Babies Aren’t Free
First children, like first homes, are a lesson in which items are truly worth investing in.
I’m quite particular when evaluating the amount of money I’ll spend purchasing items I need and want, yet I’ve found it all too easy to justify splurging on my son. The spending devil on my shoulder sounds more like an angel saying, “Come on, it’s your CHILD we’re talking about!” I DO believe having a baby is an excellent reason to plan for a few truly nice things that will make the transition easier for everyone; I don’t believe it should be an excuse to go on a spending spree to create the perfect nursery/playroom/kid wardrobe/etc.
Nine months into this adventure called parenthood and I’m finally gaining perspective on what’s been a smart investment and what items we were ridiculous to think we needed. Yes, every parent is different and the opinions I’ll share here are just that: opinions.
Worth It
One-piece outfits with feet – AKA “Sleep-n-Play” — newborns already feel fragile, why insist on manhandling them three times as much to put on 3 different parts of a fancy outfit? (we did make an exception when pictures were taken)
Nice Travel-system type car-seat – this is one thing I’d recommend buying new. I’ve LOVED being able to quickly snap the little cradle out of the base and take our boy into the store for a quick errand without jostling him about and waking him up. We researched systems being used by already-parent friends and bought the one we liked the best. At 9 months our boy is tall enough to need the next stage in car seats but the stroller part of the system will work until he doesn’t need one anymore. We’ll re-use all three parts for the second child.
Breastfeeding — we were lucky this worked for us. Even though our little one had problems latching and we had to buy a $250 electric pump and some bottles, the average cost of formula runs about $1800 a year, so we’re still looking at a $1500 savings.
Debatable Items
Fancy High Chair – the only feature I’ve been thankful for in our $150 high chair is the fact that it’s on wheels (lockable, of course). It is convenient being able to strap junior in, safely containing him in the kitchen while I chop veggies, then wheel him to the dining room as he happily smears his peas while the husband and I enjoy a rare meal together.
Diaper Genie — the refills are expensive and it broke three times in the first three months. To be fair, our friends could not live without their Genie because they swear it “locks the odors in”. Our son is still largely breastfed so the smell of the diapers hasn’t become unbearable yet. I think any type of sealing trash can and trash bags sprinkled with baking soda or some sort of odor absorbing powder would do the trick.
Name-Brand Diapers — in the beginning, I decided to go with Pampers because they have a points-based rewards program. In 8 months of diapers and wipes, we saved enough points to get free Shutterfly photo announcements for our son’s first birthday OR some photo Christmas cards. I’m still deciding if it was worth it. I’m also in a “testing” phase. I’m scared to just automatically buy the cheapest in bulk without trying a small sample pack first. So far, there are two I’ll stand behind: Target’s Up and Up brand and Luvs. Both cost at least 30% less than Pampers or Huggies and I don’t see a difference in performance. I wonder what it would cost to print my own photo cards at home . . .
Not Worth It
Name-Brand Clothing – a sale at Carter’s is about as posh as I plan to go for the next kid. Jeans for babies are cute in theory but felt scratchy on baby’s skin. Don’t worry, most kids develop brand lust on their own; these days it happens before their age hits double digits. That Marc Jacobs onesie isn’t going to be so cute covered in a layer of orange baby poop. It is more than likely your child will unleash an unholy diaper the VERY FIRST time they wear the one thing you splurged on for their picture opportunities – guaranteed.
Brand new Swings, Bouncers, or Pack-n-Plays — one word: Craigslist. OR two words: Yard Sales. These items are designed to be easily cleaned and sanitized, otherwise daycares wouldn’t be able to use them as much as they do. We registered for one of the fancier baby swings, two family members split the cost, our son used it for two months, then he developed a flat spot on the back of his head and our doctor recommended we stop using it entirely. We really could have used that money for diapers.