The Basic Needs for Anyone Expecting a Baby!

Recently I was asked by a friend of mine what kind of things you really need when you have a baby. I just had my second son and my first son is almost 3. She is going to be a single mother and she really doesn't have a lot of money. Babies are expensive but expenses can really add up when you aren't sure what you need. There are tons of things out there and although they may look cute, half the stuff you really don't need.

The basic things you need at first are a crib, dresser, stroller, baby hangers, pacifiers (if baby uses them), diapers, wipes, diaper rash cream, clothes, car seat, swing or baby seat, bottles, and formula if you don't plan to breastfeed. Some optional things are a pack and play, these are nice to have if you get the ones with the built bassinet, or if you travel a lot or have house with an upstairs, it's easier to let the baby lay in there and also good for changing diapers. If you do plan to breastfeed though, you may need to buy a breast pump, the electric ones are good if your child is going into daycare or you plan on going back to work. The manual ones take longer.

The basic clothes that you must have when you are first starting out are onsies, sleepers, bibs, socks, blankets, wash clothes, and outfits. You only need a couple of each of this if you can only afford a few of each, but you will be doing laundry more often. Check out thrift stores and sale racks to save some money, remember they only where them for a few months so don't spend a huge amount of money on them. You could also have a baby shower to let some of your friends and family help out with all the stuff you need.