As you prepare for the arrival of your baby, you may be
overwhelmed by the long list of expensive “necessities” set forth by many
websites. Unfortunately, many of these websites have commercial interests in
mind and adhering to their list will leave you needlessly bankrupt before you
reach delivery day! When I was an expectant mom, I also made the mistake of
overspending on items that were either unnecessary or unreasonably priced. In
hindsight, there were a couple of expenses that were worth the extra cash and
others that were not.
Splurge: Baby Sling
Baby slings are an essential item that is worth the splurge.
Looking back, I could not imagine being without my baby sling. The sling allows
you to simultaneously perform manual tasks and keep your baby close to your
chest. Being “hands-free” is the best! Babies
feel much more secure when they are close to their mom’s heartbeat, rather than
being in a stroller. Security is crucial for the baby’s first few months as
they transition
to life outside the womb. Slings have the added bonuses of
ease and convenience since you do not need to maneuver them through small
spaces, as you do with a stroller.
Splurge: Cord Blood Banking
Cord blood banking is the process of saving the blood from
your newborn’s umbilical cord, and storing it for potential use in the future.
Cord blood contains highly valuable stem cells that are used in a number of
treatments today and are also being researched to treat a multitude of medical
ailments. You may store your baby’s cord blood in a private bank or donate it to a public bank. Be sure to research your options, talk to
your doctor and make a decision early in your third trimester.
Save: Baby Clothes
Some parents make the mistake of unnecessarily splurging on
baby clothes. Babies grow at such a fast rate that many of those cute, designer
outfits in their closets will only be worn once or twice! Not to mention, some
decorative outfits lack comfort, which is more important than appearances. When
shopping for baby clothes, look for sales and clearance items. Check out local
consignment shops and garage sales. Better yet, see if a friend or relative is
willing to pass on their child’s old clothes!
Save: Baby Toys
Providing your baby with inexpensive or hand-me-down toys is
another great way to prevent unnecessary spending. Babies outgrow toys as
quickly as they outgrow their clothing. Even if an expensive toy claims to be
age-appropriate for several years, babies do grow tired of things rather
quickly. They will be just as content (sometimes more so) playing with your
pots and pans! Plus, you can find cheap or used toys in practically any
consignment shop. Just be sure to properly
disinfect and inspect all used toys before giving them
to your baby. Make sure that there are no broken pieces or jagged areas.
Katie Moore has written and submitted this article. Katie
is an active blogger who discusses the topics of, motherhood, children,
fitness, health and all other things Mommy. She enjoys writing, blogging, and
meeting new people! To connect with Katie contact her via her blog, Moore From Katie
or her twitter, @moorekm26
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