by Elizabeth Fields

Created on: March 17, 2007   Last Updated: May 10, 2007

I'm a first time mom a beautiful 3 month baby girl; and I know from experience how intimidating babies r' us or the baby aisle at target can be. It's difficult to know where to begin, especially when you have a very limited income. So, here are some tips and hints for buying for your newborn before he/she is born.

1. Diapers.
Get used to them because you're going to be seeing a lot of them. I read a great tip in a parenting magazine that suggested you start stocking up on diapers right away. So every time I went to the grocery store, from the time I was 4 months pregnant, I picked up a pack of diapers. It got me in gear to start budgeting for being a mother and I had a good long time before I had to go buy diapers. But even buying diapers can be tough, so

A. Buy newborn size, but also prepare for a bigger baby. Not only do babies grow super fast but it's also a possibility that your individual bundle of joy won't fit into newborn size. (e.g., a close friend of mine had a ten pounder!) So keep a collection of various sizes- if you end up with too many bigger sizes to start don't worry- your baby will fit into them soon enough.
B. Weigh the risks of cheap with the reward of dependable. I love pampers but they're a little pricy, luvs are a little cheaper and just as good, my favorite are actually target brand- they have cute designs and are pretty leak proof. (I would go with a little more expensive wipes though- the texture is more pleasant on baby's sensitive skin.)
2. Diaper pail- I suggest a diaper champ.
While a diaper genie is great, a diaper champ doesn't require any special bags and is slightly less complicated. Diaper genies are great and if you want to spend the extra money go for it, but the Diaper Champ is wonderful. Whatever your brand of choice may be, just be sure to get a pail. Spare yourself and your household the aroma of old dirty diapers.

3. Two Diaper Bags-
I know it sounds a little off the wall- why would you need two? But consider this. Having a smaller diaper bag keeps you from knocking every clothing rack over at Wal-mart, while a bigger bag allows for more space if you'll be somewhere longer. I keep both of mine stocked with everything I need minus a few easy grabs. It's great if you can find one that has a portable changing pad. By the way here's a great checklist of things to fill your diaper bag-
A. plenty of diapers (average of 2-3 an hour and always have 1 more than you'll need- which you only will when you don't have it.)
B. breast pads

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