The anticipation and preparation of welcoming a new baby home can be exhilarating and, at times, overwhelming, especially if you’re a first-time parent. As an expectant mother of twins, I know how dizzying it can be to navigate the plethora of products and pointers out there.
Like every other mother, my main aim is to make sure my infants lack for nothing. However, what exactly babies need is subjective, as every mother perceives it differently. Advice and recommendations come from all angles, making it tempting to purchase every baby product suggested. But if I succumbed to every suggestion, I would be penniless!
I’ve found, however, that by putting a little bit of thought into it and resisting the societal pressure, it is entirely feasible to adequately prepare for your little ones’ arrival without burning a hole in your pocket.
Here are some money-saving strategies I’ve implemented in preparation for my twins’ arrival:
1. IDENTIFY ESSENTIAL ITEMS
Whenever someone suggests a new baby product, I question its functionality and necessity. I often also wonder if mothers in other cultures deem it essential. There’s a tendency for American society, particularly when it comes to weddings and babies, to amplify our needs. It ingrains the notion that certain luxury items are must-haves to be successful parents. If you don’t have them, you may face scrutiny from other parents. However, I’ve realized that several items are superfluous and have accordingly omitted them from my gift registry. I feel fortunate to even have a gift registry and baby shower since these are not prevalent customs worldwide.
2. UNDERSTAND BABIES DO NOT DISTINGUISH BETWEEN LUXURY AND BUDGET-FRIENDLY PRODUCTS
It’s imperative to know the basics your baby will need — clothes, a crib, diapers, and wipes, among other things. This awareness allowed me to scout for deals and opt for budget-friendly items. For instance, even though there were cribs that I fancied between the $400-$600 range, I picked one costing $200 given that we have twins. I find solace in the fact that babies do not discern between high-end and affordable items – all they require is a peaceful spot to sleep!
Saving money and maintaining balance can be challenging when preparing for your baby’s arrival home. But, in essence, as long as you’ve covered the basics and provided a secure place for your baby to sleep, that’s plenty! Our approach is to maintain as minimalist a lifestyle as possible and avoid unnecessary expenses unless it’s urgent. While this might shift over time, for now, our principal focus remains the babies themselves. We aim to cast aside the notion that extensive paraphernalia is a requirement for bringing them home.
Photo Credit: www.FreeDigitalPhotos.net
