With gas prices being so high, and the ever daunting task of trying to make a dollar stretch into oblivion, I really found it as no surprise when I read this story about how “stay-at-home moms” are staying home more than ever. You can read the story here

But it made me think if I had been (subconsciously) doing this myself. After all, It does seem as if I’m making (or attempting to) fewer trips out during the day, and the trips that I do make become day long adventure to get things done so that I don’t have to venture out later in the week. But at what cost? Don’t get me wrong – I love spending time with my son, but there are some days that I just need to get out of the house! I honestly can’t expect my 2 year old to sit and play quietly the entire afternoon, nor do I want to be stuck inside all day, so it benefits both of us to get some fresh air or take a ride somewhere.

This being in addition to working two or three days a week, but that not really “me” time, now is it? And since my son has decided to start throwing anything he gets his little hands on, going out to dinner with my husband has become a distant memory. Although the last time I checked, a family of four can eat at McDonalds for about $20, which in my mind is certainly worth the cost of my sanity at least once a week.

But it can’t just be me right? I’m sure there’s plenty of other mothers out there feeling the same “daily issues” that I’ve been seeing otherwise there wouldn’t have been an article out there. Or at least that’s what I’m going to continue to tell myself!

As the time comes for your baby to go home for the first time, there are plenty of things that go through your mind: Do I have everything I need? Is the house prepared? Did we forget anything that the baby will need? Will I ever sleep again?

With the exception of the last one - in which the answer is “No,” I ended up being quite surprised at the small amount of things that we actually used the first week or so.

Don’t get the wrong idea, every baby is different and some may require more than others, but for the most part, you can run down this checklist of items for your baby’s first week (or so) at home.

Clothing

• 5-10 onesies, but this really depends on how often you want to do laundry
• 5-7 baby sleepers or nightgowns
• 1 cold weather sleeper (depending on the climate)
• 5-7 pairs of baby socks
• 1-2 newborn hats (depending on the climate)

Diapers and Bath Items

• Theres no real limit to the number diapers you can have - buy a lot. You can always exchange unopened packs for larger sizes later on.
• Waterproof pad for diaper changes
• 3-5 baby washcloths (again, this depends on your laundry schedule)
• 1-2 hooded towels, if desired. Adult towels will work, too.
• 1 bottle of gentle baby wash and shampoo
• Baby nail clippers and nail file
• Digital thermometer

Bedding and Feeding

• 3-4 fitted sheets for crib, cradle, cosleeping bassinet or traditional bassinet
• 5-7 lightweight blankets
• 1-2 heavier blankets (depending on the climate)
• 10 burp cloths
• 5-8 bottles (if you’re bottle feeding)
• A Breastfeeding pillow (if desired)

That’s pretty much it! Although, I would recommend a baby swing. It may not be a “necessity,” but it certainly was worth it a number of times when you’re too tired to stand up let alone rock your baby back to sleep.

Thats not to say that there are tons of baby products out there that can make a parent’s life easier, but for those on a money and/or space restrictions, most of these things are wants, not needs.

Getting stressed out about life, work, money and relationships is common in everyday life. And although it’s something we all deal with on a daily basis (in form or another,) a new study shows that if you’re stressed while pregnant, you may not be the only one who get affected.

At at meeting of the American Thoracic Society in Toronto, U.S. researchers stated that:

“Women who are stressed about money, relationships and other problems during pregnancy may give birth to babies who are predisposed to allergies and asthma.”

More importantly, their finding also go to show that a mother’s stress during pregnancy may have long lasting consequences for the her child later on in life.

This is particularly important, as most couples may worry when the realization of the “true” cost of having a baby and managing the added expenses in addition to the every day finances may cause stress for both parents.

You can read the Full Article Here