Prepping for the newest member

 Upon having Micro, and expecting Micron in a few more months weeks, Mr. Fliz and I can reassuringly say, we're somewhat experienced in infant care. Finding out we were pregnant with Micro was first and foremost, a blessing. Then the reality of it hit us, "Omg, we're having a baby." So began the endless work of preparing for our baby.

I read this piece by Kimberly Palmer for U.S News & World Report online a few months back. It has very good suggestions for parents to trim their budgets when it comes to preparing for a baby. It's a quick read and I have a few more things to suggest on the subject. Yes, I'm trying to be a conscientious consumer and trying my best to be a "green" mama (within my means, but hey, I'm trying). I'm just trying to save us all some sanity and money, ok.

Each parent(s) is(are) different in how they conduct and manage their lifestyle. Adding a child to the mix, complicates things and can be difficult. When you first find out you'll be having a baby, for some, having a beautiful nursery laden with all the coolest and most modern gadgets is a romanticized notion. The reality is, many of us can't afford those luxuries and we we'd rather have less clutter to deal with. Before hitting the registry and going 'scan happy', consult with friends that know you well that have kids already and are familiar with your lifestyle. They'll be best to talk to about what gadgets worked for them, and what they think you may or may not need. Like the piece above said, most parents end up registering for useless items (yup, we got a wipe warmer, waste of space) and end up with a bunch of non-essentials. The best advice my best friend gave us was wait til the baby came to see what else we'd need--just get the basics.

I know, I know---how many late night trips does one need to make to the grocery store or Babies R Us. But really, your baby may not like those NUK pacis, or like the nipple that came with that Dr. Brown's baby bottle. Save yourself the misery, and commiserate with other new parents at Babies R Us as you schlep some gifts to be exchanged or returned, and getting what you really need. Lucky for us, we didn't have to do this (we didn't find out the sex of Micro so most of the gifts we got were all pretty useful and needed). Though we did find ourselves at Babies R Us in the middle of the night trying to figure out what else we needed. 

There's nothing wrong with hand-me-downs. Unless you're super rich, using second-hand items for your new baby isn't the worst thing in the world. Be wary of borrowing or purchasing used car seats, cribs, high chairs, mattresses, etc...that may wear and tear faster. Baby clothes--is a perfect example. If Micron turns out to be a "little princess," well then, my best friend has me covered there. With two girls under her belt, she's passing on some of their clothes so that I won't have to go out and spend too much money buying clothes for Micron, for where there is already no space in my apartment to park it.

Utilize your online resources to find discounts or free stuff. Craigslist or Freecycle are great ways to search for baby items you don't want to splurge on.

You may receive a ton of gifts and gear when you're having your first baby. Fortunately for us, we had four baby showers and everyone was very generous... to the point our tiny two bedroom started to feel like a walk-in closet (that still is the case today). Baby items take up A LOT of space. Our second bedroom became a guest bedroom/baby room/office all-in-one.

A little planning and some resourceful thinking, you are on your way to one of life's greatest gifts--your new baby. So enjoy what's left of this thing called "sleep," privacy, and a night alone. Heck, taking a shower is a luxury. Before you know it, that stork will drop your baby on your footstep faster than you think. Besides, the only thing a child needs in this world is LOVE.