Before the birth of my first child I was lucky enough to still be working full time and so was my husband. However, this didn’t mean we wanted to spend a small fortune on getting equipped for the arrival of our daughter (whom we didn’t know was a girl at the time). We both grew up in families where saving money and making wise decisions about what to spend our money on was important. So we took careful consideration when choosing to buy particular baby products. That being said, your money and how you choose to spend it is up to you. I am in no way telling you how to spend it, simply sharing a few tips on the basics you will need for your baby, and how to do it on a budget.

Key items needed:

– Nappies (disposable or cloth)

– Wipes (disposable or cloth)

– Nappy rash cream

– Singlet’s

– Jumpsuits/grow suits

– Wraps or swaddles

– Cot or bassinette

– Mattress

– Cot sheets and mattress protector

– Pram/stroller and/or a baby sling/carrier (depending on your needs)

– Car seat (or possibly hire a capsule for a few months)

– Change mat and/or change table (you could just put the change mat on a chest of drawers, floor or dining table)

– Burp cloths (I used the old style flat cloth nappy squares)

– Maternity bra’s (if breastfeeding)

– Bottles, formula and sterilizing equipment (if bottle feeding)

– Baby bibs

– Nappy bag (this may just be a bag you already have that is big enough for the essential items.

There are many other useful (but not essential) items that you may choose to buy for your baby.

– Portable cot

– Bouncer or rocker

– Additional clothing depending on the climate

– Baby bath

– The list is (potentially) endless………

My biggest tip would be to wait until your baby is born and you figure out what extra’s you may need.

Remember, you will most likely be given gifts from family and friends so you do not need to buy everything at once.

Your baby will grow and change very quickly, enjoy every stage as it comes and don’t be afraid to ask for help if you need it.