Guest Author - Paula Petrie

Managing the marketplace can be confusing, especially for first time moms. In this age of overabundance and heavy marketing, what really is necessary and will become a pleasurable resource? What will just add clutter?

Largely, a product’s value has to do with the personality of the user. For example, in my family, a trendy and adorable suit on a young baby can look sweet and be appropriate for a social outing. But from experience, I’ve learned that stretchy one-piece rompers provide ease of movement, comfort, and make life easier caring for children on a daily basis.

I would say a new-born's essentials would be 6-7 rompers, 3 sheets and a blanket or two, face cloths, baby soap, wipes and diapers. Lots and lots of diapers. A car seat, and maybe a crib wouldn't hurt. However, a folded blanket on the top of the dryer or a bed makes a great change table. A stroller (or wagon for the carseat) is essential for fresh air, but you can forgo the bottles if you have breasts.

Generally, sleep aids or toys for babies are not going to give you the peaceful carefree night, or break, that you are hoping for. Some parents feel a monitor is necessary. As they pose the risk of sending transmissions to an entire neighborhood, I managed just fine without one.

Of course, second-hand baby walkers are a no-way! The baby play stations that you can safely deposit a child into are great if the phone rings or when you need to get the laundry. But again it is the personality of the child as to how long and how often they are willing to sit there. A good option while baby is still small may be the portable bassinet from a car seat or the baby’s crib.

Educational toys to poke and pile for the most part don’t offer any more learning value than a few cooking utensils or any other brightly colored and interesting gadgets. I have found different personalities like different sizes and shapes to hold.

Although most products serve a purpose, a resourceful mom can create the environment she needs from what‘s available to her, for example, surrounding your six-month old with couch cushions for sitting practice keeps your home (except at that moment) less cluttered. What is important is to have a plan. If a pot boils over or the phone rings you need a safe place to “tuck” a baby or toddler.

It is easy to spot a home that holds a toddler. The yard is usually overflowing with things to ride, things to push, and places to bake. Speaking as an avid yard-saleing mom who would overindulge when the price was right, there are many varieties to delight the senses, but one item per theme, (for example ride-on toy) is really adequate for fun.

I have discovered that tuning in to your child’s interests and current play style can narrow down what toys will be welcome. For example, when my eldest son was two years old, it was obvious he had a cowboy heart. A cowboy hat, boots and eventually a gun was all he needed for hours of imaginative play. (I resisted the gun purchase for years but he was adept at fashioning one out of his building block set or the splintery sticks he would find in the yard.)

Our next boy likes cars. Our third son will only play with vehicles if he can fit a Lego man or action figure inside. When I study their interests it is pretty easy to pick a gift they will prize. But 99% of the time when I buy what I find appealing, if the boys haven’t already shown an interest in that direction after the initial oohs and aahs, the gadget will gather dust. Toys that illustrate my boys’ interests remain prized for years.

One day soon your son or daughter may too feel they are suffering social suicide without jeans from a certain store. Till then, yard sales and second hand stores will help you easily forgive tares and grass stained clothing. Yard sale purchases also lighten the guilt when a toy or gadget didn’t inspire your children the way you imagined it would. And mainly, you are giving your planet a much needed "stuff production" break!