Motherhood is absolutely life changing. It also comes with countless financial decisions!
As both a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®️ and a new mom, I've experienced firsthand the importance of making smart spending choices when it comes to baby (& mom!). While it’s easy to get overwhelmed by all the must-have lists, some purchases truly make life easier and are worth the investment.
Here are five worthwhile splurges that are both CFP®️ + New Mom approved:
1. A High-Quality Waterproof Changing Mat
If you've ever experienced a blowout with breastmilk...you know that it stains! This is why I think a high quality WATERPOOF changing mat is worth it! It cleans easily, doesn't require a cover, has a slanted design for the extra messy situation, and has a strap for baby in case you forget to grab a onesie!
A durable option also ensures you won’t have to replace it, making it well worth the investment. I was fortunate enough to have an *amazing* friend purchase this from my registry, but had it not been on there I would have absolutely paid the $75 for this Jool Baby Waterproof Changing Mat.
2. A Reliable Sound Machine
Sleep is vital for a newborn's growth and development. It helps their brain develop, learn, and process memories. Sleep also helps regulate emotions and build their immune system. Not to mention, a baby that sleeps well is vital for sane parenting!
A good sound machine helps block out household noise and creates a soothing sleep environment. Higher-end models offer multiple sound settings, timers, and even nightlight features, making them a valuable purchase for long-term use. Hatch is a popular sound machine and this one is $60.Absolutely worth it to ensure good sleep for everyone involved!
3. A Comfortable Rocking Chair
You’ll spend countless hours rocking, feeding, and soothing your baby—so having a comfortable rocking chair is a must - for both mom and dad! I LIVED on our rocking chair, especially during night time feeds while getting through the full season of Sex & The City during the wee hours of the morning. Dad also used it all the time for bottle feeding! We were fortunate enough to have a family friend loan us her rocking chair and it honestly saved my back and shoulders. Baby eating 8-10x/day will take it's toll! I would have invested in a rocking chair had we not been fortunate enough to borrow one.
4. A High-Efficiency Breast Pump
For moms who plan to pump, a reliable breast pump is an essential investment. You might be pumping 5,6,7, maybe 8x a day, so you want to make sure your pump is comfortable - especially if you will be pumping at work! Many insurance plans fully or partially cover breast pumps, so check your options before purchasing one.
I went with the Spectra 1 Plus Electric Breast Pumpthat is a hefty $216, but is well worth it.It has a handle for you to take it around with you so you're not banished to the corner of the room plugged into an outlet, a timer so you know when to stop, a light so you can see during middle of the night pumps, and different suction levels depending on your needs. Hopefully insurance covers all, or a portion, of this one because it became my breast friend. :D
5. Comprehensive Health Insurance
Last, but certainly not least, the MOST important splurge isn’t a baby product—it’s solid health insurance. From prenatal visits to lab work, hospital visits to unexpected emergencies, having great coverage provides peace of mind and financial security. Prioritizing health insurance for yourself before baby arrives ensures you’re prepared for whatever comes your way.
Because I am self employed, I went through Covered California to shop for what I needed when we were planning our year. I humbly acknowledge that it's not always open enrollment and you can't always plan for baby, but this is what ended up working for me: I upgraded from the Bronze Kaiser HMO to the Gold Kaiser HMO, which was recommended by Kaiser for pregnancy and child birth. It was $464.06/month for an annual cost of $5,568.72 that fully covered visits to my OBGYN. There were only about three times it was $40 for lab work and I think about $100 for the anatomy scan for a total of $220 for the year. Then it was $330/night that we stayed in the hospital and we stayed two nights. $5,568.72 for premiums + $220 for additional services + $660 for the hospital stay got us to a total of $6,448.72 for the year. This might have been more expensive, especially for the nights spent in the hospital, had I not had a robust health insurance plan.
So, take a look at what is available to you through work and dig into the estimated costs depending on what type of birth you might have. Call member services to have them get you estimates for different scenarios. If you're self employed, explore what options are available through Covered California.
Final Thoughts
These are 5 splurges that I think are worth it from the perspective of a new mom and CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®️.
When considering if a purchase makes sense, focus on quality, long-term use, and what you value. There very well may be other baby products or services that you might consider being worthy splurges for your situation. Be intentional about what you spend your money on and let your family and friends buy you the cute onesies. Hopefully these 5 splurges allow you to be more present and help make your motherhood journey a little bit easier!