse up and down every aisle. You become immediately convinced that you need it all. The old cliché, "like a kid in a candy store" should be changed to, "like a pregnant woman in a baby store."

Then reality sets in. You cannot afford even half of the stuff you want. Everyone is telling you that you need to buy this item or that item. How in the world do you decide what to buy? The first step is simple. Weed out the baby products you do not need.

1. Bassinet or Cradle. Yes it is true that bassinets and cradles are more portable than a crib. Not only that but they provide a cozier space for the baby and take up less room. But very few babies are in bassinets or cradles for more than three months, then you have to store them until the next baby comes or until you are ready to sell or donate it to someone else. What should your do? Just use a crib. You will eventually have to use the crib anyway. Why not start out with it? Babies who sleep in the bassinet first have to get used to the bassinet, then they have to get used to a crib. You can save a step in the process and money by omitting the bassinet or cradle in the beginning.

2. Changing Table. You will need to change the baby a lot. It seems that more comes out of a baby than goes in. But if you need to save money, change the baby on the bed or the floor. You will just need to buy a changing pad. There are waterproof changing pads made for portability that cost under $10. You will also save money because the pads that fit the changing tables usually cost more than $20. And you will need to buy a cover on top of the $20 to place over the pad.

3. Diaper Disposal Systems. These are on many parent's must-have list. What is the problem with these systems? You have to keep buying refills. With all of the money you will spend on diapers, wipes, formula, and clothes, do you really want something else that you have to run to the store and buy? All you will need is a trashcan with a lid and plastic grocery store bags. Save money by saving your bags from every grocery trip and just wrap the diaper in one or two of those. They are free and you are reusing the bags, which is good for the environment.

4. Coordinating Bedding. The picture perfect catalogs showcasing nurseries just make us catch our breaths. Everything matches from the curtains to the comforter to the crib skirt. The problem is that none of that is needed or recommended. Because of SIDS, parents have been told not to put anything in the crib besides the baby. This includes stuffed animals and loose bedding, which makes the comforter useless. Some doctors even recommend not using a crib bumper, which makes another item useless. What are you supposed to do to make sure your child doesn't freeze at night? Dress her appropriately (the rule is one more layer of clothing than you would wear) and learn to swaddle her. All you will need to make sure that you have is two or three blankets. One for swaddling and the other(s) for back up in case of an accident.

5. Tummy time mats. Since babies are put to bed on their backs, the muscles in their chests and arms do not get enough exercise. They use these muscles to turn over and crawl with. Merchandisers have come up with a brilliant idea to help parents spend more money: Tummy-time mats. The concept? Put your baby on a brightly colored mat with toys attached so that your baby will love being on their tummy. It is a good concept but if you do not have the money to spend, just put the baby on a blanket and spread out some toys. It will serve the same purpose. Besides that, no matter how much money you spend on a mat, your baby will hate tummy time.

There are more ways you can save money. You may find used goods or be able to borrow baby products from your friends. Just make sure they are safe. Talk to experienced parents and find out where they saved money. You will want to enjoy your new baby, not spend time worrying how you are going to pay your credit card bill from buying too much.