Fill Your Newborn Baby Checklist On a Budget

When parents are expecting their first child, consumerism has become a big part of the process. It's likely, the baby shower is one of the biggest and most important parts for preparation. The reason for this is because there are so many more products on the market than when your parents or grandparents were expecting. It's tough for parents today to aclimate themselves to what is necessary and how to come by it without paying a boat load. Here are some ways to finding the items you will need for your babies arrival, and not losing your shirt.

Find Out What's Needed and What's Not

Find a friend, loved-one or co-worker, who has recently had a new baby. Consulting someone who's recently gone through it can give you a step-up. Ask them what items they used most frequently and which were collecting dust after the first day or week. Is a bottle warmer or a diaper genie even necessary? These are the answers to questions, someone with only a few months of experience can offer.

Do Your Friends a Favor, Accept Hand-Me-Downs

When speaking to someone who has recently had a baby, it may be a good idea to politely inquire as to what they used in the first few months and what, if anything, they are still using. Depending upon how comfortable you are with that person, you may be able to receive the same items that worked for their baby cheaply, or even free, as second-hand. The fact is, parents may be more than willing to part with certain items. In many cases, items that were needed when their baby was born may be taking up space in a closet or garage within three to six months. This includes items such as a swing or bouncy chair, which, while the baby is immobile will love, but once he or she can move around, it becomes something else to trip over.

It's also great to befriend parents of babies that are slightly older than yours will be, because their will be a carousel of items they are growing out of, and are taking up space in their home. Routinely, parents will need to do some house-cleaning every three to six months.

Issues With Accepting Second-Hand Clothes

If you ask your parents where they found baby items, they might recommend such things as the Salvation Army, Good Will, Church sales, or even swap meets. These are still good places to go for certain things such as baby clothes. However, be sure to inspect the items carefully, as they may be stained and be in less than perfect condition. You may be allowing your child to wear something with another child's waste bored into the fabric, which is unsanitary. Be sure the item is clean, and has a fresh smell.

Another issue with going to places that accept donations is, they are usually over-stocked with clothing items from the season's that have just past. Go to a sale in September, and you'll likely find light clothing and shorts. Go to a sale in March, and you'll likely find heavy coats, sweaters, and long pants. These can be useful, but only if you are planning for the following season.

The Internet Is an Open Market

One thing you have over your parents is the internet. It's becoming more and more common for people to sell items on line at sites such as EBay. A word of warning, only use well known sites for these types of purchases, and pay using third-party pay sites, such as Paypal or BillMeLater.

A second option, that can offer free items, is Craigslist. This is a way for parents to go to other peoples houses in their area and pickup an unneeded item from them for free. This requires speed and caution, but can reap great rewards to parents who are persistent. There are those who patrol these sites for anything that sounds like it could be sold, and they'll quickly swoop in and pickup things before people who really need them can get there. Also, you're basically accepting something someone is willing to discard for free. Be cautious when accepting these items and inspect them fully before allowing your newborn to use them, especially plastic bouncing or jumping toys that could be cracked and cause harm to your child.

As with anything, use common sense. Do not allow the allure of shiny new things to override your caution, causing your newborn to come into a world of poverty because you bought every item recommended by every source out there. Not everything is necessary, and many things can be found for much less than at retail price. As with anything to do with your newborn, use caution, and set a good example.