The Diary of a first time mom: A first time mom's baby check-list. Do you really need to buy that? (My candid advice)

Hi there, recently 2 pregnant friends who will also be first time moms, asked me to advise them on what to get and what not to get for themselves and their babies. We all know that first time moms are always very excited when it’s time to shop for their newborns and sometimes we (wink wink) tend to overdo it. Most first time moms (ftm) who have some available cash to spend on their babies buy things that "they like", which are not necessarily what the child 'needs'. I'm going to make a list of what babies 'need', 'want' and also what mothers 'need' and 'want'.

I have had to sell some excess stuff I bought, and i have also given out some that i couldn't sell. So, if I were to rate myself on a scale of 1-10 on the importance or necessity of the things i bought for my son and myself, I’ll give myself 8 (not bad right?). I pride myself in being a good organizer and event planner. For birthday parties, baby showers, bridal showers etc., I'm your 'to-go' girl. Just call on me. I should really work on this gift of mine and make it financially profitable, hehehe. Like i mentioned earlier, these lists are subject to available money at your disposal and they shouldn't be taken too seriously. It is wise to always plan according to your family finances, in other words, cut your jacket according to your size.

Before i go into these lists, please note the following:

1.      It’s best to find out from your close friends and families to know what they plan to give you before going on a shopping spree and end up with 2 or more of the same thing.

2.     If you choose to know the sex of your baby or babies, it will be a good idea to let your friends and family know this, except you're one of those superstitious people ;), because i don't think it'll be nice if you use a pink blanket or swaddle cloth for your baby boy, or wear blue clothes for your baby girl, which i have seen some moms do. If you however choose to keep the sex of your baby a 'secret', please tell them to only buy unisex things for your baby/babies.

3.     Remember that God can decide to bless you with both sexes,(except you do IVF and choose the sex of all your children) so you wouldn't want to buy a blue car seat for your next boy child all because you were too excited about your baby girl and chose to buy only pink stuff.

To be contd...