Buying for the new baby

You are about to welcome the arrival of your first baby.

It is such an exciting time.

It also is a time of many decisions and purchases.

While preparing for your new arrival and buying items for a new baby can be exciting but it can also be quite daunting.

There are so many products available. There are so many options.

The range of styles and the variety in costs can send you into a spin.

Where to start and what to buy?

Are you confused as to what to buy? Are you overwhelmed at the choice?

There are so many varying products on the market sometimes it is hard to know which one is the best one or the one that best suits your needs, or budget.

Recent surveys suggest it can cost up to $4000+ for purchases on a baby, especially if it’s your first born .

That figure may not include the furniture which alone can add up to and go beyond $6000.

It’s OK.

Don’t panic. You don’t have to buy up big.

Expensive does not equate to the best.

Be comforted that Australia has quite strict standards that items must adhere to. Therefore, you can generally be rest assured that your baby will be safe with any product on the market that follows the safety standards and guidelines. It is always best to check especially if you are buying second hand or are unsure. Doing your own research is key.

Sometimes yes, you get what you pay for in terms of bells and whistles or luxury, but when it comes to baby items buying on a budget may not mean huge compromises.

It is completely achievable to get what you need as well as quality within a budget or not breaking the bank.

There are the big ticket items such as the cot, pram and car seat.

And there are all the other items that are required on a day to day as well.

• Set a budget.
• Do your research.
• Talk to those around you who already parents.
• Read reviews on the products you are looking at. Be aware of the pros and cons. Your first preferred product may have a draw-back that doesn’t fully suit your needs or some may have an alternative that is more cost effective.
• Look at whether there is the option to hire or loan off friends/relatives in the beginning.
• Check out all the places- warehouses, clearance or end of stock sales, etc. If you do decide to buy second hand be wary and alert to the standards (for example baby capsules no longer meet standards if they are older than 10 years, etc). It is important to do a vigorous safety check on the products such as are there any cracks, do they meet safety standards and have the appropriate sticker and/or harness and so on.

We look into the safety standards more closely https://www.seriouslykids.com.au/minimum-standards-for-purchasing-products/ to help you in making an informed decision.

We have provided a few items as examples of what to look for when starting the purchase of products for your baby.

This is no particular order of necessity or recommendation.

Be mindful that it is clearly not exhaustive in relation to products you will purchase as you prepare for your baby.

It is more to provide the stepping stone, the starting point as you embark on your shopping trips with providing the foundational information and points to consider.

Also it is important to take into account your individual circumstances. Only you know what will work best for your needs, budget, space, lifestyle, etc.

Baby Monitor:

They can provide security and peace of mind but don’t solely rely on them. Monitors these days can even include movement sensors, night light, room temperature, and some can even provide night vision of your little one.

The range of signal and distance may vary and some can be affected by interference such as other electrical equipment.

The costs of monitors varies significantly.

Bed: bassinet/ cot/ crib / hammock:

When choosing bedding options for your newborn there is a range of choices depending on your choice, budget and the age of baby in terms of the length of use of the bed.

Slings, bassinets, cosy cribs, cots, hammocks, the options go on.

We recommend weighing up your options and factoring in the length of time the baby will use it compared with the cost as well as your preferred choice.

If you choose the bassinet option bear in mind that it is a short term option.

A baby will generally only use it for about 3-4 months or is only safe until they learn to roll.

If the one you choose has casters check that the bassinet can’t tip and that they have brakes.

Highchairs:

A highchair is not normally one of the first baby purchases as it is not immediately required.

Highchairs are generally suitable from about 6 months (or when they can sit unaided- as young as 4 months) until about 2 years (as at this point they generally like to be sitting at the table as a ‘big’ person).

Safety check on highchairs must have:

• If it has wheels that they are lockable and stable.
• Sturdy 5 point harness.Ensure with great caution that the booster seat and hook on seats are secured correctly.
• Easy to clean for hygiene.
• Strong framework. Make sure that it doesn’t collapse or sag if weight is put on it.
• If buying second hand ensure that it has the above-mentioned safety points and that it is in good working condition. This includes checking for cracks in plastic as a precaution for possible breakage.
• Place the highchair so that it is no closer than 500 mm to anything potentially dangerous. For example, not close to the stove if they are in the highchair while you are cooking, away from windows, etc.

Different features of highchairs:

• Folding ability
• Adjustable height positions
• Padding/comfort
• Dual trays
• Dishwasher safe
• Easy to clean
• Ease of placing the child in or out of the highchair.

• Pram
• Baby carrier/sling
• Breast pump
• Sterilizer
• Portable cot
• Sunshade for the car window
• Pram insert (for easier cleaning)
• Head support for pram/car seat
• Feeding pillow (Boomerang shaped tends to work best)
• Breast pads
• Nappy bag
• Change mat- portable
• Mosquito net- for bed and for pram
• Toys
• Safety – such as stair guards, power point plugs, etc.
• Mobile
• Night light
• Grooming equipment- safety clippers, brush, etc.
• Thermometer
• Even if you are intending on breast feeding it is recommended to have at least 2 bottles sterilized with some formula on hand just in case.
• Bottle warmer

And the list can go on…..