There's always a lot of discussion when this topic arises. Some of that discussion can be heated.

Mothers and mothers to be go head to head in a battle of opinions, that, let's face it, no one can win.

Which items do you splurge on? And which should you save?

A few weeks ago I found myself a group catch up with a friend who was in town briefly from overseas. With her new baby. What a gorgeous, smiley, little ten week old bundle of joy that baby was. Well, IS.

"I can't believe how much people spend on prams in this country! Over two thousand dollars! What a waste of money," she griped, out of nowhere.

Awkward silence.

All of the other mums own aforementioned prams.

I was still stuck on the fact that my friend had travelled for twenty something hours with a baby who was so small. I wouldn't have thought leaving the house for milk was an option at that stage.

And so began the debate. On that particular item.

We didn't get started on cots, changing tables, cloth or disposable nappies, car seats, plastic or wooden toys, slings, baby carrying wraps, slings or harnesses. Thank goodness we went nowhere near breastfeeding and how long, baby food or the optimal time to start swimming lessons.

A few of the mothers present talked about splurging on the items you'll use most. Anything you'll use multiple times a day.

Isn't that EVERYTHING with a baby? You use the cot several times a day. The pram all the time. And change probably twice as much as the cot and the pram combined.

I think what a lot of them were talking about the items other people might see the most.

The debate raged on. And it probably always will.

Where did you save, and where did you splurge?

Love,

Kid U Not