It’s only natural to want to go shopping before baby arrives. You’re excited about the upcoming birth of your child, and other than wait for your water to break, there isn’t much you can do to channel this excitement — except maybe shopping.
We’ve all heard this, but babies need love. In terms of physical stuff, the reality is, they don’t need much. Of course they need food for nourishment, and if the mother is planning on breastfeeding, she doesn’t even need to do anything to prepare to feed her child. But if the baby will not be breastfed, it’s a good idea to stock up on formula before the child is born. Realistically, the last thing you’re going to want to do is run to the store to buy formula when you’re a new mom.
You can’t have enough diapers, since your child will probably be in diapers for at least a couple of years. And diapers are perfect things to buy well in advance of giving birth, because they don’t expire. Be careful not to get too many newborn diapers, though. Babies grow fast. One thing to consider when buying diapers is whether to go with disposables or cloth. More and more people are opting for cloth diapers these days, and they are available at many stores.
Pregnant women often daydream about playing with their babies. But the reality is, newborns don’t do much. They basically just nurse and sleep. After a little while, though, babies start interacting with people and things around them. They can start playing with some simple toys. So if you're going to buy baby toys, make sure they’re soft, easy to grab and hold, and made with non-toxic materials so your child can put the toy in his or her mouth safely.
It's fun to shop for your baby and for the things you know you’ll need as a new mom, but remember that you’re not the only one who’s excited for the upcoming birth of your child. Think about all the family and friends who would probably love to buy things for your child. Why not save some money and make your loved ones happy by creating a baby gift registry? A gift registry is an especially good idea when it comes to the big-ticket, expensive items such as cribs and strollers.
So as you're planning for the arrival of your baby, remember to think about what you and your baby need before making purchases. And remember that there are people in your life who would love to buy you things, too. Happy shopping.
