Parent to Parent: Baby Needs

Heather Paul, Mom
"It's not cheap to have a kid."

So how can you make the right choices for your child without breaking the bank?

We invited Newton-Wellsley Pediatrician Zoe Singer Fishman to go shopping and show us the essentials.

First up: a car seat. Having one's not an option.

Zoe Singer Fishman, MD / Pediatrician, Newton-Wellesley Hospital
"You cannot, in Massachusetts, leave the hospital without a safety-approved infant car seat."

But that doesn't mean you need the latest and greatest model. All car seats are tested. So, you can get a safe seat for hundreds less than top brands.

Zoe Singer Fishman, MD / Pediatrician, Newton-Wellesley Hospital
"The most expensive is not the best."

That goes for baby monitoring systems as well. Zoe says you can save money by skipping the motion detector feature, which can alarm parents for no reason.

Zoe Singer Fishman, MD / Pediatrician, Newton-Wellesley Hospital
"That monitor will be a source of great blood pressure issues for new parents, because it will go off constantly, and your child will be fine and doing well."

Then there are breast pumps. Consider how often you'll use one before buying an expensive electric model, which can run $300.

Zoe Singer Fishman, MD / Pediatrician, Newton-Wellesley Hospital
"For a mom, who's just going to be breast-feeding occasionally, a cheap, manual breast-pump might allow you the freedom to pump one or two bottles."

Of course, you'll want to cough up some cash to baby proof your house. But it's not necessary for an infant who's not yet running around.

Zoe Singer Fishman, MD / Pediatrician, Newton-Wellesley Hospital
"Baby-proofing doesn't have to happen until just before your baby starts to move."

Same with a high chair. Save your money until your child's ready to eat in one.

Zoe Singer Fishman, MD / Pediatrician, Newton-Wellesley Hospital
"You don't need to purchase a high chair right away because you won't start solid food until your baby's between four- and six-months-old."

By shopping smart, Heather's been able to save money and still have everything her baby needs.

Heather Paul, Mom
"I just can't wait to watch him grow up."

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