In my series on Cheap Rules for the 21st century, I have listed my basic cheap rules as well as things I will not do to save money. Now I am working on compiling a list of things you should not pay for, as you can either do without them, or get them in other ways. When you are expecting a new baby, there are many items you can buy. In fact, baby items are a multi billion dollar business. This means people are out there making products that you probably do not need and are trying to convince you to buy them. Here is a list of bay items, you may think you need to buy, but you really do not.
Baby Food: Baby foods did not become popular until the 1920’s. In fact, everyone made baby food at home until the middle of the 19th century. Before that, you could easily find baby food recipes in cookbooks along with recipes for invalids and the elderly. All you need to feed a baby are fresh ingredients and a food processor. Before the child, is ready for food, all you need is a healthy mother who is willing able to breastfeed.
As a young mother, a little over a decade ago, I was astounded by the prices of baby food, and could not reconcile spending 1/2 of our food budget on foods that my husband and I could not eat. Therefore, I looked into making my babies food myself and found that if I removed spices from my cooking, I could make a meal, separate a small portion, to put into a food grinder, and make enough baby food to last for several days. Eventually I got into a habit of making baby food from our healthier meals and freezing them. Our food baby food budget went from ½ of our food budget to about 15%.
Baby wipes: The only reason I can think of to buy baby wipes if for the container. I was especially fond of the Huggies baby wipe boxes that stacked like super size logos. (I have no ideas if they still use this packaging). Once I got over the thrill of having the cool containers, I found that one good Tupperware and a one-time investment of 2 dozen washcloths were all I needed to keep my baby’s bottom clean. I kept most of them in the bathroom near where I changed my babies the most. The other dozen moistened with a mild soap solution and kept them in my container for uses on the go. Nine times out of 10, I changed my baby at home. I washed the used cloths daily along with my cloth diapers, sheets, and other baby items. (Cloth diapers are a personal choice, but awarded me a large savings by using them when in the home. Disposable diapers were saved for outings and toddlers who make very stinky diapers.)
Diaper bag: Diaper bags cost anywhere from $30-$200.00. Tote bags average $20.00. A high quality messenger bag or backpack (that would hold everything a baby needs) ranges from $15.00 $30.00. Personally, I would rather an attractive high quality backpack, and organize it the way I want it. Still, if you are on a budget, why not go in your closet and get one of your favorite oversized purses to use. In addition, most hospitals give away free mini diaper bags that will hold enough items for a regular afternoon outing.
