The idea of shopping for anything other than food or tools normally sends my other half running for the hills. So it came as a relief this week that he too wanted to take part in choosing clothes and other essentials for our baby boy.
I had made a list, based on the hospital guidelines and family advice, and we both felt fully capable of getting what we needed. However, when we got to the shop, our confidence fell by the wayside. There were rows and rows of baby grows all with different accessories and sizes marked in weight as opposed to age (how are you supposed to know what weight it will be?). Also, there were at least 30 different types of bottle sterilizers, as well as bottles of varying sizes. We were in way over our heads!
We didn’t have a clue what we were doing and believe me, it’s all the more daunting when you’re buying for your own baby. So, after 20 minutes of flapping about, we finally admitted defeat and asked a shop assistant for help. Luckily, she was very supportive and didn’t even flinch when we asked the stupidest questions like ‘is the bottle warmer better quality in black or white?’
We were amazed at the differing prices between brands and decided to research further on car seats before choosing a model. This is a seriously tricky decision as some are equipped just for newborns, others adapt and can be used up to age four, and then there are the ones that swivel. One or two, I wouldn’t strap a cat into! There’s also affordability to consider and a car seat can set you back hundreds of euro if you so wish.
Despite our great expectations, we came out without a car seat or a Moses basket, but I’m not worried as there is plenty of time to research what we want. We still managed to spend a lot on the basics which, to my hubby’s delight, includes a black sterilizer.
I’m glad we’ve got those few bits done now. There’s a lot to choose from out there, so I’m going to use my time off a bit more wisely and check everything out before our next shopping trip – which I’m hoping won’t be as daunting!
Stay with us every week for more from ‘Big Belly’ as she continues her pregnancy adventure.
