What are YOUR Price Points for Baby Items?
Check out this email I recently received from reader, Madison…
My hubby and I are currently pregnant with our first baby. I would love to hear from your readers and get their input on how to save money when it comes to everything baby. Freebies, nurseries, diapers, formula, clothes, organization, etc… Any and all information would be greatly welcomed and appreciated! Your blog is the best and I know you and your readers will give me tremendous advice!
Since all of my kiddos are out of diapers and I don’t regularly purchase baby items (except for my new niece Charlie 🙂 ), I am having a hard time coming up with good price points for the mentioned items above. So if you have a baby or toddler, please help Madison and other new mommies out by sharing your stock-up prices and any other money-saving tips/advice that you can offer a first-time mom. I would also love for you to suggest must-have baby items (i.e. for me, it was my Sling and a Bumbo Baby seat) and baby items that you may feel are totally unnecessary.
And congratulations to Madison and all the other expectant Hip2Savers! 😀
I would say a wipe warmer is not needed, but we used our infant bouncer seat ALL the time with our kids.
Also, instead of buying a huge high chair that takes up tons of space we bought a portable baby seat that attaches to a chair and has different settings so we can use it from infant up to three.
Another thing is for most large baby stuff (exersaucer, swing, etc.) we borrowed form friends who kids had outgrown. Our friends were thrilled to get rid of the item and we were thrilled to receive it. Then when we are done using it we just passed it on the the next pregnant person 🙂
These are all great tips. I second these, Betsy!
Agree about the high chair…we did the same thing and it has been great. We also borrowed the swing, etc. which I am glad we did with our first child since she did not like the swing at all so would have been a huge waste if we had bought one.
Buy as much stuff as you can before baby comes. I found it harder to deal shop/ bargain shop once the baby arrived.
Check out local gently used stores. We have once called Once upon a child and you can get cheap clothes there. I usually buy jeans there since jeans at $2 a pair.
Stock up on diapers now in every size.
My best thing ever was going to children’s consignment sales (google consignment sales and it will bring up a website to search in your state).
I got almost everything I needed for both my kids from those- at 1/2 to 1/10 the retail price. And it was a lot easier than trying to coupon for all that, especially since the best deals may not happen before you need the item anyway.
Amen! Yardsales, and consignment stores too. I never buy kids clothes new unless I get them on clearance for just as cheap as used. They will only wear those baby clothes a few weeks before out growing them, so my buy price for newborn to 24m is about .50-1.00/per piece of clothing. But this will vary depending on your demographic location. My inlaws live in a low economic area and they cannot hardly find nice name brand clothes for reasonable prices. Everything is well used. My latest deal was 16 items for 7.40 at a consignment store for my 4 month old son. Brands included Children’s place, Baby Gap, Osh Kosh, Old Navy, Eddie Bauer, etc. The most I paid for an item was .59! And these all looked BRAND NEW. So excited!
I love Once Upon a child 😍 they have the best clothes! Also, they have gear that is practically brand new. I bought my crib, high chair, car seat everything there as our 3rd was a surprise and I had given everything away! They’re very picky about brands, and I bought peg perego, britax and mclaren to just name a few.
I definitely bought way too much with my first as I had time to nest. My best advice would be not to wash everything right away. I couldn’t return a lot of unused items as I had washed it all!
Kroger usually runs Pampers wipes for $1.99 (sometimes even $1.49, making them .49) I can print .50/1 from coupons.com or catch them in the P&G saver. Kroger doubles, so wipes for 99 cents is a great deal! Also CVS for diapers. The magic coupon machine spits out $5 or $10 off baby purchase with a $20/$30. Or $10 ECB with $30 purchase. I hardly ever buy diapers at Walmart. Kroger and CVS have better deals.
You have to check out nobetterdeal.com regularly for open box baby items. Great deals on swings, carseats, slings, monitors, etc.
I also used to check babycheapskate.com for pricing on diapers/wipes/formula. She also lists if the price is a good opportunity to stock up at.
I have found Amazon Mom to be a great and convenient place for diapers and wipes.
Good point about stocking up before baby arrives. We would buy a pack of diapers every payday and different sizes. If a pack isn’t open, usually stores will let you exchange them for a different size.
And if you plan to nurse, check with your insurance company. Mine covered my breast pump.
