Choosing baby's equipment
© DK
Shop around and find out what's available before you make your final choices, and always think of the equipment in relation to your lifestyle. For example, if you feel perfectly relaxed about bathing your baby in the sink, don't bother buying a baby bath just because most people do.
Similarly, if you really like the idea of a large carriage pram and you have a big enough hall, an easy route to shops and parks, and you can afford one, then go ahead and buy a pram. Some people think it unlucky to buy too many things before the birth. Check to see if you can choose what you need but not pick it up until you're ready.
Second-hand equipment can be fine
It isn't essential to buy everything new. Babies grow so quickly that some items that are essential for a brief time are useless within a couple of months. Many families are quite happy to lend or sell such items, so keep an eye open in newsagents, local papers and clinics as well as at house and garage sales and on Internet sites. The only stipulation I'd make when buying second-hand, apart from checking for general wear and tear, is to check that surfaces are smooth and rust-free and that, where applicable, they still comply with the latest safety regulations.
Don't buy too many baby clothes before the birth. You will need to have the basics (see Choosing Clothes) ready, but you'll find that relatives and friends love buying for a new baby and you'll probably find that many items are duplicated.
Buy a car seat
This is a basic purchase, you can't bring your baby home from hospital in a car without a baby seat. Check that it is comfortable to carry; some also clip into a special pushchair frame.
However, never buy a second-hand car seat. It may have been damaged in an accident and will probably not have the original instructions so may be difficult to fit correctly.
New Babycare
Copyright © 2009 Dorling Kindersley
Text copyright © 2009 Miriam Stoppard
Posted 30.06.2010
Get more on this subject…
