40 Things Frugal Moms Actually Need For The First Baby

I remember looking up registry ideas on the interwebs when I was expecting my first baby.  Getting lost in Pinterest finding lists like “The Ultimate Amazon Baby Registry Checklist: Must Haves from an Experienced Mom” or “WHAT DO YOU REALLY NEED TO REGISTER FOR WHEN YOU ARE EXPECTING YOUR FIRST BABY?”.  I would read them and discover a lot of fancy items that weren’t actually necessities.  Sure, that wipes warmer might be neat, but was it something I actually needed? Fortunately, I had some older women in my life to tell me what truly was need, and it wasn’t a “blooming sink bather”.  

Several years later I had a friend who was expecting her first baby.  She was on an extremely tight budget, her mom was far away, and she wanted the lo-down.  So, I compiled a list of the basic baby items for her and I also included my thoughts on each one.  The list wasn’t for this blog, it was simply my honest advice to a friend, but I am glad that I saved it so I can share it with you as well! 

Baby Gear: 

Baby Monitor:  You will want it for when you go outside after your little one is asleep or napping.   We have this $30 vtech monitor – just sound (no video) – it has lasted us for about 5 years now. I like it because it isn’t all staticky. It is silent unless the baby makes noise or it is out of range.  We can bring it across the street to hang out with neighbors and still be within the range.  Also, I didn’t want the video because I knew I’d be constantly checking it which would effectively increase my anxiety.  It is good and healthy to just have a break! 

Swing/Bouncy Seat:  If I were in a small apartment, I would just get a swing.  Sometimes a swing is the only way they will sleep outside your arms and you want a place to set her in your living area. They don’t use it for too long, but it is pretty important. A bouncy seat is nice, but it can be redundant with the swing.  Again, they do not use them for long.  This is a good item to buy second hand or borrow. Remember that batteries are expensive!  It is ideal to find one that plugs in.  If you decide to put a swing on your registry this is the one we own.  I like it because it is small, it folds up for travel, and it is quiet.

Stroller:  This is one to put some thought into and research.  You’ll likely use it until your little one is about 3.  Think about how you plan to use it and look at the storage underneath and the sun visor.  How much the baby can recline is also important. You must prioritize features based on your own lifestyle (e.g., jogger or double or whatever).  I do think the sun visor is important or you can toss a swaddle blanket over the top to keep the sun out of your baby’s eyes.  You can get a “nice” one on Craigslist too, but even if you buy used I would do a little research into the brands and features.  We own this Jogger (or an older version of it), and it has worked well for us over the past 6 years. It has had an issue with the front wheel getting stuck and not rotating, but all in all it has been an adequate purchase. I am still using it with our third baby. We love our Double stroller, and we found it on Craigslist for a relatively inexpensive price. If you will need a double I highly recommend this one. There is nothing about it I would change and I love it enough that I feel confident to recommend the single stroller version of it too even though I don’t own that one.

Car Seat: it really doesn’t need to fit with the stroller – if you have a c-section it is nice to have one that snaps into a stroller or a cart, but it isn’t necessary.  Weight matters because they get super heavy with the baby and sometimes you will need to haul it around with the baby inside. We own a Graco seat that is compatible with our jogging stroller.

Diaper Bag:  Most likely, this will replace your purse for a year. It doesn’t have to be an actual diaper bag.  I think a bag with some structure (not floppy) and compartments is nice, but I know moms who simply use a backpack.  You’ll also want to wash it occasionally if you spill milk in it or something.  I prefer the over the shoulder kind rather than the backpack kind because I can access it with one hand while holding a baby but it is a matter of opinion.

Pack-N-Play:  Simple is good! It doesn’t need to have a changing table and all that.  Get a used one.  You can sew or purchase a sheet for it.  You may not really need this depending on your lifestyle!  But if you travel or go over to people’s houses and want to put her to bed anywhere other than her crib it is nice to have. I often have mine set up in the living room with some toys as a place for her to play when I am not watching.  I have also used a laundry basket for the same purpose.  Again, it is a lifestyle choice and not truly a necessity.

Crib: It’s a bed.  Don’t overthink it!  They’d be happy in a laundry basket for the first few months!  You can get a used crib and get a mattress for it.  You only need a couple crib sheets too.  If they are having problems leaking diapers at night you can put a pad or towel down and just wash that instead of constantly changing sheets. 

Baby Backpack:  I never used one so I don’t believe this is a need.  I think they are hard on your back and it is ok to set the baby down or let others hold her.  If you are into baby-wearing I would advise spending the money to get a good one for the sake of your back.  

