For every new mum who asked me for a list of what to get…and every expectant mum wondering what to get…

Getting ready for your baby’s arrival and shopping for baby items can be an exciting part of pregnancy but it is easy to get carried away in the ‘Awww, this is cute’ of baby items and start spending on things you may actually never use. It is not deliberate. You may plan to go in to get only a few items. Then there are all these cute stuff you see, and get carried away. Maybe that is why my husband eventually decided to pay someone else to drive me, after going with me a few times to shop for our first baby 🤣.

Shopping for our baby was quite straightforward for me. I had helped my sister with her baby shopping and caring for her baby so I learnt a few things about baby shopping before I actually had to shop for my first baby. Here’s what I learnt:

Make a list. When we were expecting our first baby, we had to make a number of decisions as first time parents and a young couple. One of the first things we did was write a list of things we needed based on our lifestyle. The last thing we wanted was to spend on things that we were not even sure we would use.

Categorise the items. Once I made the list, I grouped them into categories of things I personally considered ‘Essentials’ and ‘Optional’. Before you buy anything, first ask if you absolutely need the item. When shopping, I would ask myself if I needed the item or if I was getting it just because it was cute. The shop attendants can be very helpful with their suggestions, but be sure you need that item before you pay for it. Some of the things that were being suggested at some of the shops I visited, were in my optional category so I stuck to my list instead, and did not regret it later.

Decide on timing for shopping. With us, we wanted to take wait until later to make any purchases. We did not start shopping till around 26 or 27 weeks. We were aiming for 28 weeks but I got bored with the waiting for my due date and needed something to keep me busy. 😁 When I did actually go shopping, I focused on buying items I need for the first few weeks to months, and left things I did not need till later, for later. So I held off toddler clothes, sippy cup, and others for later.

Draw up a budget and check prices. Next, I checked for prices of items so I could make a realistic budget and plan. After I had made my list of the things I considered absolute must-haves, I literally walked into the mothercare shop I knew I would be shopping at, and checked prices of specific items. I used this to eliminate certain items I assumed were necessary and include those I did not know I would need a a first-time mom. We also asked about cost of delivery (for both birth options) at our hospital and included it in the budget.

Hospital list. Check from your healthcare provider or the hospital you will be delivering at, what items they need you to bring for the delivery and hospital stay. My first hospital provided everything my baby needed for our entire hospital stay and gave us extra to take home. But with my second hospital, there were a number of things I needed to take along. Confirm if there is anything you need to take along for the delivery.

Mode of delivery. Another thing to consider is the mode of delivery. Depending on whether you are having a Vaginal birth or C-section, you may need specific items. So for example, you may not need a peri bottle if you are having a C-section, but you may need an abdomen/belly support belt or wrap to support your postpartum tummy and your back.

Clothing and diapers. Babies outgrow things quickly so try not to stock up on too many items of the exact same size. If you are not sure, you can mix brands as some brands have bigger in sized clothing although the tag may say same age as the smaller-sized clothing brands. You can also check with your doctor the weight of your baby to help you decide on clothing and diaper sizes. Even with that, you can buy just a few newborn sized diapers and clothing.

Pray. Before you actually start shopping, say a prayer so you go to the right shops and get the right deals. And when you are done with all the shopping, pray over all the items before you use anything for your baby, and even for things you get subsequently as your baby grows.

The easiest approach to shopping for my kids for me was to keep asking: If my baby arrives today, would I have the necessary things to get through a few days at least? What do I actually need and which things are just ‘cute wants’ to me? Remember: Essentials before Optionals…..whatever each one is/means to you.

All the best! Stay safe. Wondering what to buy for your baby or trying to make a gift hamper for a new mom? Click on the link below to download my FREE Baby Shopping list (Personal Comments on each item included)