what babies need.

I have a couple friends who are pregnant right now, who are freaking out because the economy is so bad, and a couple friends who are deliberately NOT pregnant right now when they otherwise would be, because the economy is so bad.

And to all I say, chill out. Yes, the economy is really bad. But, the truth is, you've been led to beleive that babies are really expensive and they need a lot of stuff. I, too, thought that. Before I had one. And then I realized that babies only need about 5 things.

1) enough clothes to make it through 3(ish) days (depending on how often you care to do laundry)
2) diapers (I'm not going to harrangue you about cloth again, but disposeables are bad for the environment and a waste of money, for the record)
3) Something to eat in that he/she can be buckled into (The tripp trapp is the gold standard, but if you can't afford that, go for the keekaroo right height chair)
4) an Ergo carrier
5) a car seat

I can't think of a single other thing not on this list that if I didn't have over the last year, I would have missed. Don't get me wrong - I have a lot of baby crap - but I hardly ever used ANY of it. All the things I thought I NEEDED - nope. Just taking up room in my house. Crib? Ha. As if the baby sleeps in a crib. That baby's been in bed with me since day one. Swing? Used it about twice. Stroller? The last time we used our Graco stroller was Thanksgiving Day, and I've probably used it a dozen times total since Owen was born (I'm not talking about the specialized bike trailer/jog stroller - we do use that, when I want to go for a run or we want to take a bike ride together, but it's certainly not nescessary. That is a definite babygear luxury). Boppy? Never used it. bouncy seat? jumperoo? used each a few times, maybe. baby tub? The baby can take a shower while you do, and will love it. Toys? Owen has to date shown absolutely no interest in any of the toys lavished on him by well meaning grandparents and friends - but he's facinated by tupperware, pots, cardboard boxes, suitcases, and every other mundane household object that you could think of.

The one thing that you cannot live without is an Ergo carrier (or a Beco, or a Calyx, or any other soft shaped carrier). They are expensive, it's true - about $120 new (although we got ours used for $50.) It's pretty much the only baby gear item (besides a carseat, which is legislated) that we use every day and couldn't exist without. Owen spends a great deal of his life in the Ergo, and loves every minute of it. And ever since he turned 6 months or so, I've realized that he does actually need a high chair. (we originally had the chicco polly and ended up giving it away because it was so obnoxious - go for less bells and whistles instead of more, every time)

will we have to buy things as he gets older? certainly. Does daycare cost a lot? yep, it does - but if you can survive on one income, then it won't. your mileage will vary on that one. But I can honestly say that if we didn't have one single baby item besides the five on that list, our lives would be not a smidge different than they are right now, and Owen is a pretty happy guy. And the economy will either get better or it won't, but either way a baby isn't going to put you on the road to financial armogeddeon. At least, not for the first year. By sixth grade, when there's soccer fees and summer camp and violin lessons and every other stupid thing, then maybe. And by college, definitely. But in the near term, for the next two years?

breastfeed. wear your baby. cloth diaper. your baby won't cost you much at all.