4 Shopping Tips for First-Time Mothers
For first-time mothers, shopping can certainly be complex, expensive and even daunting. In this article you’ll find some helpful shopping tips and factors to keep in mind.
After a long nine-month wait, your baby’s birth has finally arrived. For the first time, you feel like he or she is part of the family. The baby’s crib is ready, the bottles and diapers are in place and the clothes are perfectly folded in the closet. But there’s still a lot more to buy.
With the arrival of your baby, you must learn to live with one more family member at home. Likewise, your priorities change and a new family organization must be established, which you must take into account when you make your first purchases.
What factors should be considered?
Before making purchases as a new mother, it’s important that you answer the following questions:
- Utility: is the purchase reasonable and useful?
- Price: is it an expensive investment or does it fit into your budget?
- Design: should you choose a beautiful design by default?
- Quality: is it always necessary to choose the highest quality?
4 Shopping tips for first-time mothers
While some purchases seem inevitable and necessary, such as the crib or car seat, there are others that can be skipped. To help you make a correct choice, here are some shopping tips:
1. Make a list of what you currently need for your baby
Some purchases will serve you immediately, but others can wait. In fact, if you don’t intend to use the object immediately after the birth of your child, we advise you to not buy it. This will allow you to make your purchases by prioritizing what is necessary.
2. Set a budget
There are costly expenses that cannot be avoided. For example, if you plan to have several children, you should assess the quality of the object before thinking about the design.
As a general rule, don’t rush! It’s not necessary to buy a dozen bottles or a baby monitor. Also, don’t give in to advertising campaigns that manage to create unnecessary needs.
3. Choose evolutionary objects
Instead of buying baby items every year depending on the size and age of your child, choose evolutionary furniture and accessories. Although they may seem expensive, some cost about the same as more conventional products and, in the long run, they can save you money.
For example, there are beds for babies that contain a diaper changing table, and that can transform into a larger bed or contain some storage compartments.
4. Ask for advice from experienced mothers
If you aren’t sure about your choices, try to get some shopping tips from other mothers. They always offer great support.
“A mother’s love is capable of everything, even making the greatest sacrifices as long as her child is happy.”
What does your baby really need?
Although you make an effort not to spend too much, there are some items that are essential for your baby. These include:
1. Food
Even if you plan to breastfeed, you should buy at least one bottle that can be used to give your baby water. It will also be useful in the event that your child refuses breast milk. Also, remember to buy a supply of bibs.
2. Hygiene and care
Diapers and care products – neutral pH soap, wipes, cotton swabs, etc. – are essential for babies. In addition, it’s recommended that you buy nail scissors, a special hair brush and sponges for baths.
3. Clothing
During the first six months, your baby should have between 6-8 outfits for day and night. It’s advisable to choose cotton clothes. Some sweaters and warm clothes are also necessary. Don’t forget that you’ll receive many gifts that, in most cases, will be pieces of clothing.
4. Mobility
A car seat is one of the essential items you need in order to get around with your baby. It will also be helpful to get a bag to transport everything you need to change the little one: a bottle, changing table, paper towels, disposable wipes, etc.
In short, there are many points to consider when shopping as a new mother. Don’t hesitate to borrow objects from your friends and family. In fact, we encourage you to offer and exchange items as much as possible, since it will allow you to significantly reduce expenses.