The MomSpeak

If the notion of having a baby is overwhelming, so is the tidal wave of advice about the gear and supplies you need to prepare for your baby’s arrival. How are you supposed to know what you need, and what will sit, unused, in your already over-cluttered house? To make matters more complicated, every item of clothing and equipment seems to come in multiple versions, colors and styles, making the task (and cost) of outfitting one’s home and nursery gargantuan. Or is it?

After two kids, I have come to view the baby gear racket with skepticism. Very few people need two strollers, a baby wipe warmer, and a shopping cart cover. That’s not to say there aren’t products out there that can make life with a baby easier. Of course there are. But there is simply no need to fill your house (and empty your wallet) in order to gear up for parenthood.

Here are my tips for saving space and money as you get ready for your baby’s arrival:

Get organized

Write up a list of your must-have items, and check them off as you find them. My picks are at the end of this article, but every family has its own ideas about what’s crucial. In fact, you won’t even know what your crucial items are until after you get to know your baby. For example, some parents couldn’t live without a swing, others’ kids never used it. Start with what you absolutely need, and add gear as necessary. There will be time to shop after the baby arrives — or better, to send someone shopping for you.

Borrow and buy used

Before you buy anything, find out what you can borrow, or, at the very least, buy used. When my first child arrived, I had a bias toward new “stuff,” thinking it was cleaner and in better condition, and, somehow, as pristine as my baby was. That bias quickly faded. Plenty of baby gear is only useful for a few months, so used gear is often in fine condition, especially after a quick scrub. You’ll save hundreds of dollars, you’ll be kind to the Earth, you don’t have to deal with the hassle or waste of getting rid of the packaging.

Start gathering gear early

Ask your friends, your book group, your family, your neighbors, and anyone else you can think of. Ask your friends to put the word out that you’re looking for baby gear — the news will spread because everyone’s got baby stuff they want to pass along. Shop second-hand stores and thrift stores. Keep an eye on garage sales and your local Craigslist. Become a regular on swap sites such as Freepeats.org and Zwaggle. You’d be surprised what you can find with a list and a little time.

Don’t open everything right away

If and when you do get showered with gifts, resist the urge to open and assemble everything before the baby arrives. There will be plenty you don’t need (or want) which you can return and exchange for stuff you do. Tip: tape the gift receipt to the item so returns are easy.

Onto the list

These are the items I found useful when my kids were born. I also consulted several websites which I list at the end of the article. There’s so much good information on the Internet — do a little research to come up with your own “must-have” list.

• Infant car seat. Here’s one item I’d buy new. Car seat manufacturers update their designs all the time, and it’s worth having the latest model.
• Stroller frame for car seat. Look for a used stroller frame, such as a Snap n’ Go (be sure it fits your infant car seat make — most do). You don’t even need a full stroller for the first few months.
• A soft carrier. You’ll find a dizzying array of slings, wraps, and fabric carriers such as the Baby Bjorn. Problem is you won’t know which one works best for you till after your baby arrives. Try to borrow a few different types before you buy your favorite new or used.
• Diapers and wipes. The cheapest way to go is to use cloth diapers and wash them yourself. If you decide to use disposables, you can always switch to cloth later or use a diaper service. Shop around for the best diaper deals. Try your local bulk warehouse, and read Babycheapskate for a survey of the diaper market.
• Diaper cream. Everyone’s got their favorite. Ask a friend for a recommendation.
• A portable crib and sheets (also called a Pack n’ Play). The first time around I had misty ideas of a beautiful nursery, highlighted by a wooden crib. But it was months before my baby even slept there! He spent the first few months in a bassinet by our bed (or in our bed). Many portacrib models have a detachable bassinet, so your baby can sleep there the first night she’s home. You can also pack up the portacrib for when your baby needs a nap elsewhere. If you’re not wedded to aesthetics, you can forgo the full-sized crib completely.
• Basic first aid and baby care products. A thermometer, infant Tylenol, a bulb syringe, nail clippers
• Baby monitor. You’re sure to have friends who no longer use theirs.
• Baby shampoo, wash, and lotion. The drugstore stuff is fine (ours now stocks Burt’s Bees if you’re looking for something a little more luxe).
• Nursing pump. You can buy this used or borrow from a friend, but if you’re going to splurge, here’s where to do it. Pumping quickly and comfortably is worth the money you’ll save by forgoing all the unnecessary gear.
• Bottles, nipples, formula, and a bottle brush. If you’re formula feeding (you’ll also need the bottles if you’ll give your baby pumped milk).
• 1-2 packs of prefolded cloth diapers. Good as spitup rags, changing pads, and a million other things.
• Onesies and full-length pajamas or sacks. Your baby won’t wear much else in the beginning.
• Swaddling blankets. The cotton waffle weave blankets work well, as do the flannel ones from the hospital.

Things you think you need, but may not:

• A bouncy seat. Convenient, but, in a pinch, you can plop your baby in the car seat and carry it around the house. Your car seat also doubles as a rocker.
• A swing. Some kids love them, some don’t. Borrow one to try before you buy.
• A nursing pillow. You may not need one, or a couch pillow may do you just fine.
• A baby bathtub. Bulky, hard to store. Use the kitchen sink.
• Baby towels and washcloths. You can use what you’ve already got.
• A diaper bag. A sturdy backpack will do you just fine, with the addition of a waterproof pad for changing diapers on the go.
• Toys. They will come as gifts (in fact, they’ll multiply when you’re not looking). You can count on it!
• A rocking chair. Wonderful but bulky. Shop for one used.
• A changing table. Change the baby on a waterproof pad on the bed. At the most, get a changing pad to attach to the top of a dresser.
• A diaper pail. Trust me on this. Just bag up disposables and throw them in the outside garbage each night. If you use cloth, you can keep a bucket nearby for laundering.
• A crib. Is it blasphemy to suggest forgoing a crib? Honestly, a portacrib works just fine. But if you’re attached to the idea of a “real” crib, you’re sure to find a friend who’s got one disassembled in the garage.

Resources:

Coulda Shoulda Woulda at urbanmamas

What’s the one “must have” item? at the Berkeley Parents Network

What to register for and buy at Rookie Moms

Thanks also go to my ever-resourceful readers at Parent Hacks and on Twitter (I’m @parenthacks).