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.
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