The Newborn Baby Essential Checklist on a Budget, The Big Things
In my last post, I shared a good bit on the small things with a promise to conclude on the topic today.
Here are some more items we can include in our small things list: A baby thermometer, pacifiers (optional), bottle warmer (optional), baby flask (optional) and baby laundry basket and the bedding essentials.
The Bedding Essentials
When picking out bedding for baby’s cot, carrycot or Moses basket, the vital thing to look out for is comfort and breathable fabric.
To this end, fitted cotton sheets are advisable. A fitted sheet is a practical way to go because it grips firmly around the mattress and helps guard against suffocation.
Your bedding essential list should include
- Fitted sheets
- Washable mattress pads
- A mattress protector
- Heavy blankets (optional)
- Receiving blankets (optional)
Also, bear in mind that it is hygienic to wash sheets and washable mattress pads regularly as well as to thoroughly wipe the mattress protector as they quickly soil from burp drools and nappy leaks.
Finally, it is important to keep the baby’s sleeping space free from clutter to avoid the risk of suffocation.
Cot bumpers, baby quilts, sleep positioners, soft objects, toys, and pillows are not allowed in any area where you lay baby to sleep.
The U.S Food and Drug Administration (FDA) says:
To reduce the risk of sleep-related infant deaths, including accidental suffocation and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that infants sleep on their backs, positioned on a firm, empty surface. This surface should not contain soft objects, toys, pillows, or loose bedding.’’
Now that we have the small things covered, let us talk about the big things…
The Big Things…
What I refer to as the big things are your baby gear and furniture.
Some of them take up space. They are expensive and are usually one-time expenses.
If managed with care, they could serve you for longer.
Buying In These Times
From now on, I have coined a seven-way needs assessment test, to consider before deciding to buy stuff. We should ask ourselves:
The Seven Way Needs Assessment Test
- Is this necessary?
- Is this practical?
- Is it safe for baby?
- Can I get it cheaper?
- Do I have to pay for it?
- Can it be convertible?
- Can it serve long term?
Doing this test reinforces your pragmatic stance – strategy and sticking to a budget.
In addition, it will help us to become more resourceful and open to other options before we spend.
# Be Open to Other Options
We all have a huge pool of human capital, and they come in form of friends, family, colleagues, neighbours, and all that.
Use this pool to your advantage. They can be a useful source for some of your needs.
Your local thrift shop can be a particularly good place to find bargains. Some of them are given excess or/and end of season stock from major shops to sell.
There are also online sites where you can get excellent quality pre-owned/ secondhand goods like eBay
Another resourceful way would be to get offers and discounts from both online and brick and mortar shops.
Or further, still, pay for baby’s furniture or gear in instalments in a shop nearest to you. Some shops allow it.
Making use of these money-saving techniques will help your funds even go further.
Here is a voice of caution Only collect hand-me-downs or buy pre-owned items that are in perfect condition and meet safety standards.
Do not be shy to ask questions and politely decline offers when in doubt of safety and functionality. Items like cots, strollers, buggies, playpens, and things of that nature, come to mind.
The newborn baby essential checklist on a budget, the big things
Baby Gear Essentials
Your baby gear is a necessary staple, be it relaxing at home, travelling, or just going out with your baby.
# Make Your Choice
What to consider when purchasing baby gear is how it meets your needs and that of baby and, its manageability.
For example, you might want to know if you need a stroller, buggy, pushchair, a pram, or a travel system as they all appear to be similar in a way but different when it comes down to specifics.
# Know Your Preference
Do you travel a lot by car, or do you do more walking?
Are you more of a stay-at-home mum or do you have to take the baby to a childminder?
These are the questions you need to answer when considering what to buy.
The gear essentials are usually:
- A sling or baby carrier
- A wrapper for backing the baby (if that is a widespread practice in your culture)
- A play mat
- A bouncer or a swing
- A stroller/buggy/pushchair/travel system
- Infant car seat/ convertible car seat
# Safety Standards
Both new and second-hand prams and pushchairs are required by law to comply with the latest British Safety Standard BS EN 1888: 2018 or BS EN 1888: 2019 or the European Standard ECE R44/04 or R129 i-size.
The businesscompanion.info, says that the following are some of the things to look out for, when considering buying a new or secondhand pram and pushchair:
- the presence of any sharp edges or points
- the folding chassis must have a primary and secondary locking device; do they both engage and work properly?
- the safety harness; is it in good condition? Make sure the harness is a secure five-point harness and the straps are frayed
If you are working within a very tight budget, but would much rather go for the brand-new pushchairs, then you must make good use of discounts, sales and offer.
