Planning Baby:
Planning before the Baby Arrives
Even if you've done it all before, having a baby and taking care of him or her takes a lot of preparation. The last thing you'll want to do in those first few days is have to run around to pick up any little necessities that you forgot. Getting everything bought, borrowed, or found and tucked away before the magical day can give you a feeling of accomplishment -- and set your mind at ease that you've got everything you need.
If you're buying on a budget, there are some great low-cost sources for all of baby's needs -- and considering how fast your newborn will outgrow those layette items, you'll want to take advantage of every cost-cutter technique that you can.
Shop the marked-down stores
Just like adult clothing, baby clothes manufacturers sometimes goof just a little. In most cases, the missed stitch or not-quite-perfect seam isn't anything that will affect wear. You can save as much as 70% off department store prices.
Buy a size ahead in sleepers and footsies
Most babies barely spend a month in 0-3 month sizes. Stick to comfy, stretchy cotton and terry knits for one piece footie jammies. They'll fit much longer.
Drawstring bottoms
Drawstring bottom nighties are just about the most convenient single item for baby at home. When baby needs changing, just pull up, change and pull back down.
A pack of birdseye diapers make the best burp rags
Even if you're using disposable diapers, buy one pack of cotton birdseye diapers. They can't be beat as burp rags to lay over your shoulder or lap when you're patting the baby to bring up any air bubbles in the tummy.
Get to know Saturday yard sales
Newborn layette items are nearly always "gently used." Most babies just aren't in them long enough to do a lot of damage. A stop at your local Salvation Army thrift store can buy you a whole layette's worth of crib sheets, receiving blankets, baby onesies, and baby tees for less than $5.
Launder everything before the baby is born
Use a mild laundry soap like Dreft or Ivory Snow to wash away any remnants of dyes, chemicals or starches. Babies have notoriously delicate skin. If you'll feel better giving any used items a good bleaching, make sure that you put it all through a second clear rinse to wash away any lingering traces of bleach.
Quality DOES count in ways you don't expect. Do buy name brands that feature finished seams -- French or enclosed seams are even better. It's not that your newborn will put a lot of wear on those seams -- it's that flat, enclosed seams will be far kinder to your baby's delicate skin.
Shop wisely, and you'll get everything you need for baby's arrival with a minimal investment of cash.
Hello, my name is Leah Day. In 2007 I gave birth to my son at home naturally and without medical intervention. With my husband Josh, we created and coined Moderation Parenting, a new style of parenting centered around the idea that no baby fits into a predetermined mold. If this article interested you but you're in need of some detailed, comprehensive, and honest information from a mom who's writing about her baby while her baby is still a baby, please click here to learn more about the Moderation Parenting approach!
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