When couples first find out that they are expecting, they may eagerly anticipate all of the cute toys and nursery decorations that they want to buy for their new addition. However, as cute and cuddly as some baby items are, it can be ill advised for new parents to focus more on decorations and less on essentials for their infant
As they prepare for the birth of their baby, parents may be encouraged to think about the things they will really need and the best ways that they can save money on these baby necessities. Keeping these tips in mind can help parents ensure they have what they need and have enough money left over to plan for the future.
Think about Daily Care
Rather than focusing on toys, decorations, and other luxury items, parents should think about what items they will need for the daily care of their baby. Basics like diapers, wipes, bottles, pacifiers, washcloths, strollers, and slings should be purchased first before anything else.
Even more, parents should make sure they have enough of these basics on hand before the birth of their baby. Many big box stores and even dollar stores sell baby basics for very low prices. Parents can save money if they shop at these stores rather than high-end department stores.
Buy on Clearance
Most stores have seasonal clearance sales when they put all of their out-of-season baby goods on sale for discounted prices. Parents who do not mind using out-of-season items can save big money on baby goods when they shop on clearance.
Clearance sales sometimes offer baby items for much less than their original retail prices. Parents can find clothing, furniture, blankets, and other goods on sale for as much as 75% off or more if they shop carefully during these sales.
It’s also a good idea to keep in mind gender neutrality when getting furniture. If you know you’re having a girl, buying that pink crib might not be a good idea if you are planning on having a bigger family at a later date, which might include boys.
Buy Secondhand
Some baby items can be purchased from secondhand stores and offer the same use as those that are brand new. In fact, babies go through clothing very rapidly, so much so that some parents find it highly expensive to buy new clothes for their growing newborns.
Rather than waste money on new outfits, parents can save money by purchasing secondhand baby outfits, furniture, strollers, and a baby playard at consignment or Goodwill stores.
Most baby outfits only cost a few dollars at these locations and still offer a lot of good use for parents who need to provide for their baby on a budget. Just make sure that if you’re buying secondhand furniture that it still meets current safety standards.
Skip the Toys
Many new parents get offended when more seasoned adults tell them to skip buying baby toys. However, grandparents, aunts, uncles, friends, and other acquaintances often inundate new parents with gifts of baby toys during baby showers and at holidays and birthdays. The new baby can have every toy imaginable without the parents ever having to spend a dime.
Toys have a way of collecting in most parents’ houses, which is why it can be a good idea for new parents to hold off buying baby toys and instead look forward to the toy gifts their baby will surely receive from loved ones.
Parents on a budget may lack the money to go out and buy luxury baby goods. They can still provide amply for their baby by taking these money-saving ideas into consideration.
Debbie Nguyen is a mother of two grown boys. When they were young, the items she used most often were the baby playard and the baby sling. They were simply designed and easily packed up.
Photo Credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/janetmck/8514535884/