Congratulations on that new bundle of joy arriving in a few months. Now, get your wallet.
First-time moms and dads can expect to spend slightly more than $7,000 on supplies for their new child, said Alan Fields, co-author of the “Baby Bargains” shopping guide.
Pricey items like cribs and car seats are a necessity. Diapers and formula will appear on shopping lists for at least the first year of the baby’s life. Then, there’s simply the act of walking into a Babies R Us store and seeing hundreds of extremely cute and quite clever things you could buy.
Don’t let this daunting shopping load overwhelm you. Attack it with some clear strategies in mind.
Don’t rush to buy it all.
You won’t need everything before the baby arrives.
A highchair will stay in its box for a few months until the baby is old enough to use it. Likewise, most people don’t use a crib right away, opting instead for a smaller bassinet that sits conveniently near the parent’s bed.
Think basics. You’ll need a car seat before the baby arrives. You’ll also want to buy a stroller and something safe for the baby to sleep in.
Once, you have those core items, you can save up for some other purchases.
Enlist a shopping guide.
Another parent — a friend, family member or co-worker — can be helpful when you register for supplies.
“An experienced mom or dad can kind of help you cut through the clutter,” Fields said.
What do you really need?
Parents can change a baby’s diapers on the floor, on a bed, any place they safely can spread a changing mat. Changing tables are not essential.
Fancy crib bedding with
Click here to view rest of article from original site
|
|
|
