There are certain items that parents usually think more then twice to invest in to make sure that it does not turn out to be a wastage of money. It always helps to take suggestions from your mommy-friends and make a list of necessary items especially if you are a first time mom and have limited budget.
I have listed down here a list of items which were super helpful to me and those which weren’t. However, there is no hard and fast rule. As I said, this is totally based on my personal experience.
Let’s first list down things that really proves to be helpful for a longer duration and must be invested in at some point in time.
👍 Baby bouncer
👍 Baby bath tub
👍 Stroller
👍 Baby diaper bagpack
👍High Chair
👍Hygiene kit
👍Nursing pillow
👍Anti colic feeding bottles (If on formula)
👍Infant/toddler car seat. I only used infant car seat that came in a pair with my stroller
👍Milk storage containers if baby is on formula feed
👍Breast pump if breastfeeding (manual or electric – that’s upto you)
👍 Sling or baby carrier. I didn’t invest in this item but sometimes I wish I had. This really comes handy during travelling
👍Easy to carry thermos which you can use to store hot water on the go
I have not included clothing/feeding/bedding/bath items in above list because those are the items which you have to buy in any case.
Next are the items which are totally optional and you will be OKAY to not spend extra bucks on them. But again this is based on my experience and it’s totally upto you.
👎 Play Mat.
👎Cot. This is something I really wanted to buy but I am glad I didn’t. I thought to purchase it when my son gets 4 months old but didn’t get around to it. It’s your choice if you want to make your baby sleep in a crib from day 1. I didn’t. Because it’s comfortable and easier to have your baby close by for up to 3 months atleast. I didn’t have much space with my bed to invest in a bassinet/cot to be attached alongside. So I delayed it until I really feel the need to invest in which actually never happened. But again it’s a matter of personal choice.
👎 Swaddles: Usually its recommended to swaddle your baby upto 6 months. But it depends on the baby too. Mine was super hyper and didn’t like to be wrapped in for longer period of time. So do not be tempted by the cute-ness of those swaddles and buy less. You can always get more later if required.
👎 Changing table.
👎Bottle sterlizer
👎Gentle laundry detergent. No need to spend on a seperate detergent UNLESS your baby is allergic to a regular one.
👎 Don’t buy too many blankets. 2 are enough
👎 A bottle drying stand
👎 Getting extra cupboard/Chester. You won’t need this for first two to three years atleast. Make a space in your cupboard, two portions in your closet and you are good to go
It’s easy and natural to be overwhelmed and spend more then you need and buy extra stuff because excitement takes over once you go for baby shopping. So it’s better to make a list of ‘must need items’ to make sure you spend within your budget and then spend as per your need rather than purchasing everything at once which you will regret later.
I hope this post proves to be helpful to all first time parents looking out for suggestions and especially for those who doesn’t want to go over board. 😊
