I’d like to introduce Katie from Moore From Katie.

Splurge or Save? Newborn Baby Edition!

I remember feeling overwhelmed when I walked into the baby store to register for items before the birth of my daughter. There were so many items, so many features, and a ton of promises about how each purchase would make my first months into motherhood that much easier. Now that my daughter is no longer an infant - we are preparing for preschool! - I can reflect on what was worth spending extra for and what is worth saving on. Those first few months can be made easier with some baby items. So lets explore: splurge or save? Newborn baby edition!

Splurge - Car Seat

You can’t even leave the hospital without one, so purchasing a high-quality car seat prior to the birth of your baby is key. All mothers are concerned with safety, so know the ratings for the seat you choose. Also, there are many different types of car seats. I chose a convertible one that goes from infant seat to rear facing to forward facing to booster! My daughter is still in it! Now that’s a splurge that pays off.

Splurge - Cord Blood Banking

Helping to protect the future health of your new baby and family can be about more than just having the right health remedies in the house and attending regular doctor’s appointments. The blood from your newborn’s umbilical cord can be collected and stored after birth. Cord blood banking saves the precious stem cells contained within the cord blood. Cord blood can be banked publicly or privately, but with a private bank you would have access your own cord blood stem cells, if ever needed. Do your research and learn about your options - it’s worth it.

Save - Baby Clothes

Newborn babies grow very quickly, so you’ll find you may only need a few items in each size. Also, because babies go through these early outfits quickly, they tend to stay in great shape. I shopped second hand at consignment and thrift shops to save a ton of money on her wardrobe. After she was done with them, if they were still in great shape, I sold them right back to the resale store!

Save - Laundry Detergent

I learned this one the hard way. After spending a ton of money on laundry detergent designed for newborn babies and infants, I realized that there wasn’t a magical formula for the soap. It was just dye-free and fragrance-free to avoid irritating gentle skin, so I switched to cheaper dye-free and fragrance-free detergents instead! Some moms even choose to make their own homemade natural laundry detergent.

With these few money saving tips, you’ll find that your wallet won’t be so stretched and your baby will be just as content as ever. There are many other items, like cribs and toys, that you can get as hand-me-downs- with some simple cleaning and disinfecting, these items are good as new for you and baby. The most important thing is a happy and healthy baby, so enjoy those precious moments while your little one is still little!

Katie Moore has written and submitted this article. Katie is an active blogger who discusses the topics of, motherhood, children, fitness, health and all other things Mommy. She enjoys writing, blogging, and meeting new people! To connect with Katie contact her via her blog, Moore From Katie or her twitter, @moorekm26.

Thanks Katie for guest blogging today.