Preparing for New Babies, Frugally

When preparing for a new baby, it can be an overwhelming experience when trying to buy the things you think the baby will need. New parents are inundated with advice from commercials, friends, families, and baby registries on what items are essential for the new baby. For those who want to be frugal and get the basic necessities that babies need, and you don't want to pay a bundle, here are the items to focus on.

1. A good crib and mattress. This is one item that I did splurge on while purchasing for my first baby. You need a good, quality crib and mattress for your little one. If you get a second hand crib, make sure that it's sturdy and high quality. High quality doesn't always equal big bucks. Shop around, and look for great deals.

2. Breastfeed, if possible. Breastfeeding is the best choice, nutritionally for your baby. It's also the best choice, economically. The savings are great, if you choose to breastfeed exclusively. Formula runs about $13 a can. And you will probably use about 1-2 cans a week. With breastfeeding, your milk is in ready supply, always at the right temperature, and no worries about bottles or bottle sterilizing. That is, if you don't pump and store in bottles. Either way, breastfeeding is much cheaper.

3. Clothes. Clothes are essential, of course. Two weeks worth of onesies are great. Nightgowns for girls and boys are great to use for pajamas. I've learned that if you're a stay at home mom and you don't go out with your kids everyday, they don't need a lot of clothes. My son outgrew a lot of clothes that he didn't even wear, because we didn't go out a lot. Maybe once or twice a week he would need to be dressed in regular clothes. But, usually he had on onesies, gowns, or sleepers. Hand me downs are very economical, but if that's not an option, shop around. Sign up to receive coupons from your favorite baby store, and shop accordingly.

4. Disposable and cloth baby wipes. Use disposable wipes for poop diapers, and cloth wipes for wet diapers. I had a ton of baby wash cloths, that I didn't really need. I used about a week and half worth of wash clothes before I did the baby's laundry. I had a large surplus of baby wash clothes, and just started using them for wipes. Simply wet them and apply a tad of baby wash, and voila!

5. Disposable and cloth diapers. Disposable diapers are great for nighttime, but cloth diapers are great and cheap to use during the day. I would advise to maybe use disposable diapers for the first two months or so, because the number of poop diapers is a lot during that time. Afterwards, cloth diapers are a great way to save money.

6. Car seat.

7. Stroller.

That pretty much sums up my list of essentials for a new baby for the first almost year or so of life. Enjoy this time with your little one as much as possible. Try these frugal tips, if you don't want to stress over unnecessary items, or spend a ton on things that, with creativity, you can have for much less.