Any ideas?
I already know the following: go to second hand stores, use ebay, sew your own crib skirt / bumper pad, and research.
2007-02-14 10:31:18 · 8 answers · asked by Sylves 3 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Newborn & Baby
1.Definitely breastfeed!! If not, then get as many free samples of formula (Emfamil, etc) We decided to breastfeed so we could then use disposable diapers.
Go to huggies, pampers, emfamil, similac websites and register!! They will send you many samples especially the formula companies!!
Get a pump if you are breastfeeding and working (I love Medela Dual Pumps)
2. Do not buy NEW clothes for your baby (go to consignment stores). They are usually held at state fairs (start early). This is how my daughter got all her clothes. I plan on going back soon! You can resale the clothes and make some money too!! They also sell used bottles (I bought some and they are great..just use a dishwasher!! Oh and they also have used Maternity clothes at good prices!!
3.I must say to hold off on getting a crib..My baby sleeps in her Pack and Play in our room. She will get in the crib when she can sleep longer through the night!!
4.Make sure you have insurance for yourself and the baby!!
5. Stock up on food (either you freeze it or have family/friends bring over for you)
6. Have as many baby shower as possible (request DIAPERS (a few newborn and many stage 1 and stage 2). I had 2 and they were great (one at work and one from family)
7. Oh and don't worry about getting all those cutsie clothes. Just have your baby wear onesies/sleepers or gowns until they are older!!
8. Don't go to the parenting newborn classes or breastfeeding classes!! The same thing can be accomplished by reading, or watching TLC or Discovery or just asking a friend to babysit!! Don't waste 200 dollars on classes. But I will say, use the hospital lactation specialist while you are in postpartum!! Ask questions, ask questions!! Make sure you have it down pat BEFORE you leave! Because it will be 100 dollars for a home visit!!
Good luck
2007-02-14 11:24:57 · answer #1 · answered by manifest_my_destiny 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
There is a vast conspiracy on the part of product manufacturers to make you think that you need a lot of STUFF for a baby.
You don't.
You need exactly the following:
* A place for baby to sleep (your bed will work just fine)
* Something for baby to eat (breastmilk is free)
* Diapers (cloth and disposable cost basically the same when you figure in the cost of laundry and time, so choose based on whatever feels best to you. I like disposable. I buy them in bulk at Sams or on Amazon.com - use the code Pampers2 till the end of Feb to get $25 off of $99 worth of Pampers!)
* Something to keep baby warm
5 onesies and pants
5 pair of socks
1 coat
2 or 3 warm blankets (get polar fleece CHEAP at the fabric store and make your own - tie the edges)
* Books - go to the library
* A carseat - the only thing you can't buy used
EVERYTHING else is extra, although I must admit that I couldn't live without my sling.
Good luck!
2007-02-14 10:41:16 · answer #2 · answered by Amy 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
To save money:
1. Breastfeed. Contact La Leche League (http://www.llli.org there are chapters all over the world) for FREE help.
2. Co-sleep. Safe co-sleeping guidelines: http://www.nd.edu/~jmckenn1/lab/pamphlets/milwaukee.html
3. Get a wrap or sling instead of a stroller, bouncyseat, swing. Your baby will be happier. I like the Mobywrap for newborns--it's $30 or you can make your own (http://www.mobywrap.com/) For FREE local help with babywearing, contact www.nineinnineout.org
4. Practice elimination communication (EC, or infant potty training)--oh the money and time you will save! I also use cloth diapers as back up, but I wash maybe 5 diapers/trainers a WEEK and my baby is 14 months old. Most pee and all poop goes in a little potty ($10) and then is flushed down the toilet where it's supposed to go. For FREE help and support, connect to other ECing families at http://www.diaperfreebaby.org
Enjoy the journey!
2007-02-14 17:15:33 · answer #3 · answered by LAmama 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Co-sleep. Saves money on crib and bedding.
Breastfeed. Saves thousands of dollars on formula and future medical care.
Cloth diapers. Saves, on average, about $2000 in diapers.
Make your own baby food. No jars / cans.
2007-02-14 10:35:15 · answer #4 · answered by L A 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Buy in bulk when something goes on sale. Amazon.com had a sale on Huggies in January that made them cheaper than Costco. There's a system on www.couponmom.com where you save and date the coupon circulars out of the Sunday paper, then they tell you when to use them based on sales at your local grocery store (for example if and item is generally $3, the store has it on sale for $2.50, and you have a coupon for another $.50 off) you just register your town and they figure out all the best deals for you.
2007-02-14 10:43:36 · answer #5 · answered by Heather Y 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Check yahoo groups and see if there is a freecycle group in your area. If you're not familiar with freecycle, it is a local online group where people offer freebies that they'd otherwise throw out.
I have given tons of stuff away (including baby stuff) so I am sure you'd find something if there was a freecycle in your area.
2007-02-14 10:36:47 · answer #6 · answered by christine_ 4 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Breastfeed will save you money,don't buy too much clothing,we all are guilty of buying a tonne of cute stuff that they wear for 3 times!!LOL!Coupons!!!! save.ca has great coupons for diapers,wipes,nipples,soothers etc.Good luck!
2007-02-14 11:58:54 · answer #7 · answered by sweetpea 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
BREASTFEED - it's free, and formula costs a ton.
MAKE YOUR OWN BABY FOOD - Its super super easy and it costs almost nothing.
SHOP AT CLUB STORES - Diapers and wipes are soooo much cheaper in bulk
2007-02-14 10:35:19 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