Welcoming a baby into your life is a true joy, but it also requires significant preparation! Between furniture, baby care equipment, and accessories, the shopping list can be quite impressive. But don’t panic! This guide will help you see clearly by telling you what to buy and especially when to do it, in order to reduce the stress of preparation.
Anticipate your purchases
Preparation doesn’t begin at the maternity ward, so it’s best to get started early. From the 5th or 6th month of pregnancy, it is advisable to make your shopping list. This will allow you to take the time to compare, evaluate products, and especially avoid unpleasant surprises related to possible delivery delays. Who knows, the final stretch might hold surprises, particularly in terms of energy. It would be a pity to find yourself assembling furniture just days before the big day, right?
Stagger your purchases
Make a plan for your purchases in light of the mountain of upcoming expenses! How can this help? Let’s say you choose to buy the stroller one month, and then the car seat the following month. This method allows you to lighten your budget and manage your finances over several months. A little tip: avoiding last-minute purchases can give you moments of serenity.
The gift registry
Creating a gift registry is essential to avoid duplicates and unnecessary gifts. Whether online or at a specialty store, carefully choose products that match your needs. Remember to include a variety of items such as furniture, toys, and clothes to accommodate all your loved ones’ budgets, and why not ask for help with a financial contribution?
Opt for second-hand
With how quickly a baby grows, baby care items can collect dust faster than expected. A good idea? Second-hand! You’ll find items in excellent condition at reduced prices. Of course, there are some must-buy products that need to be new for safety reasons. Take the time to talk to friends or family who have children to recover what can be useful; it can make a big difference in your budget!
List of essentials to buy
If this is your first baby, here’s an overview of the essentials to go through before the arrival of the baby:
For feeding
- Nursing pillow
- Breast pump
- High chairs
- Bottles
- Bottle brushes
For sleep
- Crib
- Firm mattress
- Sleep sacks
- Baby monitor
For hygiene
- Changing table
- Diapers
- Baby bathtub
For travel
- Car seat
- Stroller
For clothing
- Pajamas
- Sleep sacks
For toys and development
- Play mat
- Comfort toys
In addition to baby gear, preparation also includes the maternity bag and birthing classes.
Preparing for a baby’s arrival can seem like a considerable challenge. Between piled-up purchases and managing emotions, every expectant parent knows this whirlwind of impressions. For my part, I started buying the essentials as soon as I was 5 months pregnant, and it really allowed me to approach childbirth calmly. With each little shopping trip, I projected myself into the future, imagining my baby in their carefully chosen little pajamas. I remember a particular moment when I stumbled upon some striped booties that I immediately added to my cart; I was moved at the thought of my little one wearing them. As I progressed in my preparation, I gradually transcended this stressful stage and turned it into a moment of joyful anticipation. Ultimately, every item purchased helped me ease into motherhood, transforming stress into a sweet excitement. Enjoy every moment of this learning process as this adventure is just beginning!
