First time parents will probably have a long list of what they need for the birth of their baby but is everything really required and necessary? The answer is probably not! It will either never come out the box or will end up being only used on a few occasions.

There are a few items of furniture which are a must and a few others which could be bought but it is not essential to buy new, second hand or given by others will suffice.

The most essential item required for a new born is a crib or Moses basket. It is not essential that these items are bought new but ensure that the mattress is new due to SIDS.

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A Moses basket may look lovely but you will probably only get a couple of months at most out of it and if this is to be your only child definitely not value for money!

A crib on the other hand will see your baby until they are six months old and are of much sturdier construction. They are only a fraction more expensive than a Moses basket however are much more durable and long lasting. A crib that can be rocked will also help soothe your child to sleep and give you some quality ‘me time’.

It is recommended that your child sleeps in the same room as you until they are six months old and a crib should see you through to the next stage.

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A pram is also an essential. It is of purely personal choice whether you opt for a travel system such as a three in one, a carrycot or an old fashioned pram. Each has their good and bad points. Again depending on the financial side, there is no harm in buying second hand. Just ensure you buy from a smoke free home and take it for a test drive. Also ensure it comes with instructions. If buying new, check the internet for price comparisons. Ebay is a very good source if you know which model you like and you should be able to buy BNIB (brand new in box) giving you that extra piece of mind. If you have a car, ensure the pram when folded fits inside. Common sense I know but you would be surprised! A pram that lasts till past the age of one is ideal as after this time a lighter weight buggy can be used and is less cumbersome.

[baby stroller new,2,0,110]

The next main expense is whether to buy a cot or a cot bed. The difference being that a cot bed should see your child up to the age of four. Also a cot bed is much bigger in dimensions and more expensive. A brand new mattress conforming to all safety regulations is a must even though the cot may be second hand, ensure the mattress is not. Cot beds also require different bedding and if buying one ensure whoever is buying the bedding that they know this. If space is tight then a cot is ideal.

Also if you plan to have more than one child then a cot is probably the better option as your older child can be moved into a proper bed freeing up the cot for the new baby.

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There a variety of other essentials immediately required after birth such as a baby bottle steriliser (this can be electric or microwave) if bottle feeding, a breast pump if breast feeding, a small travel steriliser and travel change mat aswell as a baby change bag. Depending on the size of your house then a baby monitor may be required and hearing your baby breathe may be soothing to you as well.

Other non essentials that are often bought are changing tables, baby baths, and baby pillows aswell as bottle warmers. Baby baths are large and cumbersome and there are baby rests which you can buy that support your baby when bathing in the bath or sink that make the job so much easier. When changing your baby then as long as you have a large padded changing mat and flat surface then a changing station will probably be under utilised and a waste of time. Bottle warmers again are expensive especially when you can boil a kettle and takes the same time!

Be warned there are plenty of products out there that state they are essential during the first few months of your baby’s life but these really are a way of getting you and others to spend. If someone asks you what they should buy, then get them to buy vouchers so you can buy something essential later on or get them to put the money on a pre paid credit card so you can be every day essentials such as nappies and formula.

Baby Furniture for Frugal Families – Ideas to get you thinking frugally before rushing out to purchase furniture for your baby’s room.

Popular Nursery Theme Ideas for Baby Boys – The ultrasound showed that a bouncing baby boy is on the way. Now you need to prepare a room in which he can grow and have adventures.

Popular Nursery Theme Ideas for Baby Girls – You’ve found out that your precious bundle of joy will be a girl. Pictures of pink and frills suddenly fill your head. But, decorating for a little girl doesn’t have to be limited to pink.

During the Cold Age, the babies of cavemen were brought into a harsh world with none of the amenities available today. Fast forward to the 21^st century and your baby now has a countless variety of baby furniture at your disposal from electronic baby monitors to hi-tech diaper disposal systems. However, the dazzling array of baby furniture available can be confusing for new parents. So here are the basic essential baby gear you should have on hand:

• Baby Cribs – While your newborn can sleep in a comfy basket or even your bed, a crib is an essential part in your baby gear repertoire. Cribs come in all sizes and shapes. Pick one that will last your baby a long time. Plastic cribs are easy to clean and move. Wooden cribs are more aesthetically pleasing but are also more expensive.
• Federal law mandates that your baby be fastened in a car seat while traveling in a vehicle at all times. Therefore, you should definitely run out and find a suitable car seat before the baby even comes. Car seats also come in a variety of sizes. Pick one that will expand with your baby!
• Plastic bathtubs – This essential piece of baby equipment will save you from loosing all your hair. It’s perfect for a messy, wiggling baby and also very handy for a soothing bath.
• Baby Strollers – For a newborn or baby, getting fresh air out in the sun does wonders to development and health yet a toddler stroller is a big no-no. Your baby should not sit up in a stroller so find one that reclines.
• Carrier/Slings – For any busy or active mom, a body carrier for your precious baby is a must. Not only is a sling useful for keeping your baby close at hand but also frees you to finish all those exciting errands . Just make sure you get a durable one that fits snugly.
• Changing Tables – While a changing table is not necessary baby equipment, it’s very handy for changing messy diapers and keeping all your baby supplies without soiling your kitchen table. Many modern changing tables also include extra space for feeding and even storage.
• Swings – A swing is a godsend for soothing and calming your baby. The gentle swinging will quickly serenade your baby to a peaceful sleep. It’s definitely a worthwhile investment that will keep your hair in place for a couple more years.
• High chairs – wonderful when your baby sits up and wants to participate in family meal time

