Most people want things quick and easy, which is why we are constantly bombarded with new gadgets that promise to make our lives easier. Unfortunately, they also promise to make a large dent in our bank accounts. This “microwave mentality” is even affecting the lives of our unborn children, for new products seeking to make mommy’s job a lot easier have saturated the market, resulting in the creation of the baby superstore known as Babies R Us.
Although Babies R Us and other stores devoted to expectant mothers carry useful items for taking care of newborns, most of the products they offer are not as necessary as one may think. Mothers therefore shouldn’t feel compelled to break the bank in an effort to acquire all the newfangled toys and gizmos out there. Instead, take heed to the 10 money saving tips offered below, and save some of those hard-earned dollars for your child’s college years, a time when they’ll need it most.
1. Buy a portable playard instead of a basinet.
Yes, basinets are cute and cozy, but most of them can’t hold more than 15 pounds. Therefore, why spend $80.00-$150.00 for a bed that your child will outgrow in a matter of months, possibly weeks, when you can have one that will last a year, if not longer?
Portable playards, which can be purchased online and shipped to your home, serve multiple functions and cost around $100.00. They come with a removable full-size basinet that can be moved to the bottom of the playpen as a cushion once your child exceeds the maximum weight capacity of 15 pounds. That way, your child can still sleep in the unit until he or she is ready for a bed. Portable playards also come with a removable changing station, a detachable diaper dispenser, and the entire unit minus the attachments functions as a playpen. The coolest part about the portable playard is that it’s collapsible, allowing for easy storage and portability.
Sure, bottle warmers are nifty little gadgets that keep your child’s liquid nourishment at a comfortable temperature. Yet, why spend money on a gadget when all you really need is a bowl full of warm tap water? Simply fill a bowl or large cup with hot water and place the bottle inside. Wait a few minutes and voila! Your baby will have a nice, warm bottle of milk or formula to enjoy.
3. Buy an infant-to-toddler feeding seat instead of a high chair.
High chairs, which average around $80.00, require floor space. Infant-to-toddler feeding seats only cost around $30.00 and can attach to your dining room chairs. They can be stored in a closet when not in use, and can even be used on the go at restaurants. They therefore take up less space than high chairs and can adjust to fit your child’s growing needs.
4. Buy diaper disposal bags instead of the Diaper Champ.
The Diaper Champ (similar to the Diaper Genie) is a contraption, much like a garbage can, that is used to dispose of dirty diapers. It claims to provide an “odor-free” method of disposal, but many users complain that after a few trials, odors start to leak out and the device needs to be cleaned. Diaper disposal bags are tiny, scented plastic bags that can be used to wrap each dirty diaper in before placing them in the garbage can. They come 100 per box and can be purchased at your local dollar store.
5. Breastfeed.
A large container of formula can cost as much as $50.00! If you’re a stay-at-home mom and aren’t afraid of your two best friends heading south, breastfeeding will save you tons of money. Working mothers can save money too by pumping during lunch breaks. Pumped milk can be stored in freezer bags to be used later by the caregiver, and mothers can still breastfeed once they get home.
BabyBjorn’s are great contraptions for carrying your newborn either on your back or front torso so that your hands can remain free for shopping and or doing work. However, these baby carriers can cost anywhere between $60.00 and $150.00.
Baby slings are sturdy pieces of fabric that serve the same purpose as BabyBjorns, except they’ll only cost you $50.00 or less. Plus, they allow for more flexibility, as they enable you to carry your baby in up to six different positions, which means you can find one that’s comfortable for both you and your little one. An additional perk is that they come in many different designs and colors, allowing you to find one that best suits you and your baby’s personal style.
7. Turn household items into toys or buy previously owned toys.
Believe it or not, babies are more fascinated with mundane things than they are with the toys you buy them. That’s usually because we make them look interesting! Take for instance the remote control. For adults, it’s simply a tool to get us from one channel to the next, but for a baby, it’s a strange device with many fun buttons. If you have a remote control you’re not using, give it to your baby, or remove the batteries from your current one and allow your child to go to town. Your computer keyboard, a pair of slippers, and even a piece of paper will also serve as great toys. After all, it’s all new to a baby!
If you insist on buying “new” toys for your child, don’t think your local Toys R Us is the only place to shop. Although Walmart and Target offer many of the same toys you’ll find at Toys R Us for much less, thrift stores offer an even more inexpensive alternative. Many parents donate their child’s old toys to make room for new ones, so your child can benefit from another’s excess. Many of the items you’ll find at thrift stores are in good condition and may simply require a little bit of cleaning before your child can call it their own. And, if you clean the items well enough, your child may never even know that they’re used!
8. Forgo new, brand name clothes for cheap or free hand-me-downs.
Those designer baby duds may be all the rage, but babies grow too fast to reap the value. Thrift stores offer inexpensive, previously owned items, but if you’d rather die than be seen at your local Goodwill, discount stores such as Ross and DD’s will also do the trick.
DD’s Discounts stores carry a lot of the same brand name items you’ll find at department stores, but at a fraction of the cost. And, if you’re lucky, you won’t have to buy many clothes at all, for friends and family members will donate the items their children have outgrown. Remember, the baby shower is a great time to hit people up for clothes as gifts!
Instead of adding on to your usual grocery list, why not simply buy food that is nutritious and baby friendly? Yogurt, cereal, and fruit are great snacks for babies. For those that are not yet teething, any meal you cook for yourself that isn’t high in sodium or preservatives can double as baby food if you simply stick it in a food processor. Pureed vegetables and fruit can be great alternatives to brand name baby food of the same variety.
10. Love your local dollar store!
Believe it or not, many wonderful items for your baby can be found at your local dollar store: Onesies, bibs, bottles, bottle cleaners, shampoo shields, and hair accessories just to name a few.
