Baby essentials, related budgeting? - Page 2

[honeybunmom]

If I had thought of preparing 4-5 in advance . . . (well had I married before 33 I might have had that much time, but, that's for another thread!) and knowing what I know now, I'd knit and knit and knit.  I WOH full time and keeping up with my kids' cloth diaper covers is a challenge at times.  I really enjoy knitting and I very much enjoy knowing that I made what my kids are wearing.

I'd also want a sheepskin.  Snugglewool makes them and puts the wool on a backing rather than actually requiring the sheep's hide, if that is an issue for you.

A wool blanket and a wool puddle pad.

Cloth diapers.

Wool/silk pilot's cap.

Lined leather booties.

Lap tee's.

A ring sling for the early months and a good quality wrap for when the babe is older and weighs more.

I also second the bouncy seat for showers. 

Depending on the size of your house, a pack and play.  There was no need for one with our first child in our condo.  There wasn't much for her to get in to.  With our son, we are in a 3 level house and there are stairs that are hazards and we had the pack and play (handed down from friends) before we had gates.  The purchase and installation of those ran around $600.  But, we're also in a big city and ended up going with a service rather than DIY.

As for what are customary gifts, I think it depends on your friendship circle and whether the gender of your baby is known.  In my circle, if people know the gender, they tend to buy clothes regardless of what you put on your registry.  It's hard to resist a super cute (albeit impractical) gender specific, teeny, tiny outfit.

I'd also scope out the local 2nd hand children's stores and thrift stores - a lot of that can change in 4-5 years, though.  I would look at preschool costs and think about what I planned to do for that.  Boy, was I surprised at how much that costs around here.

[redvlagrl]

You've had some great ideas, but I would add that it really depends on how big your family and circle of friends is in regards to getting a lot of clothing. We got some, but certainly have had to buy a lot.

Also, having a good (read expensive) stroller is really great, even though we are hardcore babywearers. I would also add that if you want to hve a second within a resonable amount of time, I would plan of getting a stroller that you can add a second seat to, like the Phil and Teds. We didn't do this and it meant we had to buy a new stroller when #2 came along. We sold our barely used Bob.

We didn't ever have a swing, but a bouncy seat was great for showering and just having somewhere to put the baby when you were cooking before the baby is old enough to be worn on your back (I've never been comfortable with newborn back wearing).

i would def get your finances in order and live on one salary if you intend to stay home. Pay off any debt you have.

Also, be honest with yourself about what you care about. Yes cloth diaper and buy natural toys etc, but I do care about what my kids wear - I like them to look nice. We buy a lot second hand but i am super picky. At first I didn't want to admit I felt like this, but i do. Don't stockpile stuff; it can stain and discolour.