Get ready for baby

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emmasdiary
babyworld.co.uk
babycentre.co.uk
bbc.co.uk/parenting/having_a_baby/

Considering how small they are, babies can be incredibly expensive. But you probably don't need as much 'stuff' as you think.

Visit the Hush a Bye Baby Shop

All acessories you need for your babies room. All accessories you need for your baby.

Didn't we do well?

There are lots of ways to save money when it comes to buying new equipment for your baby. For a start, you don't need to buy everything in one go. Items such as highchairs and even full-size cots can be left until later.

Babies need clothes to wear and nappies to keep them dry. They need somewhere warm and clean to sleep, plus some form of safe and flexible transport, and a source of food. If you meet these basic requirements, you'll cover all bases.

What your baby needs

• Clothing - four or five full outfits should be enough to start with. Don't feel compelled to buy all new clothes: considering how long each item will fit your baby, your might want to consider hand-me-downs.
• Nappies - you have a choice between disposable and reusable. If you choose the latter, you'll need at least 12 and perhaps even 24. Babies get through six to eight nappies a day in the early weeks.
• Pram or pushchair - useful extras you may want to consider include: a raincover, cat net, shopping basket and tray attachment.
• Car safety seat - many of these double as carriers.
• Somewhere to sleep - a crib, cot or pram top, plus bedding (but not pillows, as they're not safe until your baby's one year old).
• Feeding equipment - if you're bottlefeeding you'll need bottles, formula and sterilising equipment. If you're breastfeeding and plan to express milk, you'll need bottles and teats, and a breast pump if you're not doing it by hand.

Optional extras:

• Baby carrier or sling - this allows you to carry your baby and keep your hands free, making activities such as using public transport easier.
• Baby bath - your baby can use the big bath, share with you, or you could use a new washing-up bowl at the very beginning.
• Toys - although not really necessary at first, they're nice for you and your baby to enjoy together.
• Changing gear - you might want a changing mat or baby dresser with a changing top.

How to cut the cost

Buy second-hand baby gear. Look in your local paper, shop windows, charity shops, nearly new sales or internet sites, such as the National Childbirth Trust. Family and friends may offer you hand-me-downs.

Keep in mind that some items are only guaranteed from new for a certain length of time, so there may be safety implications if they're second-hand.

Only buy car seats if they're clearly unused

Check equipment for stability and safety, and only buy car seats if they're clearly unused - if they've been involved in an accident you may not be able to tell, but their fixtures could be unsafe and the inside cracked.

Cheapskate tips

• Cut down old bed sheets, hem them and use for cot and pram bedding. A cot sheet is half the size of a single bed sheet; a pram sheet is quarter the size.
• Avoid buying newborn clothes. You'll get plenty as gifts and even if you don't, your baby can wear the next size up with the sleeves rolled.
• Borrow equipment if you think you'll only use it for a few weeks or months. Or share the cost with a friend whose baby's due a few months before or after yours.

Disclaimer: TheParenting site is provided for your general information only. The information contained on this site should not be treated as a substitute for medical, legal or other professional advice. Hush a bye baby is not responsible or liable for the contents of any websites of third parties which are listed on this site.