I have had two children and raised dozens more through my own daycare business and working for others. Over the years, the one thing I learned is, don't spend money on babies? There are so many gimicks out there that prey on your homonal emotions just to get your money. Most things are way over priced and you really don't need them to raise a happy, well adjusted child.

Item 1: Playpens- We all need to cage baby up once in awhile for their own safety but a playpen is not the way. Playpens often use mesh borders that no matter what the manufacturer says, it can be torn and baby can get caught in the hole. They are awkward, heavy, and don't store well either. What is the alternative? A plastic compost bin! Measures slightly smaller than most playpens but folds up flat and light. There is no bottom but that is ok, you are just setting it on a clean floor or out in the yard anyway. All plastic means it will never tear, they can use it as a teething ring! Easy to clean and when baby grows up, you still have an useful object.

Item 2: Highchairs - The newest, latest, greatest highchairs usally have large plastic trays and are just large overall. The trays don't fit easily in the sink and can be hard to unlatch from the chair. The old fashion metal highchairs are the best. The trays are smaller and easier to clean. The chair itself, is smaller and folds more compactly than the newer ones. They are light weight and if the chair's vinyl is torn, it is easy to recover. Save money and go to a consignment store, garage sale, or grandma and get that old highchair. You won't be sorry.

Item 3: Changing tables: What a waste of space! Tried using one but it was never that convienent. Usally changed the baby on a small plastic pad that I carried around with me. For one thing, I knew it was clean and mine. Two; it could go anywhere. Three; I preferred to change baby on a bed or the floor, always felt safier knowing they couldn't roll anywhere that would possibly hurt them. A changing table always looks like a changing table no matter what you do to dress it up and you will finially get rid of it for pennies on the dollar.

Item 4: Numerous expensive clothes: Babies wear diapers, socks, t-shirts or nightgowns, and maybe a hat, but that is just about it. All those pretty suits and frilly dresses go to waste. They get to wear them once, spit up on them, and then their gone. It seems like a lot of money spent to make you look good! Babies don't care and they look cute whatever you put them in. It is a lot easier to change diapers if they are wearing a t-shirt or gown. No snaps and numerous pieces of clothing to plod though. The baby gets their diaper changed fast so their happy and you get out of the bedroom or bathroom sooner and don't miss the party or church. If you feel you must buy one nice looking dress or suit, go to the consignment store and pick up something vintage. There is a good chance that if you can keep it nice through your baby years, that you can resell it on eBay for a vintage doll dress and get more than you paid for it.

So what should you buy? Invest in a nice bassenet. It is so comforting to have a newborn right next to you in the bedroom or wherever. They look classic and last forever. I use mine to decorate the livingroom with dolls, stuffed animals, or flowers. It looks vintage, folds down nicely, looks good with any decor. Since they are only used for baby for about the first 6 months or maybe a year, they just don't get ruined like some cribs do.

Invest in a swing. It does not have to be new or expensive, just something that will continue to swing for quite awhile to help lull baby to sleep. I used mine to death. My first child was a party girl and seemed never to sleep. The swing was the only time that she slept and I got to rest. I don't believe driving kids around the block 8 times is the way to get them to sleep. But we all need a break once in a while and a swing will certainly help.

Buy a good crib. Safety comes first so look for the best your money can buy. Cribs are used for several years and if you have more than one child, then it will be used for several more. Just be sure to keep it clean and all the pieces together between kids. Over the years you will get your moneys worth and if it is still nice when all the kids have come and gone, sell it on eBay.

A walker with a tray. It is safety mobility and you can use it to feed baby instead of a highchair, so you might skip the highchair and just go for this. I don't think you should let baby walk and eat, that doesn't really set limits or good manners, but some chairs come with stoppers. Don't get those cutesy rubber tube ones. They are only good for walking, no tray, and they can fall over or pop.

Jumper chairs are a nice alternative to swings. They accomplish the same thing but can take up less space depending on where you live.

Also, get a few cloth diapers. They make great, lightweight spit-up cloths. Easy to wash and when baby grows up, they make great rags or dish cloths. They are just the right size and material for most cleaning jobs. I used mine till they literally fell apart.

Get anything that makes your life easier and more convenient but set limits on yourself. You don't need everything but if it truely makes you feel better then that happiness will spread to everyone around you.

Lastly, don't go new toy happy! Kids are just as happy, if not happier, playing with wooden spoons, pots and pans, cardboard boxes, paper, balls, and you! Buy a few, of course, ones that you like too. Things that keep you interested and baby as well. Be sure to look for safe, educational toys. 

Above all, never feel guilty that you didn't get your baby as much stuff as the kid next door. You would much rather spend that money on a college education than some goofy sailor outfit! Right? So put that money in a savings account and give them something they will really appreciate. Babies just want you and can live without all the frills. Believe me, a stratagy of being with your child as opposed to buying your child will pay off so BIG when it really counts.