I was going through some very old emails and found one from my friend Lisa who was pregnant at the same time as I was when we had our first boys. “I found this list helpful, although surprisingly anal,” she wrote as she forwarded an email from another mom friend of hers. The list was in excel and it had 148 rows, each representing an item that might be bought by a very prepared new parent, from a portable bottle warmer to a nursing shawl. From where I sit now, it seems a ridiculously silly.
It reminded me that I want to point new readers to our Rookie Mom’s Shopping List where we highlight what to register for, what to buy, and what to borrow. I really get you if you are thinking, “Yuck, I don’t want to borrow anything for my special new baby. I want it straight from the store with all the cute packaging.” Ok, to each her own. Perhaps it takes a veteran parent to appreciate the short life of a Gymini or Bumbo.
So, do as you please, but purchasing 148 new items for your household is sure to break the bank. Before you head out for Babies R Us, check our list. And if you have already finished your rookie year, check our list and see what you think. Any must-haves missing?
