What you really need

Now that we finally have our second little bambino on the way, I thought I'd start a series on the things you really need. So much of what's offered in the baby stores and online isn't quite necessary, and in tough times like these, we all need to save a bit of money. I thought I'd go through each item I found extremely useful, and that all new moms should register for, in order to help other moms save some money and stay away from the un-necessaries. Near the end of the series, I'll point out a few of the not so needed items as well.

Item number one: A House
So this item isn't one we normally think about unless we feel our house is to small, but what do you really need in a home when you're expecting a baby? In all honesty.....not much. Baby's really don't take up that much room. As long as you have a corner in which to place a crib, you'll be all set. All those other things that take up space may actually not really be needed in the first place!

Plus, you can always move later as having a baby really doesn't stop your life. Really, it doesn't! Time still moves on, and as it goes by, if you have the means to do so, then move. But don't rush out as soon as those two lines turn pink and get yourself into a mortgage that you really can't handle. Children will fit in to whatever space you have for them. If you have a small home, you'll just have to be a bit more creative when it comes to storage and allow less toys as well.

Things to think about:
Whether you are staying or moving there are a few things to think about when looking at a home.

• Does your home have lead paint? If so, is any of it chipping?
• Are you able to properly heat your home to keep baby warm?
• Will the baby spend time in the basement? You may want to check for radon.
• Are your gas appliances (stove, furnace, dryer) in good condition and free of gas leaks?
• Do you have a carbon monoxide detector? Many people die each year from carbon monoxide poisoning and thousands of others get quite sick. The problem is, even if the adults in the home just get flu like symptoms, it can cause developmental damage in newborns and infants.
  
• Have you checked for mold?
• If you've been in the home for a long period of time, you may want to have the water tested again (well water) since the nitrates and lead in the water can be damaging as well.
• Are the floors in decent condition? (This was something we had to fix in our old home as our wood floors were scratched and we actually got splinters from them)

Basically, as long as your home is safe, it's perfect for baby!