Or, if you qualify, WIC gives out breast pumps as well. My insurance didn’t cover the cost of a pump, but we qualified for WIC and got the pump for free. It was a HUGE blessing!
There’s a new law for mummy’s! Insurance must cover a portion of your pump!! Call your insurance and ask. My lactation consultant said its a recent law so you must be persistent!!
As part of my largest baby shower, we included on the invitation a chance for a door prize. I ordered a nice Thirty-One bag to be given away, and all the guests that brought a pack of diapers and wipes to the shower were entered to win it. That went over REALLY well and we got a TON of diapers that way! I find it really tough to get diapers for less than $0.15 each, even with sales and coupons. Maybe it’s because I’m thinking current diapers (sizes 3&4) and not newborn, but even when I find a really good deal (and stack store and manufacturers coupons), $0.15 is about as good as it gets. Sign up online with every baby product manufacturer you can think of! Even though I nurse, I still signed up with the formula companies because (1) Gerber makes food as well and I could use those coupons and (2) I could give the dollars off checks to someone else to use. Also with formula, make sure you check all of the sites for print-offs that you can take to your OB/GYN, your pediatrician, and the hospital for freebies! When your baby outgrows a diaper size, take unopened packs to Walmart or Target (or like stores) and exchange them for the next size up! For clothes, I buy most of my son’s things either on the clearance racks or at a local consignment store. Check your area for big consignment sales. Try this website: https://kidsconsignmentsales.com/ Consignment sales sell EVERYTHING! Oh, and Craigslist is a good place to check, too!
I buy size 1 & 2’s for less than .10 and buy size 3 & 4 for less than .15 — and I buy name brand (Pampers and Huggies).
i havnt had a baby yet but i love how that room is decorated!!
I think having a first baby you always want to buy everything out there and may or may not want used stuff (personal choice for everyone differs), but taking big items from family and close friends is awesome and buying quality products at decent couponing price would be my choice over trying to get freebies which again may or maynot work for you and your baby. For me Aveeno and pampers are a must. My aveeno price point is 2.5$ for 8 oz lotion or 12oz wash and shampoo. Pampers 3.99 for jumbo pack is always doable. I had got pampers on amazon for the longest time, until i figured coupons and CVS deals.
even with coupons i could never beat amazons subscribe and save with extra amazon mom savings on diapers unless it was like a clearance pack with a coupon.
I am expecting as well, and i LOVE thrift stores for baby clothes. I know that some people don’t like that sorta thing, but I think it saves a TON of money and most baby clothes sizes are worn thru so fast they still appear brand new. Depending on the store, just depends on how well you need to inspect the clothes first. Also, depending on where you live, a GREAT store for clothes is Once Upon a Child. They are a second-hand store that sells all baby related things (tons of clothes), and all of their things are in great condition. Only “problem” with these places is they have a no return/short time return time frame.
I am at child number # 3 and noticed that many items are unnecessary. Think about use in a timeframe form and also space. Amazon mom is a lifesaver when you get subscribe and save, it allows you to get items delivered rather than doing the drugstore wars. I dont pay more than $4-5 for the small pack, $14-15 for the big pack or $34 for the value pack. Dont get caught up at wholesales which are usually not the best deal unless you can coupon like BJs.
The biggest advice from me is to shop around for your diaper bag. Get the feel of it try to put items from the store in it. i would even consider a purse or a small duffel bag. Diaper bags at the store run around $30 plus for nom brands (which is sad) and do not fit all your necessities especially uncomfortable for the wipe box.
Also, shop clearance once season at a time. I do not risk my childs health or safety by using thrift shop items. Big items get soiled by children and also safety expiration and also their clothing prices are more than they used to be. I buy childrens place, gymboree, kmart, jcpenneys, etc and with coupons, clearance and season ahead get bran new items for as low as $2 to $5. Theres really no need to pay that much at goodwill.
I would not buy toys and bigger items and such at thrift stores for health and safety reasons. However, I will buy clothes. As long as you wash them good I don’t think there is anything wrong with them or any harm that could be done. I agree, the Goodwill store is expensive, but look around for others. I am in OKC and there is a great place called Uptown Thrift. They always have 0-4T 50% off and if you get that weeks color tags its an additional 50% off. Come out to be real cheap, like under $1 for a onesie for example.
