Naptime Blog

When I was pregnant with my first son, I had no clue what I truly needed (as opposed to wanted, because all of the baby items are oh soooo cute!) as a new mom.

I tried to do my homework. I joined online message boards where I met other moms that gave me advice. I listened to the sales people at the baby stores. I devoured every baby book I could find.  I nodded and smiled as family and friends told me over and over what worked for them, but truly, it was all a bit overwhelming.

I remember registering for my baby showers and scanning every item that made me go “Awww!” without regard to price or practicality. After all, those scanning guns are the coolest mom toys ever, right? I think many new moms to be do this because we don’t know better. We have the best intentions. We want what is best for our baby.

After my son was born, reality hit, I realized I didn’t have any diaper cream or nearly enough size newborn diapers or any clothes that were small enough for him (even though I had about 300 size 3-6 month onesies and enough receiving blankets to snuggly wrap a small army of newborn babies). So, off again I went to the store. This time,  I was armed with a little more knowledge. I knew what I needed but I was still a new mom, green behind the ears. As I browsed the shelves looking for diapers, cream, formula, etc. I was inundated with all sorts of name brands and generics. At first I thought if it costs more, it must work better or be the best. Oh the lessons we learn.

Tip to new moms: They grow out of clothes in the blink of an eye (literally). I spent about $20 at Wal-Mart and got a pile of preemie clothes to supplement my son’s wardrobe until he grew into his clothing I bought him that didn’t fit when he was born. Many discount stores have affordable baby clothing, no need to spend $25 on a onesie your baby will spit up on and grow out of in a few weeks.
Here’s my oldest in one of his preemie outfits. We bought the entire outfit for about $6 (including shoes and socks). Oh did I mention that clearance racks are my friend?

Fast forward two years and two babies. 95% of my purchases are now store brands. I have found that, most of the time, generics are just as good as or better than name brands. I believe a lot of the cost in the name brands is fancy packaging, advertising, etc .

My second son drank generic formula while my first son took one of the priciest kind they make. Both my boys now wear a bargain brand of diapers and have no more leaks or rashes than they did with the pricey name brand. They inhale store brand graham crackers, juice, milk, vegetables, you name it. Are they worse for wear? Not at all, in my opinion.

So, my point? Do your research. Just because something is in a prettier box, backed by a ton of advertising dollars and is endorsed by a beautiful celebrity doesn’t mean it’s best for your family. Don’t be afraid to try a store brand or unknown brand. You never know until you try it.

What is a lesson you learned after having your first child that you wish you had known sooner? If you are not yet a parent, but expecting, do you plan to try store brands or is it name brand all the way for you?

Shannon
Potamus Prefers
http://www.potamusprefers.com/

This entry was posted on Monday, June 1st, 2009 at 11:55 am and is filed under Shannon, Store Brand. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.