13 weeks pregnant...too soon to buy?

msb5262

Hi OP,

You are very kind to be thinking about what your sister wants/needs already. She's lucky to have you.

A slightly different viewpoint from me:

It's really easy to be tempted to buy loads of stuff...and actually babies don't need loads of stuff.

Things like nappies, wipes, breast pumps may not fit well/suit/be needed and may be cheaper to get when or if they are needed; most new babies don't need masses of clothes as their parents are inundated with gifts of clothes; and there are endless things which might be fun to have (e.g. bottle warmer, nappy stacker, wipe warmer (yes!), musical mobiles etc etc) but which aren't needed.

Many of them are expensive and have only limited use, and of course fill the house with clutter which then gets underfoot and needs to be organised/stored/disposed of.

The basic needs of a baby and its mother are simple: nappies, baby lotion and flannels/washable wipes, somewhere to sleep, bedding/muslins/a couple of sleepsuits, transport (sling/buggy/pram), thermometers for bedroom and bath, a sink or plastic bowl in which to be washed, a changing mat and something to carry nappies. Breast pads and good bras for breastfeeding, bottles and steriliser for bottlefeeding. One or two books and toys, and that's about it.

Many new parents love buying stuff they "must" have but it puts a massive strain on an already stretched budget if the family income has dropped due to the new arrival. If you are longing to buy things for your sister, ask her exactly what she wants and if she's not sure yet, maybe you could put some money aside or buy some vouchers so she can choose something she particularly likes! In due course she'll probably come to feel that less is more...I certainly did!

Best wishes

MsB