Amazon mom or diapers.com are great for discounts on diapers if you subscribe (though don’t do this until after baby is born – never know what size they’ll need)
Hand me downs! Or second hand shops – Once Upon A Child (https://www.onceuponachild.com/locations/list/WI) is great – they vet the stuff they buy (and they buy from you when you’re done) it’s all gently used – and believe me – the way kids outgrow stuff – it truly is gently used.
Making your own food – aside from bfing or formula – when they can start eating purees is sooo easy. Have a veggie steamer, a pot and an immersion blender and some freezer trays? Then you too can make food. So much cheaper.
These are the very basics that I have learned to this point – my guy is now almost 11 months old.
I have three kids under six! Best advise… shop AFTER SEASON! Meaning buy next winter’s clothes at the end of this winter, etc… most summer goes on clearance around July and winter around January. Also when shopping for baby gear and infant items (layettes, bottles, tubs, towels ,etc) buy in those months as well (December had great sales too!) Most baby gear rolls over to new prints twice a year, January and July. So you can find deep discounts (upwards of 70%)! I bought a $500+ crib for my first child and a $200 crib for my second/third (@ JCPenney) and the $200 is just as nice, if not more than the $500… so save your money! Bought a $130 baby swing/bouncer combo for $50 @ Target… made a great baby gift for my sister in law! SHOP SMART! I can get better deals buy shopping after season for NEW items verses shopping at used baby stores! Good luck!
I had the same idea just couldnt spell it out right :D. This is what I do. It gets to me when people are trying to sell their used items for more than I paid for mine.
Totally agree, this is what we do! Clearance for clothes, birthday presents, x-mas gifts, teacher gifts, etc. My kids have fun shopping with me trying to spend as little money as possible to brag to daddy about. We also buy snow clothes/boots only in black or neutral colors so each winter we can play in the snow and the boys and girls can just move to next size we have stored each year. (I’ve got 6 kids…3 months, 2, 4, 6, 8 & 10) 🙂
I definitely agree with this! I never buy used because I can ALWAYS buy new cheaper. I have 5 kids and I always shop for the next year at clearance sales- ex: Gymboree had 30% off their entire store (including clearance), plus I had a 20% off coupon. I got my 8 month old daughter an entire wardrobe for next winter super cheap! I always shop Kohl’s, Children’s Place, Carter’s….although I have found the clearance sales to be a little later this year than usual.
Target sales are cyclical and Jenny is right- their baby clearance is usually in January and July (although again, this year it seemed more like Feb/Mar). Two weeks ago, I picked up about 8 boxes of Luvs diapers on clearance for $.11-.12/diaper! When I was pregnant last January (2012), I bought a new Graco travel system, includes stroller, carseat, and base, for $60!!- it was 70% off.
I have browsed the consignment stores and I really find them to be too high. I have always been able to find better clearance prices on the same item. You just have to be willing to shop off season and put the time into learning store sale cycles.
Agreed.
I’m pregnant with my first (due in June)…now I don’t know 100% that i won’t have bought things I don’t need since it’s my first BUT my mom and I have been shopping off season and clearance since I found out I was pregnant and my nursery is almost full.
Stroller with car seat at Target – 70%
Crib at Target – 70% off
Very nice swing at Target – 70% off
Dresser that matches the crib – 50% off
baby wall decals to decorate nursery- 50% off
Breast Pump from Target – 70% off
Wall art – handmade from scrapbooking paper and clearance frames – 2$
A Huge box of baby shoes (as long as you’re not too picky) – under 15$ for everything
My closet is also FULL of diapers, wipes, clothes from 0-9 months, etc…Since its my first I’m probably guilty of buying too many cutesy clothes she wont wear much, but we’ve shopped all the major clearance at Gymboree and Kohls, used coupons, online giftcards, wrapp app, etc…
I’m having a baby shower next month but dont have a huge network of friends and family so I’m not expecting TONS of stuff, I knew I needed to be prepared on my own.
Basically, shop the clearance and shop early. I’ve already got lots of holiday outfits for next year, and a full winter wardrobe. I also know I’ve spent less on everything I bought than I could’ve gotten it for at local consignment or thrift stores.
I agree with Crystal about resale shops, especially for clothes. They’re a fraction of the cost and practically brand new.
