| By :
Molly Wider
With all the fun and funky stuff you can buy your newborn, how do you separate the junk from the gems? You want your child to have every advantage-toys that teach, experiences that enhance development, but the choices can seem overwhelming-and costly. Choosing what is best for your child will vary according to his or her particular needs-and you'll quickly learn whether your baby wants to be held, fed, or amused. Here, though, are a few buys that old-timers say you can likely do without to save you a few bucks on the way. Crib bumpers are a purchase you can likely live without unless your kid's the second coming of Mickey Rourke in "The Wrestler". In fact, Health Canada recommends that crib bumpers (and other soft things like toys or pillows) should not be in the crib at all. A baby wipe warmer is not the first purchase to make for your child, unless you live in an igloo in the Arctic. Even then, for the few seconds that wipe will be on your baby's chubby cheeks, warming it beforehand isn't likely necessary. Give the baby genies a miss. Babies smell. There's no doubt about it. But unless something scary-stinky is coming out of your little charmer, you don't need a high-tech disposal unit for the diapers. And soon enough, you'll love that new baby smell that says you're home, and all is well. Infant shoes are another high-end buy you can give a miss. We all believe our wonder child will walk early, but it's not likely going to happen before nine months of age, at least. So until then socks or booties will save you some pretty big bucks over those adorable kid leather baby shoes. Brand name clothes are the nemesis of many parents who dress themselves in rags and put their kids in Gap's finest. Believe it or not, your kid probably isn't brand name savvy-and do you really want to teach them that lesson? Choose used clothes and hand-me-downs to save you a bundle. If you really want a special outfit, check out eBay, Craigslist or Kijiji for bargain prices. Every parent wants to give their child a dream room, complete with color coordinated wallpaper, rugs, rocking chair, crib, changing table, and the list goes on. It seems impossible now, but your child will grow up very quickly, and outgrow many of the specialty items you purchase as well as the expensive baby wallpaper with matching paint, curtains and bedding. Keep the decorating simple, and buy used or take hand-me-downs. People have so much baby stuff to give away because kids outgrow it before they can possibly wear it out. So keep that in mind for your own purchases, and look for gently used seconds that often they look as good as new anyway.
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