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Hello everyone, I'm singer mon. I am currently seven months pregnant and expecting in August. I am preparing to buy newborn items for my baby, but with my current financial situation, I'm unsure of what to buy, what essentials are needed, and how much to buy to save money. I earn a monthly salary of 2.5 million VND, which may increase to 3 million VND in months with more gigs. Being alone without any assistance and living in Hanoi where everything is expensive, there are so many expenses to consider, including saving money for childbirth. I've researched newborn item lists online and visited some stores, but every list seems extensive, and buying a complete set would likely cost around 3-4 million VND. I'm really confused right now. Can experienced mothers share their shopping experiences and advice with me? With a salary of around 2.5 million VND, what should I buy and how much? Thank you all.
(Mai Lan – Hanoi)
Answer:
Hello,
Preparing newborn items for your baby is a concern shared by many mothers, not just you. To prepare for buying newborn items, mothers need to have a specific shopping plan. You should take the time to research which newborn items are essential and which ones can be purchased later. Many mothers tend to buy a lot of adorable newborn items without considering if they'll actually use them, leading to unnecessary spending. Therefore, you need to be mindful and buy only what is necessary and economical. You can rest assured that with your salary of 2.5 million VND in Hanoi, you can still afford to buy all the essential newborn items for both you and your baby.
Here are some small suggestions to help you avoid mistakes when shopping for your child and to help you visualize what to buy first and what to buy later to save you the most money.
Essentials for newborns
1. Newborn clothes for the baby to wear.
For newborns, mothers don't need to buy too many clothes. When purchasing, mothers should buy clothes slightly larger (in multiple sizes) so that the baby can wear them until 5 or 6 months old. By the fourth or fifth month, mothers can start potty training to save on diapers, and the baby can wear pants without getting diaper rash.
– Newborn clothes, 5 sets of long-sleeved: You can also buy 2 sets of shorts for the baby in the summer.
– Bodysuits: 3 sets
– Hats, sunshades: 3 pieces
– Foot wraps, hand wraps for the baby: 4 sets
– Thin blanket: 1 piece
– Swaddling cloth: 1 piece
– Bibs: 3 pieces
2. Baby essentials
– Diapers: Newborns usually prefer diapers over cloth diapers. They are also cheaper and more breathable.
– Milk towels, bucket: 20 pieces. For wiping the face, wiping sweat, wrapping around the baby's neck.
– Bath thermometer: 2-3 pieces
– Cotton swabs: 2 boxes. Mothers should only clean the baby's mouth with warm water or saline for babies under 1 year old, not honey.
– Leak-proof pads: 5 pieces. Used to line under the baby's bottom if the mother doesn't use cloth diapers or diapers, it will help keep the mattress dry.
– Bath milk: 1 bottle
– Diaper rash cream.
– Saline solution 0.9%
– Nail clippers for the baby, cotton swabs, medical cotton balls.
3. Baby feeding essentials:
Typically, mothers who haven't produced breast milk yet should also prepare: feeding bottles, formula milk, bottle cleanser.
4. Essentials for the mother
– Postpartum clothes: 2 sets
– Sanitary pads: 1 pack for moms
– Postpartum diapers: 2 pieces for use after giving birth to handle postpartum discharge
– Disposable underwear: 5 pieces. Used in hospitals.
6. Other household items
– Basket for baby's belongings: 1 piece
– Baby bathtub, face wash basin for the baby.
– Clothes drying rack
– Storage cabinet: advisable to buy as storing items separately for the baby is the best.
Some items you may buy later or should not buy
These items such as breast pumps, baby carriers, strollers, walkers, cribs, sterilizers, bottle warmers can be bought later by mothers. Or buy them when needed to avoid buying in advance and not using them, causing waste for mothers.
Above are the newborn items you can buy for your baby, the cost to buy these items is only around 1 million - 1.5 million so with a budget of 2.5 million you can completely afford it. Hope the suggestions above will help you reduce some worries. Wish you a healthy pregnancy.
