The big day is finally around the corner and you’ve been waiting a long time for it to arrive. After months of excitement you may find that it slowly transforms into anticipation. This can feel a little overwhelming so being prepared is key to a smooth ride. With so many products on the market from baby carriers to breast pumps, the question is, where do I start? It’s completely normal for first time moms to be unsure about what to expect from the baby stores so continue reading to find out what you should consider before you hit the road and splash the cash.
Spend Time Researching
Once you arrive at the store you’ll be blown away, not only the sheer volume of products, but by how many variations there are of each item. Unfortunately, it’s not as simple as picking up the nearest baby monitor and heading for the cash register. You’ll have to decide what features you want included with your purchase. Do you want visual and audio feedback? Do you want a live link to your mobile device? Do you want a sleep analysis function? All genuine questions you’ll need to know the answer to before plucking the product from the shelf. Taking advantage of reviews given by wordly-wise parents on social networks may also help you make you feel more prepared for your shopping experience.
Baby Clothes
There’s nothing more adorable than a tiny newborn outfit hanging up in a store, you’ll find it hard to believe that anything can be small enough to fit into it. You must, however, resist the urge to pile your basket high with in vogue ensembles. Newborn babies grow more quickly than you can imagine and to make your money stretch you’ll need to buy a range of sizes. Filling a whole wardrobe with a 0-3 month baby grows and miniature gear will be a waste of time and money. With most little tikes filling out 3-6 months clothes way before they reach their half year birthday, you’ll need to fill the other half of your wardrobe with these. It’s also worth considering the functionality of the pieces you purchase. When you’re sleep deprived and in a hurry, you’ll want garments that are easy to get on and off.
Hand Me Downs
When it comes to larger and more expensive items such as car seats and prams you can save hundreds of dollars by accepting support from family and friends. With the average price of a new pram coming in at a whopping $500 you’d be silly to turn down the offer of a hand me down. Materials can, however, degrade over time so you’ll need to check that even the most expensive models are still safe to use before you strap your youngster in. Searching for products on the Consumer Product Safety Commission is a great way to get peace of mind and you’ll know for sure that the product has not been recalled for safety reasons.
Summary
When it comes to preparing for your newborn arrival, planning is key. Researching different products, getting advice from experienced parents and thoroughly investigating reviews will give you the information you need to make informed decisions. Most importantly, it will allow you to relax, enjoy your shopping experience and welcome your child into a world of serenity.