Nursery Essentials
Planning for your nursery does not mean you have to knock down or redesign a whole section of your home to accommodate your baby.
Typically, your baby nursery is a space or a bedroom you have set aside for your new baby which would eventually graduate into the child’s bedroom.
It’s preferable to keep baby (in his or her own cot) in your room until baby is much older.
# Deciding the furniture
When deciding what to buy for baby’s nursery, always consider the following:
- Can it be converted?
- Can it serve for longer?
- Is it practical?
# Making a choice, the bed
A lot of times, new mums are usually undecided on the type of bed they should buy for baby.
They are often presented with a wide range of offers from the Moses basket to a carrycot, a playpen, a cot, or a bed cot.
When purchasing a cot or a cot bed for your baby be aware of the British Safety Standards (BSEN716) guidelines for: the space between the bars, the drop-side mechanism, adjustable heights, mattress, circulation and so on.
All these measures are taken to reduce the incidence of cot injuries or death.
The nursery should normally have:
- A cot or cot bed
- A Moses basket (optional)
- Firm mattress (not more than two fingers should fit between the mattress and the cot)
- A baby changing station with a drawer where you can change baby and arrange baby’s nappy essentials and some clothes.
- A toy basket
- A chair
- A night lamp (optional)
Doing up a nursery depends on individual preference.
My personal choice will be to keep it as simple as possible because from experience, it could lead to clutter.
# British Safety Standard
According to the National Childbirth Trust, 1st 1,000 Days New Parent, “…the cot you choose must conform to British safety standards (BSEN716)”.
These are measures we must comply with when choosing a cot, which are the cot frame, the cot mattress, and the secondhand cots.
For example, here are some of the things to be aware of when considering buying a secondhand cot as stated in nct.org.uk:
- If it is a very old, painted cot, it may need to be stripped down and repainted. Cots made before 1973 could have used leaded paint, which is toxic.
- If it’s got a drop-side mechanism, it’s best not to use the cot, as the mechanism could be unsafe now.
- Unless you know the history of the mattress, and have checked it for cleanliness and size, and are happy with it, it is recommended that you buy a new one.
Now that we are done with the necessary essentials, we shall talk about the Highchair
Feeding Essentials
A highchair is an expensive but necessary staple for baby.
Feeding baby in a highchair helps you to establish a routine but it’s best to wait until the baby is six months old.
But remember! Baby must be ready.
Most manufacturers recommend six months as the ideal time to begin to use a highchair.
Be sure to always strap your baby securely on and never leave him or her unattended as it is not only isolating but endangers your baby.
The Health Service Executive (HSE), Ireland states:
Only use equipment and sitting devices with a 5-way safety harness’’.
When choosing to buy a highchair for baby, think about convertibility and long-term use.
This is because it will serve you for longer and could be converted to a table and chair for when baby is older.
Better still, you can use a highchair that is adjustable and grows with baby.
My Final Thoughts…
Shopping for your baby could be both exciting and a little confusing.
Hope these tips would be useful in your shopping quest. Please join in the conversation by leaving a reply.
Thank you.
Please leave a comment and don’t forget to share
Sources and further reads:
https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/do-not-use-infant-sleep-positioners-due-risk-suffocation
https://www.businesscompanion.info/en/quick-guides/product-safety/new-and-second-hand-prams-and-pushchairs
https://www.nct.org.uk/baby-toddler/sleep/cot-safety-features-sleeping-safely-cothttps://www2.hse.ie/wellbeing/child-health/baby-walkers-baby-bouncers-and-baby-chairs.html
How to Keep Your Sleeping Baby Safe? Do’s & Don’ts (ibestbabyswing.com)
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Great! Every time I read your article – there is always something new – we appreciate you ma!
Hello Sunny
Thank you very much
Great Ibi. Thank you. A question was asked of me by a young lady Here👇
“I am a new mum and we planned for our baby and bought most of the essentials we needed, because of the new baby I. Knew I would be away from work for six months, but became ill and have not been able to go back to work( 15months). Our finances are stretched and we can hardly afford the original baby stuff we started off buying
What can we do?
Hi Sunny,
I am so sorry to hear that your friend became ill and that things didn’t turn out as she had expected despite that she had a strategy and plan in place.
Life is very dynamic and full of ups and downs and so we find ourselves constantly adjusting and readjusting and restrategizing in the process to accommodate the change.
If things didn’t go as initially anticipated, then work with what you currently have.
Secondly, don’t be shy to ask for help from people around you who you can trust for somethings you might need.
But be sure to only collect things that comply with the current safety standards and what you are comfortable with. Wash and sanitise accordingly.
Your baby’s needs are very minimal at this stage.
