Shopping For Baby on a Budget

1 Newborn Shoes

Look, newborn shoes are just about as cute as it gets. I get it. But the fact is that baby kicks are pricey and rarely stay put — plus, babies don't walk. Get a few showstopping pairs, but there is no need to stock up.

Source: Flickr user Thomas

1 / 5

2 Expensive Bottles

When I was pregnant with my first child, I stocked up on a slew of absurdly expensive nipple-like all-natural bottles as I anticipated my designer-baby-bottle-sucking baby to arrive. Guess who's baby never took a bottle? This mama. And guess what is not returnable? Unused baby bottles. Learn from my mistakes, and save your cash until you know what bottle your child likes (or will even take).

Source: Flickr user Alicia Voorhies

2 / 5

3 Pacifiers

Expensive is not always better when it comes to pacis. And just like with bottles, babies can be picky when it comes to these little suckers.

Source: Flickr user Josar Photos

3 / 5

4 Expensive Rattles

Expensive rattles are just that: expensive rattles. These little playthings rarely capture baby's attention longer than a few minutes — and the pricey silver ones are generally more for looks than play. Sure, it may serve as a nice keepsake, but I personally want to hang on to items that my kids actually loved and used.

Source: Flickr user US CPSC

4 / 5

5 Warmers

Bottle warmers and wipe warmers are great if you're willing to shell out the dough, but they are also completely unnecessary (and add dangerous cords to your babe's room). Here are simple tricks from seasoned moms to solve the cold problem: place the bottle in microwaved water for a few minutes, or hold the wipe in your hand for a few seconds.

Source: Flickr user Bradley Gordon

5 / 5