Bath: I always just bathed them with me or in the kitchen sink until they were old enough to sit up.  Sometimes I just fill up the tub a couple inches, take off my shoes and socks, and squat over the top of them while I wash them off.  You could just use a plastic bin.  It is such a short season – don’t spend money here.

Toys and books: Well, of course you’ll want them, but people will give them to you as gifts too so don’t stress about it too much.  If you put them on your registry think a little beyond what a tiny baby will want.  Register for things that she’ll enjoy as a toddler too. All three of my girls have loved this book.

Clothes and Diapers:

Diapers and Wipes: Wait to stock up on newborn diapers because how many you use will depend on the size of your baby!  – but size 1, 2, and 3 you’ll need a lot of.  Newborn (6-10 per day) 12 month old (4-5 per day) They will give you a little pack of wipes and a little pack of diapers at the hospital but you’ll for sure want MORE wipes when you get home.  You can never have too many wipes.  You will find you use them until your kid is about 10 years old. 

Changing Table: Really up to you.  You don’t need a special table. We just use a dresser with a changing pad on top.  I have a lot of friends who never use a changing table and just change them on their bed or wherever.  My mom just has a towel folded up on a little table for when she watches the grandchildren.  You do spend a lot of time changing diapers so I would recommend changing them on a surface that is a good height like a dresser or countertop for the sake of your back.

Bin with a Lid: You don’t NEED a diaper genie (and keep in mind that for some of those you have to buy little special bags that add up cost wise).  But a trash can with a lid is nice to limit the smell.  And if you have a dog they sometimes like to get into the dirty diapers. We have something very similar to this.

Clothes: People will give you lots so wait to buy clothes…unless you see something you can’t resist!  It happens.  You will need very few newborn things because she will likely grow out of them extremely fast.  Between 0-6 months the main messes will be spit up and diaper blowouts.  Think 1-2 outfits each day and a pair of jammies. Between 6-12 months the main messes will be food and you’ll want 2 outfits a day and jammies.  Jammies can often be worn again so you could probably get away with using 4-5 a week with no problem.  If you register for clothes, register for 6 to 18 month and beyond because people don’t give you as many of those secondhand.   

Laundry: Have dawn, hydrogen peroxide, and baking soda on hand for the laundry.  I kept an ice cream pail of water near the washer and put any stained items in there.  Once a week I’d go through and scrub those three products in with an old toothbrush and then I’d wash it again.  Lifesaver for stains.  Powdered Oxiclean is also very helpful for reducing spit-up stains.

Swaddle Blankets: I am a firm believer in swaddling, so I like to have at least two nice swaddle blankets.  I love the Aden and Anais brand.  They are big enough (44X44) and I have washed them thousands of times with no real wear. I would definitely register for these.  Go gender neutral so you can use them for future babies. You can use them for lots of things like blocking out the sun when she is sleeping in the stroller, laying your baby down on the floor at a friends’ house, a light blanket for hot weather when she is older, or even as an impromptu nursing cover. 

Sleep Sacks:  They won’t swaddle forever but then they still won’t keep a blanket on!  Enter the sleep sack.  I have 2 warm and 2 cool ones so that if one is in the wash we are ok. My girls were pretty dependent on having a sleep sack. This one is nice for Winter in Minnesota.

Spit-up Bibs: These are almost more important than clothes because they always cover up clothes! Get 2 per day at least! (8-14 total depending on how often you intend to do laundry!)

Eating:

High Chair:  Along with the stroller, this is one to research.  You’ll use it for a long, long time, and many times a day.  Get one that is easy to clean because you’ll clean it 6 times a day for about a year.  We actually have 2. One for our kitchen and another one that folds up super small for travel.  Cleanability and a removable/washable tray are the two most important features.  The next most important features are size and appearance (it is going to be hanging out in your kitchen for about two years!)

Bottles: For in the beginning.  I like the Dr. Brown ones but they all work!  You’ll need a bottle brush too.  Even if you plan on exclusively nursing there will likely be a time where you pump milk and your husband or a babysitter feeds the baby.

Bibs: Get one or two smock bibs that have sleeves (like these) and a plastic bib with a good cup at the bottom.  I would layer both types of bibs and it saved me hours of laundry. My daughters used the smock bibs for art smocks when they painted until they were about 4. 

Sippy Cups:  Register for a Munchkin 360 cup.  Other than those we use the cheapo Take and Toss sippy cups.

Spoons and Forks.  I really just like using demitasse spoons (like, for tea parties) rather than the plastic baby spoons…they are the right size, pretty, and they use them a long time.  As for forks they can probably just get away with a salad fork so that you don’t have to buy anything special. 