Concentrate on baby’s immediate and essential needs like food and diapers, wipes,everyday clothes and things you might also consider as such
If the disposal diapers are a bit of a challenge, use cloth nappies for when you are home and disposals for when go out
I hope this helps. Thank you.
Theres just so much much to consider when buying for a new baby and your article helps so much. You are absolutely right though above all safety should come first, and you give some amazing advise, keep doing what you do, your amazing.
Thank you so much for comment. I appreciate it. Kindly feel free to share.
Hi Amy,
Thank you so much for your comment. I am glad to know that you found it helpful. Please feel free to continue to your comment. Thank you
Ibi
This is so informative with very practical and useful tips that will help both new and old mums to be. Thanks for sharing such helpful insights.
Dear Gloria
Thank you so much for your kind response. Please continue to be a part of this platform by sharing your experiences.
Thank you
Ibi
Thank you so much for this highly informative article, Ibi! Although I do not have children, I have a plethora of baby cousins and friends who have recently given birth or will be giving birth in the next couple of months. I completely agree with you that we must do our research and make informed decisions when it comes to the essentials for our babies-they are our future. A little due diligence now will make a HUGE difference later (we’ll thank ourselves for it). I have saved your website and will definitely share it with my family and friends. God bless you!
Thank you so much CN
For your contribution to this. I am glad that you find this article informative and helpful.
Thank you for also willing to share this website to your nieces and nephews. I appreciate it
Thank you
Well done Ib. This is a well written article for mothers. It’s precise and very informative. Well- done.
Dear Ingofuro
Thank you so much for your consideration to this discussion. I appreciate it.
This is quite informative, I just want add one more thing from my personal experience before making a purchase — new or secondhand — don’t forget to check the CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission) to make sure the product hasn’t been recalled.
Dear Satz
Thanks so much for bring up the CPSC side of things. It is very important.
I value your contribution and hope to see more of you.
Thank you.
Hey,
I have two friends who have a newborn baby, and during these times it is very difficult to get what you need. Your article is really helpful and I have forwarded this onto my two friends as I think it would benefit them. I have advised to comment on your article and to look into your other articles that will help them also. If they have any questions then they will get in touch.
Thank you for sharing and keep up the amazing work on your site.
All the best,
Tom
Hi Tom
Thank you so much for your contribution to my platform.
It is very much appreciated.
Thank you for recommending my blog to your friends.
I appreciate it and look forward to hearing from them.
Thank you
Ibi
Hi – this is really great information for the new parents, and parents to be. Very important to know the FDA and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommendations when choosing baby’s needs. Very important to share about when lead based paint that may have been used on a previously owned item. It’s nice to see your tips on other places to purchase and payment options. Enjoy your baby.
Hi Nancy,
Thank you very much for response to this article.
I am glad that you found it informative for new parents.
Thanks
Ibi
Great job! As a marketing director of many years I would say you know what you’re doing. This article is informative, helpful and pleasant to read. Written well, beautiful layout, cute pictures and even cited references all makes for a rewarding read for me! Excellent!
Dear Jim
Thank you some for your kind words. We shall continue to do our best to bring insightful tips to our new mums
Great Job Ms Enebi….very informative especially for us who have no prior knowledge
Dear Abilo
How are you. I am glad that you find this post informative. Please continue to be a part of this platform as we have a wealth of experiences at your disposal.
Thank you
This site is loaded with very useful information for both new and old parents to be. I will definitely visit again as i am expecting my first grand baby. Thanks Ibi
Dear Mary
I am delighted to hear that you are going to become a grand mother.
I am also happy to know that you find the post very insightful.
We will be glad to have you share some of your experiences on this platform.
Thank you
Hi Ibi
What a helpful, extensive article! Especially for first time parents who are not 100% sure what they need. Also the safety advice is really helpful. I read your own story and love that you are helping others not to go crazy but to buy what they need.
Kind regards,
Jean
Dear Jean
Thank you very much. I am glad that you found this post helpful.
You are so right, I didn’t want new mums to make the some of the same mistakes I made.
Thank you
Hi BB,
It is a good and concise write-up . Absolutely great and would definitely recommend this site to anyone who is expecting and young couples
Thanks
Gettyreya
Thank you Getrude. Please do. I will be glad.
This is very informative and a great resource for new moms. I particularly love the 7ways needs accessment test. It definitely will help with sticking to a budget and buying what is necessary.
Dear Tekena,
I am happy that you found the 7 way needs assessment step test,helpful.
Ibi, so much information in your write up. You are so good in what you do. More grace sis.
Thank you very much Joyce
Thanks for doing this! Love all your picks! 😉
Thanks a million, Baby Rose. I’m glad you like it.
Cheers
Ibi