You have a growing ‘bump’ and you are just itching to get hit the shops and fill your nursery with wonderful ‘must have’ items in readiness for your baby’s imminent arrival. You picture the perfect matching nursery furniture with all the latest accessories, cute little outfits, baby

wardrobes, baby drawers, baby this and that, you name it, it exists and even if you didn’t think of it, it also exists, (if by chance it doesn’t; name it patent it and sell it).  If this is your first born; you are a salesperson’s dream customer; the dollar signs will be zinging before their eyes and in their imagination, their ears are ringing with cash register ‘kachings’ as you unwittingly enter their lair.  Even experienced parents are easily lulled into thinking they need the things that perhaps they couldn’t afford with their first baby.

Walking through those store doors into those bright lights and you’re surrounded by beautiful bedding, furniture, safety gadgets, strollers, capsules, bassinets, slings, swings, baby baths, mobiles, toys... Your optical sensors are overloaded; it is easy to become overwhelmed by the array of products available and the savvy sales person is counting on this.  Store sales people are watching and waiting to pounce on you, only too willing to relieve you of any extra weight in your wallet.  They will do this by extolling the virtues of the latest ‘essential’ gadgets and rely on the fact that as caring parents to be, you will want only ‘the best’ for your child; the emotive sale, the easiest sale.

So, how do you procure quality necessities and avoid blowing your budget before baby is even born?

Stop, don’t shop yet.

Make a list of the items that you must have to care for your baby’s basic needs:  Keep in mind that many items are merely convenient and fashionable; not actually necessary.  Think carefully when you make your list, consider your lifestyle, the area in which you live and your budget.  Parents need to provide a safe, nurturing environment for your baby to grow in, warmth and shelter.  You do not need much to be able to meet those needs, many items that you see in baby stores both in store and online go unused and are a waste of money.  Find a lovely notebook and get a copy of all the store brochures, or online lists available.  Cut out your favourite items and stick them on one page; use the adjoining page to list all your price comparisons, make a spreadsheet on your pc, or if you can find an online list, post to that.  Do your research and find out what you really need and to get reviews and product ratings from the people who know best; other parents.  Ask your family and friends about it; ask other parents that you meet in the street, join parenting forums ask online.

Do you need it or want it?

For example, if you get a bassinette, the baby will soon outgrow it, if you are on a budget, perhaps you could just use a cot from birth and eliminate the extra expense.  A suitable change area is very convenient, however do you need to buy a change table or can you make do with an existing surface in the house and buy a suitable cover so that you can convert it to a baby change table?  Babies normally outgrow baby baths in a few short months; shower with your baby, take a bath with your baby or ensure your sink is clean and use that.  Should you get that special bin that’s especially for nappies, or can you utilise one of your existing ones or get an economical version at your local hardware store?  Get serious about this; there are going to be many hidden costs along the way, so if you are on a budget, stick to it and consider the environment at the same time, reuse, recycle and save energy when you can.  As for those matching cot bumpers that pretty up the cot; not only are they a waste of money, they are a SIDS risk, make sure you know which products are safest for your baby to use.

Don’t be afraid to ask for help.

Once you have made your list, put the word out to family, friends, work acquaintances and let them know what you need, if you have made a notebook, show it to people or email your spreadsheet out or post a copy on your online profile page.  You’d be surprised how generous people can be when you are having a baby; even people that hardly know you.  For example, I met the boy who bought my car when I was in hospital to have Jaydee... His mother gave Jaydee a giant teddy bear, which was a lovely unexpected surprise.  I purchased a beautiful Boori cot online and the owner gave us a highchair and loads of bedding, I think she'd have given us more, however it wouldn't fit in the car... We have had tons of surprises along the way, having a baby really brings out the sunny side of people.  Have your baby shower well before your due date just in case you are given things on your list; this will save doubling up on items.  Many people have baby products that are in great condition gathering dust and will often be happy to loan or give them to you.  There are many stores that sell pre-loved products, garage sales and many online stores and sites that offer used products.  Do remember to get new mattresses for any cots that are donated and check to make sure that they meet Australian/New Zealand Safety Standards, (or those applicable to your own country); there should be a sticker on them, or you can check these measurements.  Examine any used car capsules or convertible seats to ensure there are no signs of accident and that the straps are straight and not frayed; most parents look after these products really well, however if in doubt, chuck it out!  When possible get baby capsules and convertable seats fitted to your vehicle by a certified installer to maximise your baby's safety; often your prenatal carer will have information about this and many other helpful things.

Buy smart, be a sassy spender:

For the items that you need to buy, ensure you do your research; not only in regard to pricing, make safety ratings and good reviews from parents and experts in the field a priority also.  Although you want to save money, don’t scrimp on buying the best baby capsules or converter seats, cots or strollers... Your priceless baby is well worth the extra investment.  Another reason to spend that little extra is to ensure that you get a decent warranty, good back up service and a reasonable resale value on the product if you decide to sell it later.  You will find that the cost varies greatly from store to store and if you go in needing a few items, ask for and expect a discount.  There is a great deal of competition for your dollar, so ensure that the store that gets your precious cash makes an effort to earn it.  Remember, it is up to the salesperson/store manager/owner to decide if they want to make a sale.  You have plenty of options in regard to where you make your purchases; resellers need your business more than you need them... If you don’t get the deal you want first time around, take your business elsewhere.  Get quotes from each retailer and give others the opportunity to meet the price with added value, or beat the price you have been quoted.