What To Buy For Baby When Saving Money Is A Priority

This morning we have a guest post from Katie Moore, who blogs at Moore From Katie. She has compiled a list of baby gear must-haves as well as some things to skip. What would you add? Leave a comment and let us know!

When I found out I was pregnant, I was overjoyed!  With all of the excitement of welcoming a new baby, I found myself buying everything under the sun.  Between nursery items to the highest quality onesies to a mobile that was over $100, I realized it was best to cut back if we decide to have another little one.  As my husband and I talked about the idea, I decided it was time to set some guidelines.  My newfound knowledge and experience as a mom have made me an expert on what to splurge on for your new arrival and what to save on.  Hopefully, these tips will help you prepare for your baby- on a budget!

Baby Shoes
One thing that, while often super cute, you can save your money on is baby shoes. Tiny shoes are adorable, no doubt about it, but they do not help your child walk. Infants don’t start walking immediately and shoes aren’t a necessity.  Often times zip-up pajamas and onesies have enough coverage for your little one’s feet.  If baby shoes are a must, stick with buying just one pair and save a little green!

Safety First: Car Seat
Instead of spending money on shoes, spend it on the car seat that will get them to wherever you want them to look cute. When you leave the hospital with your baby, you will be carrying a little extra package that needs to be protected.  While you will be tempted to worry about other drivers, all you can really do is your best to make sure your child is securely strapped into a properly installed car seat. Prepare ahead of time by having your seat installed by a certified technician.

Cord Blood Banking
After having my daughter, I started hearing about cord blood banking.  I learned that when your baby is delivered, you have the option to collect and save the blood found within the umbilical cord.  This blood is a great source of stem cells that are currently being used to help treat many diseases, from certain types of leukemias to blood disorders.  If I could do it all over, I would choose to bank my child’s cord blood. While there are public banks that take cord blood donations, private banks are also an option where, for a fee, you’ll ensure access to cord blood if your child ever needs it.  Keep this splurge on the top of your list!

Diaper Bag
How can you keep costs down? Well, start by buying a sensible diaper bag. There is no need for a high-end designer bag to carry dirty diapers and burp clothes in! Choose an affordable and practical bag that has enough space to hold some spare diapers, a change of clothes, and other necessary items. When prioritizing your funds is important, look for used diaper bags on eBay or garage sales!

When working on a budget, make sure to take a look at what is really important for your little one and where you can save!  Take it from me- it’s easy to get caught in the spending trap, but set rules and decide on what is worth the splurge!

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Katie is an active blogger who discusses the topics of motherhood, children, fitness, health, and all other things Mommy. She enjoys writing, blogging, and meeting new people! To connect with Katie, contact her via her blog, Moore From Katie, or her Twitter, @moorekm26