Parent and Baby

Written on February 8, 2009 – 12:51 am | by Staff |

There is nothing quite like the excitement of shopping for your first few maternity clothes. It’s so fun to put on the pretend pillow belly at the maternity store, try on that large blouse and imagine what you’ll look like in just a few months.

But once you get down to the day-to-day business of wearing those new clothes, there are a few practical tips you should know that will hopefully save you some bucks to add to your budget for baby’s stuff.

1. In those early days when maternity clothes look silly but your regular clothes no longer fit, instead of buying some “in between” clothes in larger sizes, you can use a rubber band. Simply loop it through the buttonhole of your pants, making a slipknot then hook it over the button. And there you have it, instant larger pants. Just remember to wear a long shirt so that your clever trick won’t be revealed.If you don’t want to use rubber band, you can buy a belly belt which is a piece of fabric that hooks into your pant button to increase the girth of your pants. This is not a bad investment compared to buying all new clothes.
2. Resist the urge to buy lots and lots of maternity clothes. Don’t let the excitement of your pregnancy over power you into buying stuff that you will not be needing. Instead, buy items as you need them.
3. You can find cheap maternity clothes that look good. There is no need to shop at those high-priced clothes just so you can wear the same things that Gwyneth Paltrow or Madonna wore during their pregnancies.  It is not practical. Instead shop at a specialty maternity store in your local mall. The items are as cute but not as expensive.
4. You don’t need to buy maternity underwear. You can wear your regular undies but in a size larger. These can be worn with the waist band under your belly. However, if you are more comfortable with the kind of underwear that goes up over your growing tummy, you will need to splurge for the maternity underwear.
5. Sweatshirts, long sweaters and large T-shirts work great. If yours is a bit tight, you can borrow some from your husband’s closet.
6. You must have one pair each of khakis and denim shorts or pants. Of course, you can’t get away with no maternity clothes at all, and two things that are absolutely essential for your casual wardrobe are a pair each of khaki and denim shorts or pants, depending on the season. These go a long way because you can wear anything with them, such as your sweatshirts and sweaters or those cute empire waist maternity tops you purchased. They look good and are inexpensive.
7. Buy or wear regular pants/pajamas that stretch or have a drawstring. Along the same lines as wearing panties that rest under your belly are pajamas or sweat pants or even yoga pants that stretch or have a drawstring you can wear in the same manner. Instead of buying these in maternity sizes, buy a size or two larger then you normally wear. Then just wear them with a long shirt that will cover up your bare tummy. They are comfortable for just hanging out or even exercising.
8. One of the many things besides your tummy that really grows during pregnancy is your breasts. You will be surprised at how quickly you can no longer wear your regular bras and will need to buy a bigger size. You have many options. One is you can buy a bra in larger size than your regular one. It is also a good idea to get a bra that has a vertical line of several hooks in the back for added support. Another money saver is a bra extender, which hooks into your bra’s hooks which will give you a couple of inches.If you plan to breastfeed, one specialty bra you will need is a nursing bra. You will actually need several of these unless you want to do laundry every day because it will inevitably get soaked with milk either coming from you or Baby. Nursing bras can be expensive, but shop your local discount store, which usually offers good products at reasonable prices.
9. Buy a pants suit or two for dressing up. These will be great for work, parties or just a night out with your husband.

Now that your wardrobe for the next few months is all set, it is time to start on your baby’s apparel and that is even more fun.

Bella Band by Bella Band: A pregnancy must. Wear this seamless knit band at your waistline, over your unbuttoned pre-pregnancy pants, over slightly big maternity pants, or around the waistband of any maternity style that falls down around your hips. Let it show under your top for a layered look or wear it hidden.

Baby Be Mine Maternity Belly Band: Soft and easy to wear, it solves so many pregnancy wardrobe issues. You can wear your pre pregnancy clothes longer and can get back into pre pregnancy clothes sooner. Conceal those unsightly elastic waistbands and expandable panels on maternity pants and skirts. Double your wardrobe and save money. You do not have to worry about the inbetween stage when nothing fits - your regular clothes are too small and your maternity clothes are too big.

Maternity Panty with Panty Control - Soft & Comfortable with Lined Crotch by 007Lingerie.com: These maternity panties are made of Nylon/Spandex to provide ultimate comfort and support. Panty’s high waist covers the belly. Lined crotch.

Ripe Knee Pocket Short: Underbelly bermuda short in longer knee length. Flattering and comfortable. Convenient side pockets.

Red Flower Smocked Maternity Tank Top by Babies N Bellies: Spaghetti Strap Tank Top. Smocked Bust looks great over any bust size. Cute Flowery print. Comfy and roomy around the tummy area.

Maternity Back Support Belt: Pregnancy Muscle Strain by Balego & Associates, Inc.: Abdominal Lift Attachment Provides abdominal lift with no undesirable pressure. Expands to accommodate growth during various stages of pregnancy. Ventilated Elastic Back and Side Panels Latex-free ventilated elastic provide comfortable and cool support compression. Unique Laminate Material Combines three materials: durable outer in an attractive beige color, support foam base and soft cotton inner lining. Easy Hook and Loop Closure Easy application. wo Anti-Roll Stays Precisely placed stays help keep the support in place and prevent rolling.

Medela Sleep Nursing Bra: Sleep can be a precious commodity when you are a new mom. The Medela sleep bra helps make nighttime nursing convenient and comfortable thanks to the easy drawback cup design. Nursing pads will stay in place too avoiding nighttime leaks. All this and no tag too. This is a very lightweight bra, so you will not feel as though you sleeping in regular clothing.

Maternity Shorts by Unknown: Designed for Comfort, You’ll Feel Amazing in these Jersey Knit Sleep Shorts. 95% Cotton; 7% Spandex; Tumble Dry, Machine Wash. Elastic Waistband. Stretch Fit, Under-the-Belly Fit, Over-the-Belly Fit.

Womens Tops Shirts Indian Light Cotton Apparel Embroidery Casual Dress Fashion From Lucknow India Summer Clothes by ShalinCraft: Made in very light cotton fabric with Chikan hand embroidery. Size: Bust: 40 inches Length: 31.5 inches. Great casual, informal and evening wear.