Frugal Momma: 5 ways to save money on baby gear
Frugal Momma: 5 ways to save money on baby gear
You’ve heard it all before. In this economy it is even more important to save money. Yet, with the economic downturn, even more of us are having babies. Essentials of the past are becoming amenities and so many of us are fighting for ways to either become or remain stay at home moms. Here are just a few tips for keeping money in your wallet and saving another day home with your little ones.
Number 1: Cloth Diapers
A lot of mothers would disagree with me on this one, but I stand fast because to me, the extra work is worth the savings. Besides being a much greener choice, cloth diapers are much less expensive than disposable. I am not talking about investing a lot in the premade, complicated diaper covers and cloth diaper systems that are on the market today. All you need are cloth diapers and rubber pants. It worked for our parents, why can’t it work for us?
Number 2: Make Your Own Sling
If you are a slinging momma, you probably have learned the hard way that the sizing can be tricky, and changes as your baby grows. Don’t drop $40 plus dollars every time you need a new one, instead make your own. All it takes is a quick trip to the fabric store and about 30 minutes of your time (if you are the world’s most novice seamstress). Once the fabric is cut to size there are literally just two hems and a french seam to sew. There are patterns online that are absolutely free and can give you an idea of how to size the sling correctly. Easy and cheap; what could be better than that?
Number 3: Make Your Own Baby Food
Interested in making baby food yourself at home? Don’t bother spending hundreds of dollars on the baby food making kits they sell at stores and online. All you need are a few things: a couple of covered ice cube trays, a steam basket, a mini food chopper, and some freezer bags. You can get all of those things at your local discount store for under $25. Add in some free recipes from the internet and viola, you have everything you need to make delicious baby food at a fraction of the cost.
Number 4: Minimize Clothes Purchases, or Buy Second Hand
Let’s be honest, every mom is guilty of wanting to fill her daughter’s closet full of clothes. For our little men, those little trousers and baby suits are irresistible. The real truth is that you really don’t need that much. Even if you have a closet full of clothes there will be a few select outfits that become your favorites. It could be because they are cute, they fit great, or they are easy to put on. Whatever the reason, you will repeatedly put it on him or her and the others will just sit on the hangers gathering dust. Get enough clothes to last a few days so that you aren’t doing laundry every other day, and then spend the money you saved on the next size up. This kind of planning ahead can really abate the cost of clothing your child. Want to buy more for less, buy ahead using off-season clearance racks or second hand shops. With the rate the kiddies outgrow and/or ruin their clothes, you don’t have to feel bad about saving money in this department. When they are older they aren’t going to remember whether or not you actually cut the original tags off their PJs.
Number 5: Hold a Swap
It is guaranteed that there are other women in your area that are in the same predicament. Place an ad on Craigslist or in the classifieds for a community swap. The general premise is pretty simple. Everyone who brings something can take something home. Items have to be usable and in good condition to qualify. It is a great way for people to get clothes in different sizes, baby gear they have been dying to try, and new toys for the kiddies. It is also a great way to keep the toys in your house new and exciting for your little ones. Bonus, if you hold a swap every couple of months, then your house isn’t cluttered with unused toys and clothes.
