what do i need?

Question

ok so im going to go shoping to get stuff for my baby, and what do i need for my baby im on a tight budget like $500 at the most

Answer 1

$500 should be plenty if you shop carefully.

Check out freecycle and craigslist in your area. Good way to get free or inexpensive used items. Be very careful about used cribs or carseats. Cribs need to be fairly recent to make sure they are up to safety standards. And carseats are unsafe if they have been in an accident or if they are more than 6 years old. Many firestations and police stations will inspect carseats to make sure they are safe.

Thrift stores are a great place to get baby clothes. Babies outgrow their clothes so quickly that they stay in really good shape.

Check out WalMart or Target online to see what is available before you go shopping, you'll get some ideas and be able to make a list.

All the pp had good suggestions. I'm going to throw this extra thought out there......you don't need to get special laundry detergent. Unless your baby has very sensitive skin or allergies, regular detergent is just fine. The baby books say so and I've asked my doctor. I've been a foster parent to many babies and none of them ever had problems from regular detergent.

Here is my suggestion list:

crib (Walmart has decent ones for under $100)
crib mattress and sheets
bottles and nipples
bottle brush for cleaning
stroller (check craigslist for inexpensive ones)
carseat, rear facing
blankets (at least 3)
Baby wash/shampoo
Diapers (check out Target brand, I love them, just like Huggies)
Wipes
Destin or other diaper ointment
clothes (you can skip newborn sizes if your budget is tight, newborns can wear clothes that are too big as long as they don't cover the face)
thermometer
nasal bulb (for clearing out nose)
baby bath tub (or you can put a towel the bottom of the bath tub and lay the baby on that to keep from slipping)
hooded towels for after bath time (at least 2)
pacifiers (just get one to start, not all babies take to them and the hospital might send a couple home with you)
rattle or other appropriate toy

Answer 2

If you're on a tight budget, you may want to check consignment shops. But also if you shop there, make sure to check the recall lists to make sure they haven't been recalled. With that being said, you may also want to purchase your car seat new. You never know if it was in an accident and once it has been in an accident it is not safe anymore. So a basic list of things you will need
1. car seat - if funds are tight, you can get a reversable seat instead of an infant carrier
2. crib, again if funds are tight you may want to look into a pack and play, instead of a crib. Most pack and plays come with a changing table on the top, so that could kill 2 birds with 1 stone for you
3. at least 7 sleepers. Contrary to what everyone says, your baby will live in these, if you are lucky and your baby does not throw up you will be ok with this many
4. 1 package of cloth diapers, they are great as burp cloths
5. at least 10 bibs
6. bottles, both sizes 4 and 8 oz if you are going to bottle feed
7. diapers, only buy 1 package you never know how they will fit your child as each one is different and you may not like the brand. Personally I prefer Huggies, they didn't leak like Pampers.
8. 10-12 onsies
9. winter snow suit, if you are in a cold place
10. socks
11. Dreft or simiar to wash clothes in, baby skin is sensitive
12.blankets, and lots of them to swaddle the baby
13. pacifier if you are going to use them, stick with one brand and one kind, and keep many in the house
14. crib sheets
15. Lots of love.

Enjoy your newborn

Answer 3

A carseat if you plan to drive anywhere. A stroller if you are a walker.

You need somewhere for baby to sleep, though for the first little while pretty much anything will work, or baby can sleep with you.

You'll need some clothes, like onesies and sleepers. If you're on a tight budget, skip the cute little outfits that baby will only wear once.

If you're on a tight budget, I recommend breastfeeding, but if you must use formula, you'll need equipment for that as well.

Good luck!

Answer 4

Head to consignment shops - you can get great, gently used clothes for a fraction of the price...and a lot of consignment places only stock good brand name clothes that stand up to washing well...

One thing that I've found to be worth its weight in gold for the first few months is a baby bouncy seat - you can get them for $30 brand new...here's an example...http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2470481. You can get more expensive ones, but the cheaper ones are still fantastic.

When baby gets bigger, an exersaucer is great - you can find tons of those at consignment places for a fraction of the retail price.

Don't bother with baby towels, washcloths, etc, unless you really want them...regular towels and cloths work fine, and are much more absorbent than the baby variety.

Answer 5

I made a really long list... Then researched everything online to find the best price. $500 can go a really long way. Go to walmart its cheap.
If you think about you dont really need that much. If you have a dresser then you dont need a changing table just a Changing pad. If you have a bassinet you dont need a crib til the baby is like 3 months old. You need a bath tub, grooming kit, car seat, stroller,Diapers and wipes. Cloths and blankets.

Answer 6

diapers, sleepers, bottles, tylenal, recieving blankets, bibs, wash clothes, bath wash, gripe water, nail clippers, baby poweder, baby lotion, baby wipes, soothers (if you want), car seat, something for baby to sleep in, bassinet will be ok till you get money for a crib in a few months.
here is what it will approx cost for this list at wal mart:
about 327.. that is with 2 packs diapers about 80, 100 in sleepers, 90 bucks on a car seat, the other stuff is cheap enough there so that should leave you with almost 200 bucks, we got a bassinet at malmart for 180 bucks...

Answer 7

Diapers
Rash ointment
wipes
baby wash
lotion
baby q-tips
infant tylenol (consult doctor before using)
breast pump if you are nursing
bra pads
nipple ointment (b/c they tend to crack and get sore)
onesies
sleepers
burp cloths
wipe warmer (I got this and it was wonderful so they don't get that shock)
bottles
bottle scrubber
car seat
stroller
cover for car seat (if you're using a carrier) for the cold
blankets
towels
wash cloths
rattles
stuffed animal (but don't put in crib)
bumper pads for crib
cribs sheets (get extras)
waterproof pads for changing table
diaper bag
rocking chair.
video camera
camera
extra film

I could go on and on, but I would go through and see what you would REALLY need. Good luck!

Answer 8

Before you go shopping, call your family and friends and see if they have any baby things they'd like to donate (to you, of course). Sometimes people you know have lots of good, barely used things stored in their house that they don't want to offer you for fear of insulting you. I got so many things from my aunt (she had a houseful of baby things she bought to babysit her grandkids with) like the crib, a really nice crib mattress, changing table, baby books, toys, clothes clear up to 12 months, burp cloths, towels, washcloths, sheets, a bassinet. She was thrilled to be cleaning out her basement and I was thrilled to score so many nice, free things. Then I took my little baby budget and splurged on room decorations, a rocking chair, and adorable outfits. :)

But, if you can't find any freebies from family and friends, then I would recommend buying a sturdy crib, a basinett, lots of onsies and little sleeper outfits, and a baby swing (with rechargable batteries). Everyone I know swears the baby swing saved thier life!

Answer 9

Go to a consignment store. While there buy...

a crib
bedding
a infant carrier with carseat base attachment
clothes
blankets
spit clothes
a diaper bag
bottles (if not breastfeeding...breastfeeding is the cheapest way)
a swing
a stroller (or buy the 3 in 1 ..it is a carrier with carseat attachment and it also includes the stroller attachment)

this should be enough for now, but know you will be buying a lot more soon!!

Good luck!!

Answer 10

Babies don't really need a lot of 'stuff' in the beginning, despite what advertisers would have us believe. Start with the basics, and add things as you find you need them.

Clothing
Diapers & wipes
Blankets
Changing table or pad
Carseat
Sling
Bathtub

If you breastfeed, you won't need the expense and bother of bottles.
If you co-sleep, you won't need a crib.