As a new mom, planning what baby gear to buy (and how to build a baby registry) can be overwhelming. There are so many options, and somehow, pregnancy really makes everyone around us want to gives us all of their advice and recommendations. It usually comes from a well-intentioned place, but it's a lot, and most of us are trying to figure out how to buy everything our baby-to-be needs on a budget. Money doesn't grow on trees, after all!
There are definitely some pieces of baby gear that can be purchased used, for cheap (plenty of littles ones survive without a $400 changing pad), or even skipped altogether. But what are the items that are not only totally essential, but also worth buying a quality item? There are some things that just shouldn't be skimped on — sometimes in price, sometimes in quantity, and sometimes, both.
Here are all the things that new moms definitely shouldn't skimp on while preparing for their baby's arrival. It'll be much easier to know what to do once baby arrives, but until then, hopefully, this list can help.
A Car Seat
If there's one thing not to buy used or cheap out on, it's car seat — and many new parents might not realize this, but car seats have expiration dates. While the ones on the market to buy new must all meet the same safety standards, it's important to find one that is not only safe, but also comfortable for both baby and mom, since she'll be the one lugging it around!
A Stroller
A stroller is one of those baby items that will be getting a lot of use, so whether it's bought new or used, it's a good idea not to cheap out here. Consider how much it'll be used for exercise, running errands, regular daily running around — something like this definitely needs to be purchased in great condition, if not brand new!
A Crib
This is the place baby will sleep every night, so it's important to pick out something that will last — and something that's safe. Much like car seats, safety standards involving cribs have changed a lot over the years, so purchasing something older and used could result in an unsafe sleep space. It's also usually the focal point of any nursery, so moms going for style will probably want to choose a nice crib above the other furniture pieces in the room.
A Crib Mattress
Crib mattresses are also important to shop around for and buy one that's good quality. A used crib mattress might have been used for years, and that can cause some signs of wear that might not be great for a new baby to sleep on. It's not necessary to splurge on something fancy; there are plenty of nicer options out there for $100 or less!
Crib Sheets
Definitely don't skimp on crib sheets — in both quality and quantity. This is what baby will be sleeping directly on, so it's important to choose something soft and high quality. And having a good stash of these is important, too; these things get changed out so many times because spit up, drool, and leaky diapers happen all the time!
A Bassinet
For those planning on having a tiny new roommate for the first few months of their lives, a bassinet is also a necessary purchase, and it should be one of the most carefully made purchases of all. Choose a safe one that is also functional — unfortunately, most moms see a lot of their baby and that bassinet at all hours of the night.
A Breast Pump
Moms planning on breastfeeding shouldn't skimp on a breast pump! After all, pumping takes up a lot of time, which means whichever one we get ends up being our new BFF for months (if not longer). Make sure to pick the right one — and check with health insurance, because many times, getting one for free is part of our coverage.
Baby Clothes
Absolutely look for deals, hand-me-downs, and consignment sales for baby clothes — there's no disputing that this is one of the baby essentials that can be grabbed for cheap. But when we say not to skimp on baby clothes, what we mean is the quantity; get plenty of options (especially onesies) in several different sizes because the laundry will be never-ending.
Burp Cloths
Something else new moms go through quickly is burp cloths. It's hard to really accept the sheer number of burp cloths we'd go through in day until we see it for ourselves, and it's important to not only buy more than we think we need, but to also go for quality — these should be big and absorbent for everything from post-feed burps to catching all that drool.
A Glider or Rocking Chair
There's an old saying that tells us never to cheap out on anything that comes between us and the ground, and as a new parent, that thing is a glider. The hours spent in this chair in the nursery, rocking baby to sleep, feeding baby, or generally trying to regain our sanity are endless, so pick something comfy — and preferably with plenty of cushioning and a foot rest.
Bottles
Even those of us who plan to breastfeed will be using bottles at some point, and it's important to but some that are good quality and can stand being washed many times. It's also a good idea to buy a few different types; babies definitely show a preference in which ones they like, and some even refuse certain kinds of bottles, so it's nice to have plenty of options on hand.
A Bottle Brush
It is impossible to overstate exactly how much time each day will be spent washing bottles. Just as soon as we feel like we caught up, there are four more ready to be washed all over again. That means that choosing the right bottle brush that will stand up to plenty of wear and tear (and possibly even make the cleaning process easier) is essential.
A Baby Carrier
It's hard to say what our babies will like (or what we will like) until they've had a chance to test it out, but any new moms planning on doing a lot of babywearing can't go wrong on buying a quality baby carrier. Structured? Wrap style? Stores like Buy Buy Baby usually have a few different types to try on before buying.
Diaper Bag
Sure, it's totally possible to cheap out on a diaper bag, but then, most of us will probably find ourselves buying a new one a few months down the line. Instead, buy a quality piece right from the beginning; the right one might even hold up for multiple kids!
Pacifiers
Because pacifiers go directly in baby's mouth, it's a good idea to get these new (and good quality), too — and buy plenty of them. They easily get lost, and there are few things worse than the wrath of a baby who is without her paci!
Bibs
Bibs are another smaller baby item that should be in plentiful supply (and of a good, absorbent quality). It might be months before baby's eating, but many new moms find they go through several bibs a day between milk and formula dripping and all the drooling. So. Much. Drooling.
A Swing
A baby swing can end up being one of our biggest tools when it comes to getting stuff done around the house without holding a baby, so pick a good one! They can definitely be purchased used, but these don't last forever — motors can wear out. By buying new, it helps to avoid having to replace that swing (or pay to fix it) down the line.
Stocking Up on Everyday Items
Have a little extra money to spend? A good way to use it is to stock up on everyday items, like diapers in various sizes, wipes, diaper cream, baby body wash, infant medication — all the things that we definitely run out of and don't want to think about buying more of for a long, long time.
A Play Yard
Safety standards for play yards (Graco's Pack 'n Play is a popular one) are always being updated, so it's important to purchase one that is not only safe for sleep, but also up to current safety standards, and the easiest way to do that is to buy new. This can also be something that serves as a sleep space both at home and while traveling, so it can be good to choose one that will hold up to being moved around a lot.
Baby Photography
Planning on getting professional photos taken? This is one of those things that can't be replaced, so it's a good idea to do plenty of research and go with a photographer who is trustworthy and has good reviews. Going the DIY route? Invest time instead, then, and read up on tips about how to make photos turn out amazing with just a cellphone.
