Diary of An Organizer~Great Expectations

Recently, it seems as if there is a rash of pregnant ladies in my life.  Lots of my friends have announced recently that they are expecting. While I’m not among their ranks, I am getting into helping them get organized in time for baby’s big arrival.

Its gotten me thinking about all of the STUFF we own before we are even born!  Stores really do their best to convince expectant parents that they NEED lots of supplies, toys, etc and it all needs to be part of a larger theme.  While I admit there are a lot of supplies that need to be purchased, I think its all gone over board.

There are all sorts of items out there that are designer, couture and costs hundreds if not thousands of dollars.  We feel as if we will be better parents if we have all of the best things for our baby, before they are even born.  And when our friends and family have a baby, we celebrate by buying them more stuff!

Before a baby is even born, its been given lots of presents, bought lots of stuff (lots of which it won’t even use until its much older) and our homes are already becoming more cluttered.

So I am proposing that before all of you go out and buy your friends and family new baby supplies, thing twice.  Instead of another toy or trinket, think about giving the parents something unique.  It could be a night of babysitting, a massage to use before or after the baby is born, the services of a painter for a nursery mural, a savings bond for the child’s education or even some home cooked meals frozen for the family to eat during the first few weeks that baby is at home.

If you are expecting, ask around to see if any of your friends or family members have older items you can use and then pass along yourself.  Ask around for expertise on what parents REALLY used, and what went unused.  Determine how the baby supplies can fit into your life and your home ahead of time. This will help you stay organized throughout the first few difficult weeks.

And if you are expecting, congratulations!