It Ain't Cheap Having a Baby .. But It's Worth It :)

Disclaimer : All Photos are from The Baby Loft and Google.

Since I'm already close to 22 weeks and everything is pretty much stablised, we've decided to start doing our baby shopping little by little in hopes that other people will buy for us some stuff eventually to manage our cashflows. Also, to take advantage of the mega sales as well.

Being the planner that I am, I started off with a comprehensive checklist to manage our budget and to see which are essential items and which are our so-called "wish list" items (ahem.. guys please take note ok for baby shower, full moon, presents etc)

Todate, we have spent quite a substantial amount on essential "big items". Let me break it down for you :

(1) Halford S9 : Compact Reversible Stroller @ RM799.20 *ka ching!*

The reason why we chose this was :
- Can fit into my Myvi.
- High up which was my No.1 requirement so I don't have to bend.
- Relatively cheap compared to other brands.
- Can be forward-facing.
- Easy to fold and handle by myself.
- Light.
- Lovingly sponsored by my father-in-law *heart*.

(2) Britax : First Class Plus Convertible Car Seat @ RM959.20 *ka ching!*

The reason why we chose this was :
- Can fit into my Myvi.
- Can hold infant at birth up to 4 years old.
- Comes with newborn support pillow.
-VERY reliable and safe brand.
- Not really cheap .. but long-term wise it is good investment.
- Fully imported from UK.

(3)  Pamco : Sea Breeze Cot @ RM899.00 *ka ching!*

The reason why we chose this was:

- Made with Grade A NZ pine.

- Complied with NZ/US safety standards.

- 4-in-1 convertible : Bassinet, Cot, Junior Bed, and Sofa/Settee.

- Long-term investment.

- Packaged into a crib set and good quality mattress.  

(4) Bumblebee : Latex Mattress + 7 pcs Crib Set @ RM521.10 *ka ching!* 

The reason why we chose this was:

- Comes in a package deal with the cot - total savings of 13%.

- Latex mattress is by Getha.

- 7 pcs set : 2 Cot Bumper, Comforter, Bedsheet, Pillow, 2 Bolsters 

- FYI, I chose a nicer design then the one above.

(4) Medela Swing Package @ RM759.00 *ka ching!*

The reason why we chose this was:

- Package deal : Cooler Bag + 3 Ice Pack + 8 Storage Bottles.
- Value for money.

- Everyone say Medela Swing is the best.

(5) Autumz : Electric Steam Sterilizer + Warmer Combo @ RM159.90 *ka ching!*

The reason why we chose this was:

- The combo deal is value for money.

- Friends recommended.

- Sterilizer big enough to fit breast pump.
- Versatile to fit any bottles.

(6) Avent : New Born Starter Set @ RM95.00 *ka ching!*

The reason why we chose this was:

- My aunt has jalan to get it for me real cheap (NP: RM189)

- Everyone swears by Avent.

(7) Misc : Baby Clothes, Changing Mat etc @ RM196.00 *ka ching!*

 ... and I still have not finish buying yet!

So all in .. so far we've spent a total of : RM3,589.20 (minus the stroller which was sponsored) *ka ching!* *ka ching!*

In view of the above, I wont be buay pai seh tell people lo if they wanna buy me stuff on the items which I think my baby would need. Here are my wish list and the estimated pricing:

1. Graco Pack & Play Playard : RM599.00
2. Ikea Changing Table : RM150.00 - RM300.00 
3. Bath Tub Stand : RM100.00
4. Baby Monitor : RM200 - RM300

Yes, setting up a new nursery for an infant is not cheap but we will continue to trust God that He is our Jehovah Jireh, our Provider. :)

P/S: Tips - Try to get most of your items from one place so that the discount given to you can be more. Most of my items are bought from The Baby Loft, except for the Medela Swing Package and the Autumz Package which was online from Little Whiz.

Love;
Mummy Geri