Budget Shopping for the
New Baby page 2
by Ali Wing, author of giggle Guide to Baby Gear
Maybe Later
No need to buy the whole store: As promised, here are some suggestions on things that can wait or be skipped altogether.
Stroller. This is one purchase you can put off for a while. For the first few months, it's easy to get out and about with nothing more than a baby carrier. And, as an added bonus, if you can make it through the first six months, you don't have to invest in a stroller that has a bassinet stage.
Changing Table. Sure, they're handy, but they're optional. You can always change diapers on the bed (as long as you always keep one hand on your baby). If you really want a dedicated changing space, consider a dresser with a removable changing tray that will get years of use beyond diapering.
Bedding. It's tempting to buy cute bedding set complete with quilt and pillow sham. Babies should only sleep with a fitted sheet in their crib, so skip the extra purchases; they won't be anything more than decoration!
Clothes. And, oh – all those cute outfits! But remember: Babies outgrow most of their infant clothes within a few months anyway. For the first months, go for simple: Buy comfortable basics like onesies, hats, mits and booties.
Toiletries. For those first few months, a little warm water and a cloth is all you need, so you don't have to rush out and buy baby wash, either.
Little Bargains
You can save a lot by skipping purchases that aren't necessary, but here are a couple of non-essentials that are worth every penny!
Bath Seat. You've got to love a purchase that costs so little money but provides so much peace of mind. A bath seat holds your slippery little one in the proper position for sink baths - a real bonus for nervous new parents. And, at only $15, they're a bargain!
Food Mill. Also around $15, a handheld food mill (as opposed to the more expensive electric kind) lets you puree your own baby food in just minutes. Not only will it save you money, your child gets fresher, healthier food.
Receiving Blankets. The beauty of the receiving blanket might not be immediately apparent. After all, what do they do? The more important question is, what don't they do? You'll use them for swaddling, holding, warming, sleeping, changing and playing -- and you can never have too many!
About The AuthorAli Wing is more than just the founder of giggle - she's an advocate for today's new parents.
By offering smarter solutions, providing information, and building a parenting community, Ali has made giggle a resource destination. In addition to smarter products, giggle offers customized services to help make it easier to become a new parent, such as giggle personal shoppers and giggle's ultimate baby registry.
She serves as a parenting resource through both her published works and her speeches, helping new parents navigate the glut of choices out there and find only what they need, when they need it. Because of her extensive product knowledge, Ali is a regular speaker on lifestyle topics for parents and has written a book on the topic, the giggle guide to baby gear (Chronicle Books, 2008).
