BABY GEAR

Shopping for Baby Gear

Stocking up on cute baby clothes and baby gear is one of the great pleasures of expecting your first child. It can be expensive – but it doesn’t have to be. If you plan ahead and follow some simple guidelines it’s quite possible to get what you’ll need on a shoestring. First tip for baby gear on a budget is to hold a morning tea-baby shower. It’s a good way of gratefully accepting small gifts from family and friends and getting some basics together. Draw up a list of what you need and make suggestions if necessary. Secondly, accept all offers of hand-me-downs, or if the offers aren’t forthcoming, politely ask family or friends, you’ll be surprised how willing people are when it comes to a newborn baby. However remember to make a detailed list and take good care of everything, that way you can ensure everyone gets back what was offered once your baby has outgrown. When borrowing or buying second hand clothing Plunked recommends that you should wash and air everything and look out for buttons or ribbons that can be chewed or pulled off. And finally when its time to hit the shops, be prepared - get armed with a little research and shop with a definitive list.

Clothing

Angela Baldwin, Plunket’s General Manager of Clinical Services suggests that a newborn baby doesn’t need a complete range of clothing – just enough to keep them warm and dry. Most babies double their birth weight and grow 15cm in the first five to six months, so they tend to outgrow everything quickly. Angela suggests buying stretch-and-grows without the feet – which will last longer – by just adding booties. At least four stretch-and-grows, about $6.99 each Three cotton singlet, about $8.99 each Three woolen singlet, about $14.99 each Four pairs of booties/socks, about $3.99 each Woolen mittens, about $4.99 Bonnet for summer, woolen hat for winter, about $4.99 Four jackets and jumpers, about $9.99 each Wraps (for feeding, kicking on the floor etc) cotton/muslin, from $12.99 for three, brushed cotton, $10.99 each; wool, $19.99 each Six bibs, toweling, from $1.50 each

Nappies

Under those clothes there's one more thing you'll need - nappies. At Treasures, we understand that you want a nappy that won't cause your baby any discomfort or irritation. That's why Treasures Ultra nappies are not only absorbent with excellent leakage protection but also extra soft and comfortable on baby's sensitive skin. An average baby will be in Treasures Ultra Newborn for up to 12 weeks and will use approximately 6-7 nappies per day. That's a lot of nappies so it may pay to start gradually building up your stocks now, especially if you'll be dropping to one income after your baby's born.

Bedtime

A cot – about $200 new or $50 to $60 second-hand. Check the paint is not lead, scrub it down and check the latest safety standards. A firm mattress varies from $60 to $220, with foam being cheaper than inner sprung. A water-resistant under blanket. Tightly woven wool is the most comfortable $19.99, toweling under blanket from $16.99, but you can also use a mackintosh sheet with a towel or old blanket over the top, DON’T USE PLASTIC! A lower sheet. This can be made by cutting up an old sheet, or will cost about $17.99. A light woolen blanket, from $19.99, (or use a single blanket cut down). You may need an oil heater or similar, to keep baby’s room at a constant 18 to 20 degC. These can be bought second hand.

Bath time

A plastic baby bath, $19.99, will make bath time easier, but you can use a full-size bath or wash your baby in the basin or sink. Soft towels and muslin cloths (about $6.99 for seven), or buy the fabric and make some yourself. Baby soap and a protective barrier cream A change mat, from about $15.99, is useful, but you can use a folded towel or similar.

Transport

Newborn car seat. About $50 to hire, plus a $50 refundable bond. Reclining stroller. About $149 new or $40 to $60 second hand. When baby is bigger, the small folding type (about $45 new) is useful, especially for getting on and off buses.