Thursday, December 6, 2012

Five Tips for On-Budget Baby Shopping


Though you may realize that a baby is a precious thing, once you hold yours in your arms you start to comprehend what 'precious' really means. We would do anything for them and when it comes to buying, we'd buy whatever there may be available.

There are thousands of products for babies and often moms-to-be feel that they need to buy many of those in order to begin parenting with the right foot. When you are on a limited budget this may create unnecessary anxiety and stress. If this is the case, you should keep well in mind that whatever you buy for your baby, it is you she needs before anything. Expensive things won't make up for love, care and attention.

Furthermore, know that your baby will grow by the hour. It is pointless to buy too many things for her, for clothes will get small in a blink, toys will be obsolete before she can have any significant experience of those and so will accessories. Here are some tips to baby shopping:

1. Clothing

Disposable diapers have changed the world of baby care. This means that the changing rate for clothes need not be too high. Also remember that babies are not dolls. You may be tempted to make them look like adult miniatures or play cuties, but the priority should be to dress them comfortably.

So choose no more than five baby sets before your baby is born and buy new only if/when needed. Pick comfortable materials fit for the season and you'll be good to go.

The time will come when you child will demand a certain type of clothes. It is a good idea to save your money for that day.

2. Bed

Your baby will spend most of her time in her bed, 16 to 14 hours during the first year of her life. Choosing the right bed is very important.

Since you are on a budget, avoid cribs. Cribs are only used in the very first weeks of life and become useless as soon as the baby begins to move. Buy a bed instead, where you can put your baby to sleep for a longer time.

Sometimes a travel cot may be a better choice considering that it has no bars where the baby can stick her head into or bang it. It is less expensive, the baby can play freely and safely inside, it is compact and you can move it around the room. Since they may be easily packed you can take it along wherever you go making your baby feel always at home. Moreover, many travel cots come along with their own crib should you really want one. You may want to buy a small mattress in the size of your cot if it becomes a permanent solution, though not too thick for soon the baby will be able to stand and may actually fall out.

3. Baby carriage

They come in all colors and shapes, often with many accessories. The choice of a carriage is very personal and it depends on your life-style, habits, home, surroundings etc. The primary purpose of baby carriages is to enable you to take out your baby without having to carry her all the time. Yet you may use it at home as well, to help your baby fall asleep, to move her around the house or have her near you safely while you do your things. Do, therefore, choose a light and compact model that takes little space, that you are able to carry yourself and fold when necessary. Some light and compact carriage models are fit for newborns so if you pick the right one, it may be with you and your baby for a long time.

4. Baby carrier

If you really wish to spend money on something else, consider buying a baby carrier. To me it is even more important than baby monitors or other gadgets. It is great to be able to hold your baby all the time near your heart and still have your hands free. You can keep doing your normal house-keeping, shopping or other activities without looking back and worrying about how your baby is doing in the mean time. Keeping her near you and talking to her, is a very natural teaching process that will help in your baby's development. On the other hand, your baby will love being with you at all times.

5. Toys

Do not spend your money on toys and expensive decorations. Your newborn baby will not appreciate them and as she grows a multitude of toys will only confuse her. In order to allow for the healthy development of your baby, she needs to be in contact with diverse colors, shapes, materials and fabrics. In the first months of her life, any safe object is an experience to her so don't rush into complicated and expensive toys. Take your time to know your baby and buy one toy at a time so that she can have a proper experience with it. Choose toys designed for her age and see how she interacts. You will know when is the moment to buy the next toy.

In the end, health, safety and comfort are three things that you should bear in mind when you shop for the baby, so do not buy cheap: shop wisely. Before buying anything for you baby, do your research. Do not rush to buy everything beforehand but wait and see. Your baby will be your best advisor in the matter.

A Mother's Love for Her Children   Getting Ready For Your Baby: Some Tips   Getting Ready For Your Baby: Some Tips   



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