Preparing for Your Bundle of Joy: What to Buy?

The lead-up to the birth of your new baby should be a memorable time, full of creature comforts and doting loved ones. What much of the time actually consists of is panicking about what to buy, where to buy it from and how much money it’s all going to cost you.
The thing is, at least for the first few weeks, your new baby won’t actually need that much. Sure, you need to kit out the nursery with the basics, but if you’re on a budget, that doesn’t need to cost a lot. Plus, your baby will be in your room for the first few months of their lives so the nursery isn’t actually that important (other than for general prettiness and ‘coo’ value!).
Take a look at this handy checklist which includes a definitive list of essentials that your newborn will need. Tick these off and everything else will fall into place.

• Clothing – You can get all your baby clothes from ASDA to save yourself heaps of cash, rather than going overboard at specialist stores. You’ll get more for your money and the quality won’t suffer. You’ll need a good selection of sleepsuits and vests, as well as a couple of jackets or cardigans, a hat, some mitts and a pair of booties (although family and friends will probably buy you some of these because they are super cute).
• Nappies – Whether you decide to use reusable nappies or the disposable alternative, a good stockpile of these invaluable items is essential, especially with a newborn. If you’re using disposables, a nappy wrapper keeps odours at bay, while reusables mean you’ll need to keep on top of the laundry or arrange the help of a nappy laundry service.
• Transport – This includes a car seat (essential and a legal requirement if you use a car), a pram or travel system and any carrying aids you may desire to use, such as a baby carrier or sling. Shop around for prams to get the best deal, because it can get very expensive if you’re not careful.
• Feeding – If you decide to breastfeed, this is free, although investing in some good nursing bras and pads is recommended. Otherwise, you’ll need a good few bottles as well as plenty of formula and sterilising kits. Plenty of bibs and muslin squares make feeding time easier.
• Nursery – A cot and everything for it, a changing table and some sort of wardrobe or set of drawers is the bare minimum. A Moses basket is handy for the first few months sleeping in your bedroom.

Shopping for a new baby can run away from you if you allow it to. With so many beautiful things on the market, new parents can go slightly mad in the supermarkets and specialist shops. Make sure that you make sensible purchases. Base your buys on what will suit your lifestyle, get all your baby clothes on a budget from quality supermarkets like ASDA and don’t overspend on things you won’t ever use. Most of all, enjoy your pregnancy and try to savour the moments because once they’re gone, you can’t get them back.