Shopping tips for new parents
By Michelle Warren • Bankrate.com

When my daughter turned 1, I realized there's one thing parents need to survive baby's first year -- besides good friends and family. Sure, the emotional support of loved ones is nice, but what's really crucial is monetary support.

Babies are priceless, but they're also expensive. With the array of goods marketed to new parents, buying for baby is overwhelming, and people get swept up in the dangerous idea that more is better. So, before embarking on a buying frenzy, the first thing you should do is define your priorities.

"Talk to as many mothers as you can who live a similar lifestyle to you," advises Rebecca Rose, who has two young boys. "It'll save you buying products that aren't that great and stuff you don't need."

New or used
Second hand doesn't mean second-rate, and used baby gear is a burgeoning business with stores in most kid-friendly neighbourhoods. You should ensure used items meet safety standards by checking Web sites such as Health Canada, Safe Kids Canada or the Juvenile Product Manufacturers Association.

With five boys born into Rose's extended family within five years, she says sharing baby gear makes sense: "Between us, we bought one of many things and trade them back and forth. This saves storage and money."

Most parents like to buy a new crib mattress and car seat, unless they're inherited from someone they know. It's amazing what parents with older children are willing to give away. "Get the word out that you will accept hand-me-downs," advises Martha Walkey, who recently landed a used double stroller.

Baby showers are also invaluable. If you're inheriting most of the day-to-day stuff, encourage friends to pool their money for big-ticket items like a car seat or highchair, which cost between $70 and $250 each.

"The one thing I learned is that if people want to do something for you, let them," says new mom Julia Harbinson. "It may feel odd to tell people what to buy, but usually they're happy to be involved and they'd rather spend money on something you really need."

Nursery necessities
At first, the baby will likely sleep in a bassinet ($175 or more), or in your bed, but a crib is essential. Cribs start at $150 and can exceed $1,000. You should equip it with a firm mattress ($40 to $150), as well as waterproof crib pad (about $30), and three sheets ($6 and up). Comforters and bumper pads are unnecessary and potentially dangerous.

Parents are divided over change tables. "It saves back strain, and it keeps everything in one place," says Walkey. However, it has little function beyond the first year. "A change table is a waste of money -- invest in a dresser," advises Simone Christensen, who suggests topping it with a $20 contoured pad.

Gliding rocking chairs, worth $300 or more, also have little function beyond the nursery, and they're expensive -- invest in a chair you'll use later. As for baby monitors, which run between $40 and $150, they're only necessary if your house is large -- otherwise you'll hear the baby cry.

Travels with baby
One thing upon which all new parents agree is that getting out of the house is vital. "If you think you're going to want to get out for a walk every day, no matter what the weather, you should invest in a good stroller with big wheels and one that can grow with the baby," says new mom Kathryn Hayward.

Durable models start at about $120 and skyrocket to more than $1,000. If you use transit, buy one that's easy to lift.

If you drive, a car seat is a must. An infant-only version, which costs between $130 and $300, is convenient because it snaps in and out of the car or stroller. Later, invest in a convertible seat, for between $130 and $350, that will accommodate a growing child.

Most parents agree baby carriers, worth $70 to $175, are fantastic, while diaper bags, available for as little as $20, are hit and miss. "They're generally overpriced, kind of gaudy, and not necessary," says Rose. "I started using a backpack and found it much more convenient."

Nuts and bolts
You'll change about 2,900 diapers a year at a cost of $1,300 for disposables, plus $40 for an airtight diaper bin. Cloth diaper services cost about $840 a year, plus plastic pants ($5 to $15 each) and a diaper pail (about $30).

To save money, buy cloth diapers -- for an initial investment of about $300 -- and wash them yourself. "It's two extra loads of laundry a week, which isn't a big deal, and it's estimated that we'll save at least $1,000," says Hayward.

The do-it-yourself route is also cheaper for feedings. Breast milk is free, and it's all babies need for the first four to six months. Formula costs about $50 a week, plus bottles and a must-have microwave sterilizer ($30). Breastfeeding moms also should buy a good hand-pump ($50 to $120), nursing pillow ($20 and up) and nursing bra ($30 and up), as well as lanolin cream, breast pads and nipple shields.

Making your own food is marginally cheaper than buying jars. "We've probably only saved $10 tops a week, but if that $10 lets us go out for lattes on Saturday, it's worth it," says Hayward.

Invest in a first-aid kit with medicine droppers, a bulb syringe and digital thermometer. Other necessities include nail clippers and safety gates. Baby tubs are a waste -- it's just as easy to use the sink -- or you can bathe with baby until she's old enough to splash solo.

What to wear
People vary widely on what they're willing to spend on clothes. Keep in mind that sleepers and undershirts will be the ensemble of choice day and night for at least the first few weeks. You'll need at least half a dozen outfits (don't waste money on newborn clothes, as babies outgrow them within days), as well as hats, socks, bibs, receiving blankets, hooded towels (although a regular towel will do), and seasonal gear.

Assess your lifestyle to determine what you need, what you can get used, and where you want to splurge. If you're lucky, the best money you'll spend will be on a nice box of thank-you cards.

Michelle Warren is a freelance writer in Toronto.