Advise for a new mom?

Question

Howdy ladies, I'm 14 weeks and going to be a first time mommy. I just moved from Texas to New Mexico about 3 weeks ago and I'm still unpacking. We both got jobs started but we are tight on funds at the moment, but we do have support if we need it. Is there any advise on pregnancy, when/how to build the nursery, or any place that sells good and cheap items or deals?

Answer

Best advice ever: You dont need a nursery. For this baby Im getting a little portable bassinet for when baby is first born and a pack n play for later. A changing pad on top of a small 3 drawer dresser works great for changing table/storage for clothes & diapers. Thats all you need! :)

Answer

Also look on facebook for local baby resale pages! You can get everything for super cheap! Ive already gotten my bassinet and a double stroller that way :)

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A baby's room isn't really necessary at this stage. The amount of times of getting up through the night, you'll end up having baby in your room lol. Hope everything goes well for you :-)

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I am starting as soon as I can:/ haha but can't until our roommate moves out:/. I already check clearance racks when I am at the store.  I will only buy an item is it is 50%or more off normal price.     I also don't want to buy too much before baby shower.   But still won't pass up a really good deal.   I will be reusing some of our old furniture for the room and will prob buy a crib off craigslist.  And just restrain or paint it myself

Answer

IKEA sniglar crib $70, with them through toddlerhood.

Every time you go to Target (or wherever) walk through the baby section and watch for clearance items. I got my stroller/car seat/base they I had researched for more than half off that way cuz it was last years model.

I did an Amazon prime membership. Which costs a bit. But I've been watching for the cheapest deals on things and get free shipping. And once baby is here I won't want to go out shopping.

Cloth diapers seem like a big up front cost, but huge long term savings. Look into them if interested. I went with bum genius free time snap closure.

Breast pumps are covered by insurance now.

Use a dresser top as a changing table.

If you/partner still have a few fave blankets/toys from when you were kids, maybe your kid will love them too. (My mom thankfully held onto brio, trains, my fave stuffed animal.)

It really depends how spare you want to be. You can get away with VERY little "stuff" and hand me downs/consignment/gifts.

They're going to outgrow instantly/spit up on them anyway...so cotton white onesie packs!

If you're more looking to be complete but save money, I suggest trying to figure out exactly what items you want, then watch for the best deals on them. (What I'm doing.) Also think about what could grow with them and not look baby-ish, then you don't have to replace.

Answer

Well we have a two bedroom and by choice I'm not investing in a baby room. Most of my friends didn't even use their baby rooms until almost one year old. They used their bassinet and bed mostly. So we are doing a bassinet a swing chair obviously the stroller and car seat. Bottles and I haven't decided on pack n play with change station. Until we move into a bigger place once babe is growing I'm not gonna invest in a big room which is fun but not really necessary.

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You should check out the varagesale app for used items. It's community based and NOT anonymous. It's like a way better and safer buy and sell site, and you'll get to meet some local parents too!

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Like others have said, you don't need all the high end stuff. Stock up on diapers, extra blankets are nice so you don't have to do laundry 30 times a day. I had a crib with both of mine but it was hardly used. Bassinets are great because they're light and can be moved, pack and play for later! Clothes, go pick out some cute stuff at the store, but get most from garage sales/online sales, stuff like that. Only big things I'm concerned about getting is a carseat, pack & play, and a good stroller. Other than that, the big expensive stuff is unnecessary

Answer

Thankfully you have plenty of time to shop sales and resale. Also don't underestimate family who might like to help with things like furniture and car seats.

We had a room ready for our daughter and I was grateful for it. She slept next to our bed for 3 months until she outgrew the cradle then moved to her own bed. We have never co-slept and it wasn't always easy but having our bed to ourselves is worth it. It just depends on what you plan for your family. If you don't want to co-sleep I recommend a separate sleeping space, for once they're old enough, with a monitor. It doesn't have to be fancy. They get used to being alone to sleep, and it makes napping and toddler-hood easier too. (In my opinion/experience)

Advise for a new mom?

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