Should You Scrimp or Splurge on Baby Gear?

Adorableness notwithstanding, not all the touted baby “essentials” are must-haves; most are actually nice-to-haves. And for the real must-haves, not all of them come with a high price tag. With a little effort, you can get essentials for cheap; even for free!

Infant Wear
Take note of the season: long-sleeved tops for December; breezier attire for the summer. Remember, babies grow quickly.
•    12 tie-side shirts
•    6 pairs each, mittens and
•    Booties
•    2 bonnets
•    4 onesies
•    Cold-weather clothes like pants and frogsuits


Splurge or Scrimp? Scrimp!
“I regret spending so much on clothes and toys,î says Bethany Salcedo, entrepreneur and mother of two. “People gave hand-me-downs and I have no qualms about using them.”

Baby’s Kikay Kit
•    Thermometer: Eduardo Borja, M.D., pediatrician at Cardinal Santos Medical Center in San Juan, says fevers in babies could be a cause for concern; you will need an accurate thermometer.
•    Nail clippers or scissors
•    Baby hairbrush
•    Alcohol and cotton buds: For cleaning the umbilical stump. Dr. Borja recommends 70 percent ethyl alcohol.
•    Nasal aspirator


Splurge or Scrimp? Scrimp.

Nappy Needs
•    Disposable diapers: Get small packs of different brands to see which one works best for baby before buying in bulk.
•    3 dozen cloth diapers: The gauze ones also work well as burp pads, emergency mop-up rags, and nursing covers.
•    4 pairs of diaper clips: For cloth diapers
•    Changing pad: Waterproof and easily washable
•    Cotton balls
•    Baby wipes
•    Water container: For dipping cotton balls
•    Diaper pail/container: You may repurpose any pail you already have at home.
•    Diaper cream: Get a small tube first to see what works.

Click here to read more about splurging or scrimping on feeding items and bath essentials for baby.