Financially Planning for a Baby [Part 2]
Adding another person to our family will undoubtedly affect our budget, but we're determined to not go overboard. A big part of that, and something we've just started to work on, is the nursery and other baby gear/supplies. Let the fun begin!
WHAT WE BOUGHT USED or RECEIVED AS HAND-ME-DOWNS
We're lucky because my sister had twins and then a singleton a few years later, so she had two of a lot of thing. The jury's still out on if they're having more kids or not, but she was smart and purchased mostly gender-neutral items the first time around. Even if you don't have an older sibling who can pass down their gear, there are people in your city (I bet) who are selling their gently used supplies via garage sales or Craigslist.
- Crib and mattress (I would only get the mattress if you know who you're buying from)
- Baby swing
- Lounger/papasan chair
- Boppy pillow
- Bumbo chair
- High chair
- Breast pump
- Diaper bag (ours is the same one my parents used with me!)
- Pack 'n Play (we have two that we got when the twins were little, both were gifts but originally from garage sales)
- Play gym
- Bouncer/activity center/jumper
- Baby bathtub
- Bottles (register for some new nipples)
- Bottle warmer
- Clothing
- Books
- Toys
A lot of these items you can register for as well to cut down on your out-of-pocket costs. We got a crib, mattress, breast pump, papasan chair, Bumbo and swing for $150 from my sister (her garage-sale prices). This was such a huge help considering we could have easily spend twice that on the crib alone! (She's got plenty of girl clothing that I can't wait to go through, too!)
WHAT WE BOUGHT NEW or HAVE REGISTERED FOR
These are the big ticket items that we are planning to get or have already purchased. You can see our full Target registry here. The items that are linked below are ones that we have already purchased (remember our IKEA haul?).
- A car seat/stroller travel system (can be purchased used, just keep in mind that car seats expire)...we registered for this but I'm assuming we'll end up buying it ourselves
- Dresser/changing table (although I did look on Craigslist but didn't find what I wanted)
- Bedding (to save money, consider just getting a couple fitted sheets rather than a full bedding set)
- Rocking chair
- Storage unit
- Nursery decoration
WHAT WE'RE BORROWING
- Vintage outfits and toys (from our parents...can't wait!)
- Maternity clothes
- Carrier sling
WHAT REALLY MATTERS?
I don't think our little baby will care whether she's sleeping in a new crib or one that we bought used. More than a decked-out nursery, we think it's important to not go-crazy-go-nuts with purchases to, first, bring our baby into a financially secure home, and also put more of an emphasis on experiences with our kids rather than material things. We want to take family trips and go to family camp and celebrate hand-me-downs. Not only do these things bring families closer together, but it also teaches kids to not be entitled to get everything they want (believe me, I know from experience and have had to learn the hard way that I can't get everything I want...). Some of you may also strive to be smart with money at this time so you can stay at home after the baby comes.