When new parents think of purchasing items for the nursery, the thought of buying baby furniture typically causes a new parent to panic. Visions of future credit card debt can make any new mom or dad break into a sweat.

However, there are ways to cut corners, and make furnishing the baby’s room less expensive. Here are a few ideas to get you thinking frugally before rushing out to purchase furniture for your baby’s room.

Baby Crib – New parents may think they need both a bassinet and a crib. The frugal shopper will choose to skip the bassinet, which is typically viewed as a luxury. The crib is a necessity, but the bassinet is only used for a few months, and is then stored in the garage.

When shopping for a crib, keep your eyes open for a bargain on a convertible style crib, which can transform from a crib, to a toddler bed, and then a full size bed. If you can invest in a convertible crib, it would alleviate the cost of a bed in the future.

Of course, co-sleeping is even more affordable than buying a crib or a bassinet. The decision to co-sleep can eliminate the expense of a crib all-together or delay the expense until you have time to shop around and find a bargain.

Baby Dresser – Baby’s dresser is an item that can oftentimes be picked up at a yard sale. Thrifty shoppers know that purchasing a full-sized dresser is more economical than buying a small dresser. Remember that you will eventually have to turn the baby room into a child’s bedroom, and a smart investment now can grow with your child through the years. Don’t be afraid to buy an older dresser. An older dresser can be as good as new with just a coat of paint, assuming all hardware is working well.

Changing Table – The changing table is a luxury for the frugal shopper. Check places like the Salvation Army and Goodwill as well as yard sales. These tables are often discarded when the baby outgrows them. Another option for a frugal changing table is to convert a full-size dresser into a changing table. If you search online, you can find instructions to easily turn your dresser into a safe place to change your baby. The changing table is an item some moms choose to do without, and, instead, set a blanket on the floor to change their babies on.

I am sure in a perfect world, we would all appreciate the luxury of going out and buying everything we need at a baby boutique. However, the reality is that baby does not need the most expensive furniture. Your baby needs only one thing, and that is you.

Information on Purchasing Baby’s Dresser

Baby’s dresser or baby chest of drawers make up the best part of the baby’s nursery furniture collection. They are simple and make the baby’s nursery look really cute. The nursery dressers made of wood should compliment the furniture in the room quite handsomely.

While purchasing baby dressers you need to take care of some basic things. They will definitely help you make the ideal choice:

1. See that the nursery dresser does not have loose pieces of furniture or toxic materials which your baby could chew.
2. Also, though they look decorative and beautiful the designer
   knobs and handles that go with the wood could be a problem for toddlers who might get themselves hurt. You just have to see that the furniture that you buy is of the right kind and not having any parts that could appear to harm the child.
3. Go for a baby dresser that does not have handles that protrude out. The dressers that have legs that appear to come away from the body of the dresser could at times trip the baby.
4. Go for a baby chest of drawers that could be made of plastic (non toxic ones) or any other safe material.

You can definitely design your nursery by putting in an adequate amount of style and light. Keep an overhead light in a baby’s room. A table lamp will also illuminate the nursery brightly and adequately. Just take care that the cord and see that the lamp is out of the reach of the baby. Choose what kind of light is tolerable and suited to the child without straining its eyes.

Nursery lighting is something which will beautify your nursery dressers, but you shouldn’t use halogen lights. If they are kept upright, there is a chance of them getting toppled or knocked over, which is not good for the child. Again it is a subjective opinion but consider your baby’s safety as important.

I had gone to my friend Nancy’s home where she had just bought a baby dresser that was nothing short of incredible. The baby was smiling sweetly and looked in high spirits. It was as if the baby wanted to be in the nursery dressers. It was as if it was telling me, “Would you like to be as comfy as me?”

Nancy’s baby dressers are made of plastic with a wooden finish or coating. It compliments well with the furniture in Nancy’s room. The light for the nursery is dim, just about the correct range falling over the baby’s crib without looking overtly gaudy. She has made a great choice regarding the baby’s chest of drawers and baby dressers.

© Copyright Randy Wilson, All Rights Reserved. Randy is owner of http://www.planning-a-baby-shower.com where you will find further tips on baby showers and http://www.planning-a-baby-shower.com/Baby-Shower-Games.html