Buying for Baby without Breaking the Bank© Shari Green
Jul 1, 2001
Have you seen them? Those long layette lists that, if followed, will cost you thousands of
dollars and equip you for quintuplets? Don't believe them. You'll want to get the basics
before baby arrives, but for the sake of your finances it's a good idea to wait and see what
you'll truly need. If you bathe baby without a special tub and special soaps for the first few
weeks, you may just decide you can do without those things altogether, and if you find
you're most comfortable having baby sleep in bed with you, you'll be glad you didn't
spend the bucks for a bassinet.
Here are my top three nursery necessities, followed by my basic layette list. Of
course, you'll buy and use what suits you best, but if the long lists overwhelm you, try
mine!
My Top Three Nursery Necessities:
- Sleepers. Sleepers aren't just for sleeping anymore.... It really is okay
for your little one to wear sleepers all the time if it makes life easier for you. Some of the
adorable baby clothes on the market are nearly irresistible, so indulge if you want to, but
remember that when you're totally sleep-deprived it's hard enough to dress yourself, let
alone a squirming baby! Sleepers are easy to put on your child, easy for diaper changes,
and easy to wash--no folding needed, because they don't wrinkle. Check out discount
department stores and kids' consignment stores for these comfortable essentials, and
definitely accept hand-me-downs (babies out-grow almost everything before they
out-wear it). Remember that the cheaper brands are often cut fairly small, so buy a
generous size. Budget Bonus: if you're not concerned about saving sleepers for a next
baby, you can cut off the sleeper feet when baby's legs get too long. Doesn't look terrific,
but it will give you at least another week or two before you head back to the store! (Don't
laugh; I've done this.)
-
Sling. You can do without a stroller if you have a sling or other carrier for baby.
It's amazing how much you can get accomplished when baby is happily nestled against
your chest! You can even nurse your child when he's in the sling, and no one will ever
know. Slings can be adjusted to fit you or your partner, and to accommodate your
growing baby. (Carrying a toddler on your hip is much easier when their weight is
supported in the sling.) I know some moms wouldn't trade their strollers for gold, so if you must have one, invest
in a decent umbrella-type stroller--one with good wheels and the right length handles for
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