Having children is an expensive prospect. You’ve brought a whole new human into the world and she will eventually ask you for everything from a new prom outfit to help with a house downpayment. On the other hand, while she’s still an infant, that baby doesn’t need to be nearly as expensive as you may have been told. Here are four things for your new baby that you can easily skip.
Baby Shoes
Okay, the price of a pair of baby shoes isn’t the same as an infant helmet for flat head cost, but little things add up, and here’s one thing you simply don’t need and won’t use. Most infant clothing comes with covered feet. If you do try to push on a pair of baby shoes you’ll see that they don’t look comfortable. They never fit correctly and tend to slide right off. Save your money for a pair of good shoes when your baby actually starts walking.
Wipe Warmer
Parents everywhere agree that these unneeded electronic gadgets have “future garage sale fodder” written all over them. By the time you’ve gotten the wipe out of the warmer, it is already starting to cool. Cluttery, gimmicky and generally not useful, take the money you would have put toward the warmer and start a college fund. The money will go to much better use and last longer.
Bedding Sets
Decorating the baby room is one of the most fun parts of planning for a new baby, but as soon as he’s ready for the crib you’ll have to pull that cute matching set right out of it. Pediatricians recommend that the only thing in the crib is a mattress covered with a tightly fitted sheet.
Even though you can still buy them in many places, local bans on crib bumpers are fueling a movement for a national ban. So there’s no reason to buy the matching sheet set, bumpers and quilt because you won’t be able to use any of them in the crib. Use that money for a baby sling so he can spend more time in your arms and less in the crib.
Toys
New babies have no use for toys. If you have older children they will no doubt tell you how boring their new brother or sister is, because new babies tend to eat, sleep and look around a bit. It’s all new and exciting so they certainly aren’t getting bored. Your time is what your baby needs. He wants to spend time getting to know your face. Save your money and use your time to sing to and play with your baby to keep him entertained.
Babies develop personalities early. Some will love a swing and spend hours happily swaying back and forth while others will never be happy in one for more than a moment. While most babies love a binky, yours may spit it out and never look back. For most items, it’s best to see what you can comfortable do without first, instead of assuming that you need it.
