As an expecting parent, you’re likely well aware of the many ways that your financial life will change in the near future. It’s a good idea to plan for all the expenses that will come your way, as doing so allows you to protect against surprises down the road.
Before your baby arrives, though, there are several things you should buy to ensure that you’re ready to hit the ground running. Here are five items to put on your list.
1. A Crib
Even though your newborn baby won’t sleep in a crib on the first night, the big day is coming soon enough. Since this is one of the largest purchases you’ll make, it’s good practice to take it off your plate sooner rather than later. You don’t want to find yourself scrambling for a crib when the time comes to use it. It’s much better to have it set up in your baby’s room so that it’s already waiting for you.
2. A Diaper Bag
Even if you don’t plan on spending much time outside your home as a new parent, you should still purchase a diaper bag. This will benefit you in many ways, including staying organized when you’re on the go. If you want to maintain your style while you’re away from home, there are designer diaper bags to consider that may be worth the extra splurge. There’s no saying that you have to give up your sense of style now that you’re a parent. A designer diaper bag will keep you organized while allowing you to look your best.
3. A Baby Monitor
Early on, you’ll want to spend every moment around your newborn. However, there are sure to be times when you’re not in the same room, such as when your baby is taking a nap. A baby monitor goes a long way in allowing you to keep a close eye on your child from a distance.
There are more baby monitors on the market than ever before, so you should be able to comparison shop to find one that suits both your budget and needs. You’ll feel much better about the safety and well-being of your baby when you can keep an eye on him or her at all times.
4. A Stroller
Just the same as a diaper bag, this is one of those purchases that you may not think you need early on. And while you may not use a stroller every day of the week, there will be times when it’s necessary. For example, if you need to take your baby with you to the grocery store, a stroller is often the best way to do so. Shop for one that connects directly to a car seat, as this makes transporting your baby from the car to the stroller a convenient process.
5. A Car Seat
You can’t get your baby home from the hospital without a car seat, so make sure you have this purchased and ready to go before the big day arrives. Do your research in advance so that you purchase a car seat that is safe, reliable, and comfortable. Also, consider the fact that you may need more than one car seat if you have more than one vehicle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Even if you have an idea of what you need to purchase in preparation for the arrival of your baby, it’s likely that you’ll still have questions along the way. Here is a handful that you can address upfront:
- What are the best brands for each item that you need to purchase?
- Where can you score the best deal on baby products?
- Is it okay to buy some baby supplies second-hand?
- What items can you put on your baby shower registry?
- Are you clear on the items that you’ll need to purchase as your child ages?
Final Thoughts
It costs a lot of money to raise a child, so make sure you continue to plan. Before your bundle of joy arrives, you may want to purchase some or all of the items above. Doing so will give you peace of mind while reducing your stress levels — if even only by a bit — when your baby gets here. What other items are important to purchase before having a baby?
