We all hope that the baby showers will bring a lot of what we need in this new transition to becoming parents. There are also a lot of extra costs once the baby is here that few people really talk about.
Average Monthly Costs:
$80 diapers (2 cases)
$15 wipes (case)
$25 breast feeding supplies (yes, it does cost money, not to mention the intial $400 pump investment...if you formula feed add up the bottles and formula!)
$?? Misc. costs - inevitably the baby needs more things...clothes that fit, mittens so he won't scratch his face, buying 12 bottles instead of 4 because he won't take one.....etc etc.
A lot of my friends have asked where to spend the money because there is just waaayyyy to much. It's like the wedding market! Here's my top list for where I'd spend the money:
1. Good car seat and stroller/jogger. We were lucky enough to get a peg perego as a gift. The car seat goes until 30 lbs or 30 inches so Charlie can stay in it longer (most are only 20 lbs) and the stroller is a full size that has an umbrella fold so it doesn't take up your whole trunk. In my opinion it's worth the investment so you don't have to buy two strollers (a car seat carrier and then a full size)
2. Graco Pack n Play: I was concerned about having a bassinet/co-sleeper especially because I wanted a solid surface to reduce the risk of SIDS. My cousin told me her baby slept in the top bassinet of their pack in play for months. After checking it out I decided to give it a try and it's perfect! Charlie sleeps beautifully in it and later on it'll be a great play "pen". (They don't call it that anymore...maybe they don't want to be compared to piggies). Buying an additional bassinet or co-sleeper would have been a waist of money for us. We have the pack n play right next to my side of the bed so when Charlie wakes up in the night I scoop him right in and out.
3. Basic stand alone changing table: We opted for a less expensive version though I think it was still $150.00! Yikes! Having a "station" (that's what we call it) keeps everything neat and well stocked. We bought some neutral baskets to go underneath (6) which helps keep me organized and not let piles mix up. If you have ample closet room for your baby - great! We use 3/4 of it for storage. (basket 1 diapers, wipes refill (2) blankets and burpies (3) pee pads, extra sheets etc (4) towels (5) bath necessities (6) first aid, medicene,grooming ie nail clippers etc.
4. Baby bjorn front pack and/or sling: we have both. I wish I would have taken my baby care instructor's advice and waited until AFTER Charlie was born. We use the bjorn every day and I would have bought the synergy model (about double the cost) if I would have known how essential it would be to us (it has better back support). We also have a basic sling which Charlie loves to take naps in (even today!) but I find awkward to try and do anything while wearing it.
5. Swaddle Blankets: I recommend Kiddopotamus swaddleme blankets, the microfleece for cold weather and the jersey for warm weather. These are a life saver! They are much faster and easier than traditional swaddling with a regular blanket (and when that baby is tired you'll do anything to go faster!) They are about $10 each which adds up because you need so many between the spitting up and pooping but they're worth it!
Budget Savers: Used and Family Hand-me-downs...
When I was prego and nesting the sound of anything hand-me-down or used sounded icky and unclean. But as friends and family generously gave us things that had worked for them I realized that just about anything you could wash you want to accept!
Furniture: I was in love with the idea of a pottery barn kids nursery which was running about $2,000 with all the pieces. My cousin offered her baby furniture that was stored mostly in a closet and I was hesitant. I was even hesitant when we went up to look at it despite the fact that it was in great condition. Thankfully we accepted and brought home a crib, dresser, toy box and rocking chair. I was concerned about the crib safety (pali crib) because it was made before the JPMA standards (they are the safety people). I was unsure for a long time...but Jose but it together tightly and it's very sturdy....my mom also bought us a great mattress. We're putting that 2k towards more time staying home with Charlie which really adds up! (Don't get me started on the cost of infant day care $1500/month!)
Clothes: Two of my cousins and one friend sent us clothes their children had worn and 2 out of 3 were girls! The fact is that a lot of stuff is unisex and everybody can wear white onesies! Take advantage! (Thank you Pill & Amy!)
Mom's Clubs and Used Items:
I belong to the San Carlos/Belmont Mother's club for networking and play group purposes. They also have a daily digest email that mom's can post questions/answers to other moms and sell their used and some new items! It's a great place to find used stuff super cheap when you can't find it other places. We bought an extra car seat base for $20 when they retail for $80. The "safety people" don't recommend buying used car seats because their quality/protection breaks down with use. Many advertise "no accidents" but I would still stay away from them if you had other options. It's also a great place to find items when you're prego: books, cds, doc recs, maternity clothes etc (unless you're a giant like me). They have beautiful furniture and other gently used or never used (still with tags on them) items!
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