First Time Mothers: 4 Tips For Baby Shopping
After nine months of a long wait, the time for the baby’s birth has arrived! For the first time you will be able to see the new family member. The crib is prepared, the bottles and diapers are in place and the clothes are neatly folded in the closet. The next step is to learn how to shop for the baby now that you are a first-time mom.
With the arrival of the baby, you must learn to live with an extra member in the house. Thus, priorities change and a new family organization must be established, which must be especially taken into account when making the baby’s first purchases.
Certainly, if you are a first-time mom, making your first purchases at this point can seem complex, expensive, and even a little scary. Therefore, it is necessary to analyze some factors before going shopping.
What factors should be analyzed?
Before making your baby’s first purchases, it is important to answer the following questions:
- Utility. Is this purchase sensible and useful?
- Price. Is it a very expensive investment that doesn’t fit our budget?
- Design. Should I opt for a beautiful design systematically?
- Quality. Is it always necessary to opt for the best quality?
First Time Mothers: 4 Tips for Baby Shopping
While some purchases such as a crib or car seat seem inevitable and necessary, there are others that we can dispense with or leave for later. To help you make a correct choice, we provide some advice below:
1. Make a list of what you need right now for your baby
Some purchases are needed now, but others can wait. In fact, if you don’t intend to use an object immediately after your little one’s birth, we advise you not to buy it now. This will allow you to make your purchases prioritizing the objects you need.
2. Establish the budget
There are expenses that are expensive, but that we cannot avoid. For example, if you plan to have more than one child, you need to place more value on the quality of the object than on the design.
A general rule of thumb: don’t be in a hurry! No need to buy multiple bottles or a baby monitor for your baby. At the same time, don’t get carried away by advertising campaigns that are capable of creating unnecessary needs.
3. Prefer furniture that can be used for more than one function
Instead of buying baby items every year according to your child’s size and age, choose furniture and accessories that can be transformed into others. While they may seem expensive at first glance, some have little difference in price compared to conventional products. In the long run, it can be a measure that will save you money.
For example, there are cribs for babies that have a diaper changing surface. At the same time, we can also find beds that have considerable space to store other things.
4. Ask for advice from more experienced mothers
If you are unsure of your choices, seek advice from other mothers. They can always be a great support.
What does the baby really need?
Despite focusing on not spending excessively, there are some products that are indispensable for the baby. Here are some items:
1. Food
Even if you plan to breastfeed, you should buy at least one bottle that can be used to give your baby water. At the same time, it will also serve to prevent any eventuality if your child does not want to be breastfed. Also, don’t forget to buy some bibs.
2. Hygiene and personal care
Diapers and personal care and hygiene products – pH neutral soap, towels, cotton – are essential for the baby. It is also recommended to buy special nail scissors and hairbrushes for babies and sponges for bath time.
3. Clothes
During the first six months, the baby should have 6 to 8 sets for day and night. It is advisable to give priority to cotton. Some warmer clothes are also needed. Don’t forget that you’ll get lots of gifts that, in most cases, will be pieces of clothing.
4. Mobility with the baby
A car seat is one of the essential elements for walking your baby. It will also be useful to buy a bag to carry everything your baby will need: bottle, diapers, wet towels, etc.
Finally, there are many points to consider when shopping for your baby, especially if you are a first-time mother. Don’t hesitate to borrow some objects from friends and family. In fact, we encourage you to offer and exchange products and furniture as much as possible, as it is an alternative to significantly reduce expenses.
