One of the most exciting parts of pregnancy, besides being able to eat a corndog without judgement, is all the things you get to buy for your new little babe. It was for me! Initially we dreamt up exactly what outfit we’d bring her home in and what her nursery was gonna look like. However, reality should set in quick, and unfortunately for most of us, a new baby costs more than a few onesies and pretty swaddles. So so so much more.

After that reality sets in, get a game plan. When we started planning on Noah, the first thing we did was plot how we were gonna manage the costs of everything we needed. We made sure everything was still our style, but also the safest, and as eco friendly as we could manage.

I’m definitely a worrier, I wouldn’t say I’m a planner, but I like having things ready before I need them. Nick’s the opposite. He’s so laid back and just assumed things will work themselves out. Babies don’t really work out like that. So probably do not assume you’ll get everything you need at your shower, and have a shower early. Like 30-32 weeks.

Separate costs. We aren’t rich by any means, and babies need A LOT of things. ALL THE THINGS. So instead of growing a stress ulcer while you grow the baby, split up your expenses and buy the crucial things yourself. One month we bought her crib, the next month, we bought the mattress, after that it was sheets, decor, etc. Babies are expensives so splitting everything into smaller increments just made us feel better. And although it adds up to the same price regardless, the bill didn’t smack us in the face all at once.

Most likely, like us, you’ll be having one or a few showers to celebrate the arrival of your new little babe. Never, ever decline a shower offer.

Having a baby shower has a few pluses. (None of which are having someone measure your baby bump and/or telling you how large and in charge you’re getting.) I hated the idea of everyone focusing on me and my evergrowing belly HOWEVER, having a room full of people spoil and love your baby is worth it. Just roll with it.

Setting up a smart registry is crucial.

When making a registry, find a store that is relative to your style and carries brands other moms trust. I looked up a ton of reviews for most of the products we wanted. Buybuybaby.com, Nordstrom.com, and our beloved target are more our taste, we liked blacks and other neutrals. But there are tons of sites you can make baby registries on, ex: amazon, honest brand, and almost most department stores.

All of our friends are from college that are relatively in the same financial sitch as us. And both of our families are fairly small. Keep that in mind based on your situation and the price range you want to set. Also, how many people will be attending your baby shower? We had about 45-50: nick’s fraternity brothers, all my college girlfriends, best friends and our families. Our registry consisted of about 80 choices, a little more than half were picked up. It’s easiest to set it up that way, if you’re gonna have 30 people attend, make your registry about 50-60 items.

We made our registry between $40-$300 (with one big splurge item)

How we strategized:

The large purchases, leave for your parents and family, because welp, they probably love you enough to deal with that. There should be about 5-10 items. Those would be splurge furniture, swings, a car seat, walker, or a monthly diaper subscription. (our choice is on Honest.com, a monthly diaper and wipe delivery, with the cutest designs, for $79/mo.)

The rest of your registry should be for friends, co-workers, younger siblings, distant family. Anything above $40, less than $100. There’s so many things that run in that price range, from wipe and bottle warmers, to diaper bags, swaddles, and baby food makers. I’m telling you, babies are expensive and it really does take a village. If you have friends and family that want to help, enjoy it.

Also, add diapers in the mix. Always add diapers.

The small purchases, aka anything less than $40, leave for yourself. Pacificers, bottle brushes, wipes, bibs, should never make it on your list.

Professional tip: never ever ever, ask for clothes. Never. You’ll still get it but not in overwhelming numbers and not in all newborn sizes.

For fun, add one dreamy splurge item that a few girlfriends or aunts could pitch in for and make a group present, like a stroller. Or even a travel crib. Those type of items usually runs anywhere from $399-$1499 depending on how fancy you want to get.

Our splurge item was our stroller. The dreamiest stroller that was more in our style range than others we had seen, sleek, simple and black. My boss from my previous job blessed us and a) never have we ever been so grateful for such a beautiful stroller but b) it’s the one gift that we will use for years. it’s long lasting and grows with her. *Research strollers to make sure your choice is worth the money. ex: convenience, safety, style, color. Look at all the reviews. Stokke and bugaboo are my personal favorites but uppa baby has amazing reviews too*

I personally wouldn’t recommend bottles or bottle sets. I’d say buy those individually and see what your baby prefers once she or he is there. Then buy the set of that preferred bottle.

These items are just a few that we had on our registry, used when we had Noah, and/or have since purchased and would 120000% recommend. Nordstrom.com carries most, if not all of these.