What?! You can’t be serious – I know that’s what you are thinking. I am the queen of shopping. I have two closets in my house full of just winter clothes (not summer, fall, or spring…just winter- the other seasons are in storage bins because I have so many). But yes I am dead serious. Don’t fall into the temptation of spending ridiculous amounts of money on your baby. My psychiatrist told me this when I was going to him frequently for my preggie appointments. I thought to myself, “He is a man. He doesn’t like shopping. Men don’t appreciate those precious little baby bonnets and cute newborn tutus!” But he was right. He told me that newborns only need a few items and the rest is a waste of money. Believe it or not, I heeded his advice and Jonathan and I didn’t buy lots of extra items. I am SO thankful that we listened to him.
All newborn babies need are the following things: a car seat, few clothes, diapers,sleeper swing, and food. That is ALL. Don’t take my word on this…ask your friends and family. I can guarantee you they will agree. In fact, I am asking everyone reading this to voice your opinion (male, female, young and old). All babies need diapers, baby wipes, and diaper/butt ointment. They need about five sleepers and about ten onesies and I promise you that’s it as far as clothes are concerned! Babies grow so fast that they are out of those newborn clothes in less than two weeks. Then they grow so fast they are out of their 0-3 months before you know it. DO NOT waste your money buying twenty-seven cute onesies for newborns that say “Mommy Loves Me.” You will cry (because every new mom is hormonal) when you have to pass them along to the Good Will with the tags still on them because you little infant is too big to squeeze into them.
It is true that boy baby clothes have come a long way from how they used to look. They are so much cuter now than they were. But your little one is not going to need ten adorable, fancy outfits to wear when you go “out and about” to town, church, or a friend’s house. They don’t need it because one you won’t be traveling places as much as you thought you were and two babies are messy! They poop enormous amounts the size of an elephant. They spit up, projectile vomit, and spew liquids out of their faces in gross colors you didn’t even know existed. So there is no need to pay $40 for a monogrammed elegant outfit from Etsy that will just get ruined the first time your little one wears it.
All infants do need a safe car seat. Go ahead and invest money in one that is proven to be the safest. Research this online and then research some more. This is one area you don’t need to buy the inexpensive brand. All babies need some type of food, whether it’s breast milk or formula. They do not need baby cereal, baby oatmeal, or baby food for many, many, many months. Save your money on baby food until they are about six months old.
You will need a diaper bag to carry your stuff around in. When Levi was teeny tiny, I loved the nice diaper bag that my friend Stephanie bought us. It was perfect because it had many compartments and didn’t even look like a typical diaper bag. Now that Levi is eight months old, I don’t really need a giant bag to haul his belongings. I took my friend Melissa’s advice and just carry a diaper and wipes with me when I go places. I store it in the bottom of the stroller (thanks Melissa, perfect advice!) My friend Ruth had a small bag that ties like a gym-bag style. It’s the perfect size for the few things you need when running errands. Thirty-One has a great tote called the “Cinch Sac Tote Book Bag” that is so convenient as a diaper bag.
Lastly, invest in a sleeper swing of some type. My dear friend at work gave us a cradle swing. Best gift ever! Levi slept in that cradle swing the first four months of his life. When he wasn’t sleeping in that he was sleeping in a “Rock ‘N Play” sleeper. This was very handy because it’s lightweight and can be folded in half to carry with you anywhere. Newborns don’t sleep in cribs at the very beginning. A good swing will be a lifesaver for you!
Levi is about to wake up from his nap, so I’m going to conclude this blog. Don’t worry about purchasing lots of things for your little one. I promise you will get lots of neat presents from coworkers, friends, and family. Don’t go buy socks, shoes (babies do not need shoes), pacifiers, toys, bath stuff (towels, wash cloths, shampoos), or blankets. I wouldn’t even invest in a fancy changing table. You will be surprised where you find yourself changing your sweet, precious poopster that first month!
What about you? What items do you think are necessary for first time mothers to have? I want to hear from you. What gifts were given to you that you couldn’t have lived without?