So we decided to make a list of "must-haves" that should see us through at least the first 8 weeks. We would start saving for those needs, as well as watch out for deals and sales online, in stores, or around town. Come the first week of July, we will go on a shopping spree to ensure that we have everything we deem necessary that we do not have on hand.
To compile the list, I initially did some internet research but ultimately decided to ask recent and new parents, to benefit from their experience. Then we looked up the prices on the internet to help with an estimate for our budget. The necessities are highlighted:
| FEEDING | |
|---|---|
| Nursing pillows (1) | $20 ea. |
| Bibs (4) | $15 (10pk) |
| Burp cloths (8) | $8 (4pk) |
| Breast pump | $250 ea. |
| Bottles and nipples | $20 (6pk) |
| Bottle brush | $5 |
| Bottle warmer | $25 |
| Sterilizer | $55 |
| Milk storage system | $15 (100ct bags) |
| DIAPERING | |
| Changing table and pad | $150 |
| Regular diapers (16/day) | $40 (250ct. box) |
| Newborn diapers (2 bx) | $35 (150ct. box) |
| Diaper wipes (2 bx, 7th gen) | $12 (500ct box) |
| Diaper cream/jelly (organic coconut oil, Aquaphor lotion) | $12 |
| Diaper disposal system (genie) and bags | $75 |
| Diaper bag | $35 |
| Diaper wipes warmer | $20 |
| SLEEPING | |
| In-bed sleeper | $45 |
| Bassinet | $45 |
| Crib | $200 |
| Crib mattress with flex covering | $50 |
| Bedding (3 sets of sheets, blanket) | $11 ea. |
| SIDS monitor | $80 attch. |
| Baby monitor system (audio/video) | $45+ |
| Night lights (2) | $7 ea. |
| BATH TIME | |
| Baby bath tub | $15 |
| Hooded terrycloth towels (3) | $15 ea. |
| Baby wash kit (shampoo, sponges, etc) | $20 |
| HEALTH | |
| First aid kit (with acetamophine for fevers) | $20 av. |
| Bulb syringe (nasal aspirator) | $4 low. |
| Baby nail scissors and clippers | $7 pair. |
| Soft-bristled hair brush/comb | $7 |
| Thermometer | $45 |
| Humidifier | $40 |
| Gas drops (Mother's Gripe) | $21 |
| MOBILITY | |
| Stroller (esp. jogging) | $150 |
| Car seats/baby carriers (2) | $99 ea. +bs |
| Baby bjorn | $75 |
| Baby backpack/carrier (hiking) | $99 |
| Rockers and swings | $45 est. |
| SOOTHERS/ENTERTAINMENT | |
| White noise machine | $25+ |
| Bouncy ball or rocking chair | $12 / $90 dep. |
| Pacifiers (5) | $5 (2ct) |
| Pack-n-play | $75 |
| Bouncy seat/jumper | $25 approx. |
| Infant toys | |
| MOTHER | |
| Nipple cream | $9 tube |
| Nursing bras | $20 ea. |
| Nursing pads | $8 (60ct) |
| Maxi pads and panty liners | $12 (20ct) |
| Hemorrhoid wipes and cream | $20 (48ct) |
| Ice packs | $15 (24ct) |
| Adult diapers | $15 (16ct) |
| Iron-rich diet/snacks | |
| CLOTHING | |
| Swaddling blankets (3) | $20 (3pk) |
| Receiving blankets (4) | $12 (4pk) |
| Sleepers (5) | $10 (2pk) |
| Scratch mittens (2) | $5 (3pk) |
| Onesies (6) | $15 (5pk) |
| Side-snap/tie tshirts (until umbilical cord falls off) | $11 |
| Socks (6) | $10 (6pk) |
| Knit sweater and cap (2) | $20 ea. |
| Newborn hats (2) | $8 (5pk) |
| Stretchy pants (2) | $8 approx. |
| Hooded jackets (2) | $15 gen. |
| Special dress-up outfits (3) | $15 set |
| Car seat blanket (2) | $15 |
A good estimate for the necessities is about $2,000 if you are starting from scratch (have never had kids) and buying all new stuff. Most of the stuff can be reused for subsequent kids. Fortunately, there is an active community of parents exchanging or selling stuff for cheap, so you need not buy everything brand new. Friends and family often give away stuff they no longer need. In other words, your first baby expenses ought not break the bank.
Obviously the list above is not the complete compilation of what was suggested to us, nor is it our final list; we keep hearing of additional things that sound like they might be useful. Lists like this vary considerably depending on lifestyle and extravagance. I only listed what we (naively) think we might need. There are also things you cannot reasonably estimate at this time, such as baby formula (since we do not know whether we'll need it), and clothes. For these and few others, you just adaptive capacity. So the advice is to have additional reserve for the unexpected.
I believe that Professional Breast Pumps are now a medical prescription and is covered by most insurances as it has so much preventative benefit for infants. Have Angelene ask her doctor next time.
ReplyDeleteActually I had began getting emails suggesting that breast pumps are covered by Obamacare. Thought it was a scam so I never looked into it. Thanks for the tip.
ReplyDelete