Snack Cups: The little Munchkin Snack catcher cups where you can reach your hand in but all the snack doesn’t fall out….so nice when you need to bring food places! 

Plastic Bowls: Some little plastic bowls are nice to have. The Take and Toss cheapo ones are great.

For the medicine cabinet:

You can register for all these. 

Colic Calm: No other brand!  It is pricey so register for it, but don’t go out and buy it until you actually need it.

Gas Drops: These are pretty cheap, and any brand will do.

Ibuprophine: For after 6 months.

Tylenol: You will want this for fevers and for teething.

Thermometer:   This one is fairly important and you’ll want to research so that you get one that works well. There are so many types. a rectal thermometer works best when they are babies. Later on, you’ll want an oral or forehead thermometer. We have had many. The forehead thermometers we’ve purchased have been quite unreliable despite their good Amazon reviews.

Baby Wash and Lotion: I like having Aquafor for my baby lotion.  It also helps with most rashes as well. I just use the generic tear free baby wash from our grocery store.

Nose Frida: FOR SURE!!!!!!!  You’ll use it until they can blow their nose independently around age 3.  It seems gross but it really isn’t.

Windi: – This is a strange little tube you insert in your baby’s bum and it helps her release gas. Weird, but super effective.  Like the Colic Calm I wouldn’t rush to buy these until you actually need them but I would put them on my registry. 

Humidifier: This can wait until you need it, but you will want it when your baby gets their first cold. I wouldn’t rush to buy it, but I would add one to my registry.

Desitin: You will want a diaper rash cream of some type. I use a generic brand. Coconut oil is also a great soother for various skin ailments including mild yeast issues, cradle cap, eczema, etc. 

Pacifier Many babies like the “soothie” brand pacifiers. I would have one or two ready. You can buy more once you know what your baby favors.

For YOU at home postpartum: 

Nursing bras: If you breastfeed you’ll want at least two bras that are functional for that purpose. I have found decent ones at Walmart or Target for $15-20.  You don’t NEED a nursing bra but I think they are helpful.  In the beginning you are nursing quite frequently and it can be a little bit uncomfortable. You are also learning a new skill. I remember the awkwardness of nursing in public – trying to juggle everything around under a nursing cover while maintaining some illusion of privacy. A sports bra or a bra that clips in the front may also work fine.   I used my nursing bras for about the first 5-6 months and then switched to my regular bra.  Underwire bras were really uncomfortable for me in the very beginning.  You’ll also want some nursing pads because at the beginning sometimes you’ll leak milk.  I think the disposable ones are uncomfortable….and I always used them enough to buy the reusable washable ones.  I used 2 a day in the beginning and then 1 a day until about 4 months.  You can find most of what you’ll need at a store like Target or Walmart.

Super Pads: Have these and a variety of other pads ready to go. You’ll bleed quite a bit and it can last for a while.  Hospitals typically provide what you need for the first few days but then you’ll want to switch to your own undies and pads. I would also highly recommend having some Epsom salts for bathing and Tucks pads for postpartum.  Things will be a little rough for about 2 weeks or less down in your nether regions. Don’t worry because it all heals pretty fast!

Freezer Meals: Make a few meals ahead of time! Friends and family often bring meals but it is nice to not have to worry about it!

Nipple Cream: Ask for samples at the hospital. Nursing can also be rough for about a week, but it gets better!  Latch is everything! Typically, hospitals and birth centers will offer some guidance here. As awkward as it is for some stranger to analyze your nursing technique, I would take advantage of this service. It may save you a great deal of soreness and frustration.

Pump:  If you aren’t going to work outside the home you may not really need a double electric pump.  I’d for sure get a little hand pump (and that is probably covered by your insurance.)  You can get a decent pump on Craigslist or from a friend if you decide you want it.  I rarely used my electric pump.  For dates and outings  I would bring my hand pump in a zip lock with a sealable container and just pump in the car or in the bathroom.  I also had an oversupply of milk at the beginning so I used to pump a little just before I nursed with the little hand pump. You may want to look into the proper size breast shield for your pump. Having the right size will make a difference in comfort and effectiveness.

Resources:  I would HIGHLY recommend reading Babywise by Ezzo. Not “other peoples’ thoughts on Babywise”, but the actual book!  You’ll learn more about nursing and baby sleep there than in any other book. Loving the Little Years by Rachel Jankovich is a priceless resource full of humor and wisdom. I would also recommend Parenting by the Book by John Rosemond. His book offers more of a long range vision of parenting.

There you have it! Overspending and having all the cool “stuff” is not what will make you a wonderful mother. Love does that.

Share your thoughts in the comments and share this with any expecting mothers you know!

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