Babies are EXPENSIVE and planning is HARD
- Lauren Edinger
- Sep 13, 2023
- 6 min read
Updated: Dec 4, 2024
There's no getting around it, these wonderful little uterus goblins may be adorable and chonky and loved but bringing them into the world and making sure they survive is HARD. So, I am trying to take some of that pressure off new Parents and making a list of things I wish I knew before my first kiddo.
FREE things, DISCOUNT things, REWARDS, personally recommended BABY SHOWER items. Instead of stressing you need to sip on that decaf (yes I know it sucks but it's only for a limited time and then you can drown yourself in the real stuff), relax and let someone else do the legwork on finding these goodies.
SO, without further adieu, here is the baby dump (no pun intended).
FIRST AND FOREMOST - Gimme the freebies:
NOTE** Make a baby stuff email - you will get alllll of the coupons and freebies which are fabulous, however, you will also have to sort through the emails associated with those. I recommend an email just dedicated to receiving those helpful but obnoxious emails with coupons for formula that you need in like 2 months so you can't delete, but don't want to stare at on the daily**
FREE BREAST PUMPS THROUGH INSURANCE
This might be the most important thing on this list! Did you know you could get a free breast pump with MOST insurance (in FL)?! How awesome is that? They also send you refill parts! Definitely try and connect with one of these to ask about a free breast pump and save yourself the $$$ They have NAME BRAND pumps that are known in the industry, this isn't a knock off type thing. Review the links and make sure you apply to the one where you like the pump options! *I do not get any affiliate credit for these links or any links other than Amazon, this is truly to help parents and I'm happy to do so!*
REGISTRIES with Freebies and Discounts
Amazon Registry - free baby box with great stuff
Target Registry - free baby box with great stuff
Walmart Registry - free baby box with great stuff
BuyBuy Baby Registry
Macrobaby Registry
Baby List Registry
Pottery Barn Registry
Ikea Registry
Crate and Barrel Registry
FREE GOODIES Heymilestone Baby Box REWARDS SIGNUPS COUPONS AND FREEBIES Enfamil Rewards- freebees mailed Nanobebe samples Pampers Rewards - freebees mailed Fetch/Huggies Rewards (sign up under baby section)- freebees mailed Similac Rewards- freebees mailed Medela rewards Gerber Lansinoh
My Personal Registry Item Recommendations:
Any of the items that I recommend are ones that I have PERSONALLY used and would recommend. I do not vouch for anything about them other than I have used, am still using and have enjoyed using these items.
Pre Baby Needs:
For when you are trying for that little munchkin up until birth! You're uncomfortable, you're hot, you're swollen you need care and comfort. REMEMBER you are creating a WHOLE PERSON, make sure you are taking care of you! And don't forget your doctor recommended prenatal vitamins. In addition to physical items I HIGHLY recommend a pelvic floor therapist to help you understand how to best care for your body, prepare for birth and afterbirth help with making everything work again and keeping your body as healthy as possible in all the stages! My personal favorite is Dr. Kelly Peterson PT, DPT.
Hospital Comfort:
Holy crap hospitals are NOT fun. But hey, let's make the best of it without bringing our entire bedroom.
Post Partum Needs:
Healthy momma means a healthy baby! Take care of yourself, you just did a BIG THING. The hospital will send you home with a few things and definitely grab those extra mesh underwear on your way out (you already paid for them, you may as well!) But these are things I really liked having at home after.
Nursery Items:
We are talkin' bedtime, relaxation, and security here!
Bathing Needs:
Squeaky clean is wonderful and fun! BUT don't forget that your baby doesn't need a bath daily. In fact, most of the time a rinse is good without soap even when they do bathe! Dry skin on a fast growing baby is a nono - just remember those tiger stripes you got from growing fast. MOSTURIZE!!!
Feeding Needs:
Nomnom! Whether you are buying or making your own baby food having the supplies on hand is most of the battle. I plan on having another Blog for some baby food recipes I tried out, but DANG those storage containers work great for freezing everything in portion sizes. HIGHLY recommend. Pop em' out, put them in a freezer bag and you have baby food fresh every time you go to grab something. I would make extra and puree things we ate for dinner - what babies are eating THAT good. You got this momma!
My personal favorite company for baby food. You can get fruit everywhere but it is SO hard to find good organic meats and veggies for on the go without the added fruit! So much sugar in many brands!
Breastfeeding Needs:
A fed baby is a healthy baby! If you are lucky enough to be able to breast feed these are some wonderful and helpful items for you!
Household Needs:
You know what your household DOESN'T need? Clutter to make it hard for you to move around with your new baby. I recommend starting light on excess things. You DON'T need everything the baby DOESN'T need that much variety and you NEED to be able to relax in your space. These are items I love having that double as a safe place for playing when you have to get things done (It is OK to let the baby be alone so you can pee, I promise) and bumbo chairs are great for learning to sit up and doubling as a portable high chair for snack time.
Traveling Needs:
Always on the go! Things that make your life easier and baby happy are important. The harness is literally the BEST purchase I've ever made, just saying. That baby weighs NOTHING in it.
Clothing Needs:
You are very likely going to get A LOT of clothing from people EVEN if you ask for NO clothes at your shower. I swear, people can't read - maybe they just don't care! Anyways, don't bother with it unless there's something you REALLY want. You will have plenty. Also, do you think you are wandering about with a newborn where people will see their cute outfit? Likely no. Save your $$ and let that baby be naked. Also, thrifting. Baby will grow SUPER fast - those clothes (if you have them) will be useless within weeks!
Diapering Needs:
What goes in, must come out! Cover that toosh! I am not a crazed cloth diaper lady, don't get me wrong, but diapers are insanely expensive. What I did was figured out when baby would regularly poo and then after the poo I would cloth diaper AT HOME until around the next poo time. That way I didn't have to deal with the poo mess in my laundry but I $aved some decent dollars. The ones listed below are good for a huge range of sizes (in fact she is still in them now at 2 years old). As far as diapers and wipes go, I am a HUGE fan of the BJ's brand. I've never had a blowout on this brand and the wipes are fabulous and also double as sensitive makeup wipes (I use them for cosplay). NOTE: I also recommend you ask people to get 2's at your shower. It is unlikely that the baby will be in anything quite as long as size 2 so it gets the most bang for your buck!
Miscellaneous non-categorized items:
Toys!!!!:
I probably sound like a broken record but...less is more! Your little one doesn't need hundreds of toys to be happy, they need a few fun ones and some attention. Don't spend all your money buying batteries for 108902343704 toys for them to love that empty water bottle. I promise, it'll work out fine :)
PS I do get affiliate credit for some items but I give honest reviews and I use all of the items I recommend in my own home!
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