Baby girl on the way and the buying spree has started

1. 61

   Ruben Riveraposted 13 years ago

   So my wife and I are very excited for our baby girl due in April.  I have already started thinking about what kind of guns I should get started with, you know for when she dates; never too early to get started lol Just kidding.
   
   Anyways we have been warned not to spend on too many things that we may not need anyways so we are trying to get only what we think we may need but it's hard once we're in the store and my wife just wants to buy everything for the baby but luckily I'm there as the voice of reason hehe
   
   Anyways any advice on what we really need to get before our baby arrives?
   
   Thank you

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   1. 89

      WryLiltposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      There are many things you won't need. For instance you DON'T need tons of clothing in one size. Newborns often grow out of the the first size in 4-6 weeks, less if you have a big baby. Same applies to nappies - the newborn size is apt to leak and won't fit for long anyway. Also, clothing is a gift that many friends and relatives will probably get you.
      
      Wait till after the baby shower to do serious shopping!
      
      You DO need: a change table and cot. Second hand is fine, but make sure you buy a new mattress. Plastic covered change tables are best - lot easier to wipe poop off, which will happen a lot, trust me!
      
      Prams are optional. We didn't get a pram at all - we just went straight to a six month stroller which are about 1/10 of the price or less. Up till then we carried her or had her in a front pack.
      
      A BOUNCER is a godsend. It will keep baby safe and close while you do housework or have a shower and is easily portable.
      
      You can never have enough Bibs or Washers. Remember your baby will start eating in 4-6 months and that time goes really fast!
      
      Be wary about buying too many 'winter' or 'summer' clothes. If the weather is unpredictable or baby has a growth spurt, half those clothes may never get used.
      
      If your wife plans to breastfeed, make sure you buy a breastpump AND bottles AND formula - if she has any trouble, she's got all bases covered (and it's not always as easy as it looks, trust me!)

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   2. 60

      bettybarnesbposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      Congratulations!
      
      I wouldn't purchase a lot until after all the baby showers.  Then make a list of what is still needed.  There will be a lot of sales after Christmas, may be a good time to cash in.  One must item is "cloth diapers," best thing in the world for burping and you will find many usages for them.

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2. 76

   raisingmeposted 13 years ago

   Bibs, wash clothes and receiving blankets there is no such thing as too many.  My first grandchild was just born - three weeks early and he did not fit into a thing that my daughter had bought a head of time.  Also you can't always go by the sizing on the label so it is best to have a couple of things - at least to get the baby home from the hospital and then shop away.  Watch out for baby gifts as sometimes your baby will be out of them before they even got into them so make sure you keep one eye on the gifts you get so that you can put them into play at the right time. 
   
   My daughter has been getting great use out of the swaddles she bought before the baby arrived as well as the baby swing plus play pen with change 'table'.  Put a bumbo on your wish list - they are great and you little one will be making use of it before you know it.  All the best to you and your wife and congratulations!

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   1. 89

      WryLiltposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      Yes, bumbos are awesome, I have used it now for my 13 month old while I have a shower! It also helps them learn to sit by themselves with plenty of support.

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3. 81

   LondonGirlposted 13 years ago

   I agree about not getting too many clothes - people will give you lots of newborn and small baby clothes as presents when she's born, so hold fire on those.
   
   I don't think you do need a changing table - we never had one, just used a changing mat on the floor or on the baby's chest of drawers.

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      WryLiltposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      Chest of drawers maybe, but floor no - it does your back in, something that gets very sore as you start lifting a 5kg baby after the whole "Don't lift anything heavy in pregnancy" rule.

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      1. 81

         LondonGirlposted 13 years agoin reply to this

         We were fine, didn't cause any trouble. We mostly used the chest of drawers, though.

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4. 62

   prettydarkhorseposted 13 years ago

   Buy baby's clothes that have buttons in front not those you will put by the neck because the baby's neck is malleable, it takes time and much more difficult to put them on.
   
   They are all right on about not buying too many clothes. Buy clothes as she grows.

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5. 63

   kmackey32posted 13 years ago

   congrats

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6. 60

   joaniembposted 13 years ago

   congrats baby girl how sweet. I would also wait till after the shower to buy any of the bulk items.
   A baby swing is a great thing my grandchildren all love it make sure you get the battery operated one.
   A rocking chair for Mom and Dad for those late night feedings.
   Again congrats to you and your wife

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7. 61

   Ruben Riveraposted 13 years ago

   Wow thank you for all the tips they will definitely come in handy.  We will actually have a "meet the baby party" since our home is Southern California and we are in Colorado so I guess a new concept other than the baby shower before the baby is born.

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