Although many of the baby gadgets & clothes are cute & fun, it is possible to get along with out them. Having children is only as expensive as you make it.
In order to figure out exactly what one must have for a new baby, one must first think about what a new baby has to have to survive - the necessities.
Babies, like all living things, have 2 basic needs:
- Food & water
- Shelter
- Breast milk or formula
- Protection from the elements (Examples: a safe home or place to live, something to keep them warm.)
That's it- these are the "baby essentials," if a baby has these things he/she will be able to survive. I know some of you are saying but what about diapers, wipes, diaper rash cream, onesies and bottles. The simple fact is that humans have survived for thousands of years before the invention of these helpful items. Therefor these are not necessary for the survival of a baby, they are all convenience items.
That being said, here is what I suggest for any new &/or expectant parents. I believe this list will be most helpful for those of us with limited $. The number of each items depends on how much time & money you have- how often can/do you want to spend doing laundry.
Diapers -disposable or cloth. If you choose cloth I suggest buying some plastic pants to go with them. Also you may want to start shopping for them NOW. It can be difficult to find cloth diapers. If you are choosing disposable go online & sign up at manufacturers websites & they will send you coupons (this usually lowers the prices enough so all brands are comparable.) You will soon figure out which brand(s) work for you. There is one brand I don't use because it always leaks (even though it claims not to). I don't use one of the others because it contains perfumes & gives my babies a rash (& I don't care for the smell.) You don't need powder (don't use baby powder on girls- it is linked to ovarian cancer; I believe talc is the problem) or cream unless baby's bottom start to get red. Powder is not recommended for babies because it can get into their lungs easily. If you want to use a powder use cornstarch & be careful not to shake it so it goes into the air. You can keep some sort of diaper cream (zinc oxide) just in case.
Breastfeeding/Bottles - if you are exclusively breastfeeding you really don't need any bottles (my first four children never had a bottle in their lives.) If you have to go to work or want some time away once in a while, you will need bottles. You will also need to "practice" with baby to see which nipple/bottle works best. My son refused to take anything artificial including a pacifier. Luckily at that time I was a stay at home mom (SAHM.) You may also want to purchase a breast pump to fill those bottles or if you're like me, just hold a cup under the opposite breast when feeding baby. If you choose to bottle feed you will need to choose formula as well as bottles. Again, babies can be choosy as to which nipples they will take. Ask your Dr. for recommendations & go online to the formula websites to sign up for coupons.
Blanket - I think "receiving blankets" are a good size- not too big not too small. They keep baby warm without too much bulk. A good size to cover baby when nursing & not too warm.
Baby gown or Sleeper or T-shirt (Onesies) - Gowns are nice because they work for boys or girls & will fit baby as he/she begins to stretch out. They are also easy to get into for diaper changes. The down side is they go on over the head- if baby has a leaky diaper it is a bit more difficult to get it off with out smearing the contents from the diaper all over baby. Sleepers - are nice because they are one piece & can be worn both day & night. However, they are a little harder to get into for diaper changes. I suggest a sleeper that opens in the front for "easy access." T-Shirts (Onesies) are great because they keep babies shirt down. Personally, I love the shirts that snap down the front because it is easy to get them on & off and clean up is simple even with a leaky diaper. I don't care for the t-shirts that go over the head because it doesn't matter what kind/brand of diaper you use at some time or another there will be a leaky diaper.
Wash cloth & towel - babies can use the same ones you do! No need to spend extra money for "baby" towel & wash cloths. I do recommend a thinner washcloth because they are easier to hold on to & as far as softness- it is just as soft as any baby wash cloth I've seen. I like regular towels better because the cover more of baby & they are thicker. Thickness counts for keeping baby warm & of course, to soak up the mess baby will make when you take him/her from the nice warm water into the cold air. (You can count on you new bundle of joy to poop &/or pee either in the bath tub or as soon as you take him/her out.)
OK- I know my list is short & you are asking, "What about a crib, changing table, toys & baby wipes?" To be perfectly honest you don't need them!
Baby wipes: You can clean your baby's bottom with a warm washcloth or make your own wipes with paper towels & warm water (I have a recipe somewhere & Viva paper towels work best for this!) If you choose to purchase wipes- get those coupons!
Changing table: A dresser with a mirror works awesome! They can be cleaned off (or put down a changing pad if you like) & babies love watching themselves in mirrors. As they get older & more wiggly the mirror give them something to do while you change them. Don't have a dresser? Babies can be changed anywhere- the floor, couch, bed, table, seat of the car, etc. Just make sure you have something clean to set them on (such as a changing pad.) No matter wher you are changing baby, NEVER let baby out of you reach during a diaper change!
Crib: Lots of babies sleep with mom or dad (I know it is not recommended, but I have slept with all of my children & never had any problems & I am a very sound sleeper.) Co-sleeping also allows nursing moms more time to sleep. Baby can nurse while you sleep! Not comfortable with co-sleeping? Babies can sleep almost anywhere- open dresser drawers (make sure it is empty), clothes baskets, etc. any where where they can breath & not roll away.
Toys: Until baby is a couple months old, he/she won't need. When baby starts getting interested in toys rattles. Make sure the rattles are light enough for baby to hold/move. I like the little wrist & foot rattles because they teach baby to use their body. (When I move the part it something happens-the rattle make noise.) When baby gets old enough to reach for a rattle make sure you have some that are easy & light enough for baby to hold. The next toys you will need are teethers, be sure to get a couple different textures.
Burp cloths/ bibs: Cloth diapers make great burp cloths as do bibs. I don't like bibs with ties- babies get a hold of the string & untie them and they seem to "cut" into baby's neck. I suggest velcro closures. Bibs that pul over the head are great until they are full of fodd & you try to take them off- the food goes from the bib to the baby.
Transportation: what you need for this depends on where you live. If you live in the city & don't drive, all you need is a good stroller or carrier. If you are going to travel in a motor vechile you need a car seat. Do your research, find a seat that will work in you vechile. I also suggest that you get a convertable car seat- it will last longer. Infant seat are nice but you have to purchase a new one at about a year. Many convertible seats will last as long as you child needs a seat.
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