However, I have to disagree about stocking up too much on diapers before the baby is born. There are so many varieties of diapers, and I think it’s best to see which you personally like best (and work best for your baby) before stocking up too much. Hopefully, at a shower you will receive a few different brands of diapers to try. (My favorite shower gift to give is a diaper sampler pack – about a day’s worth of diapers from several different common brands so that the new parents can try out different ones without having to buy a whole pack of each.) Once you find a brand you like, I recommend always having a pack of the next size up on hand. They seem to outgrow them overnight!
I agree….don’t stock up too much. You need to see if your baby is going to have an allergy to a certain diaper. My daughter did to Target diapers even though lots of other kids I know have no problem with them. If you have stocked up tons, and something doesn’t work out that is a lot of work to go and exchange it all (unless you have someone who will do it all for you!) when you are adjusting to a newborn. Also, with our first daughter we ended up with way too many clothes and that she only wore once or twice so even if I bought them for a steal, that is still a waste–unless a special occasion dress or something that you don’t expect them to wear every day. I don’t think you need as much stuff as you think you do. AND, if you live somewhere that has distinct seasons, I wouldn’t buy too much ahead of season until you see if your baby is going to be really small or really big for their age. If you live in a climate that is pretty much the same most of the year than it doesn’t matter as much. But you don’t want to have lots of summer clothes that your child won’t fit into until winter, etc. For example, a friend’s one year old is in the same size diaper as my soon to be 3 year old. Once you see how your child grows then it is great to buy after season clearance for next year. AND some brands run big and some run small or shrink quickly. We found the book Baby Bargains to be helpful in rating good products. Just because something is cheap in price doesn’t mean it is safe for baby. And I was shocked to learn that stores can still sell stuff that has been recalled. We put our money into things that we knew we would use a lot, like a good quality rocker that is comfortable for both my husband and me and will last us for years. And then we used an old stainless steel garbage can with a step to open the lid for our diaper pail that we already had and that worked great and cost us nothing.
Cloth diapers are a great option and is definitely cheaper than diapers- even with awesome coupon sales and factoring in washing and drying. They’re not much more work, especially considering that pooplosions with regular diaper happens often and then you have to wash an entire outfit. I’ve never had it happen with cloth though! I got mine off of craigslist! Plus I never have to run out to get a pack of diapers, never have to worry about diaper sales, never have to print any coupons!
Oh… and although I used a lot of carters clothes starting out, I now figured Gymboree with coupons, gymboree visacard and gymbucks almost always has the best deals if you can but season ahead in sizes up and don’t mind last season designs for baby. 20-30% off coupons always available on ebay for 1$ or so.They wash so well and always great for pass downs as well. 3-4$ on gymboree tshirts7-8$ on jeans is my price point for clothes. Love them wish i did it sooner for my daughter who is now 2.5 yrs.
Since you at asking about price point I would say what usually works for me is for diapers you go buy how many per dollars usually 10 per dollar is great but nowadays if you get 6 diapers for a buck its a steal !! Also one piece of advice when your kid is small dont use high brand diapers luvs is great for kids till 9 months or maybe six since the babies at that age tend to move less and poop often so stocking on these sizes 1-2 on luvs diapers but don’t to k too much in new Ron you will get lot of them from the hospital but try to stock in size 2 or size 3 hth
Just be careful with used things from friends, family, Goodwill, etc. Safety standards have gotten more stringent and even something from a year ago may not be safe. I think Goodwill doesn’t take certain items anymore due to safety reasons. I can’t remember what specific things I liked for my kids other than the baby swing. But then again, they’re 18 and 22 and want computers and cars now 🙂 One tip, make sure your washing machine is in tip top shape. Mine broke when my daughter was 2 weeks old. And sick. Not fun. Good luck, you’ll figure it all out.
Don’t feel like you need to buy everything new! My parents really pushed new, new, new with us, and I purchased everything except our cloth diapers used. Craigslist and consignment sales, plus Saturday morning yard sales. For cloth diapers, I did bargain shop for the ones I knew I wanted and waited until they had a fabulous buy 2 get 1 free sale with free shipping.
We have used our changing table maybe 4 or 5 times and then it got turned into a storage space for all the extra baby blankets. We change her on our bed or on a blanket on the floor or couch. We never go up to her room to change her. Maybe when she is older we might use it, but since she sleeps in our room now, we just haven’t.
yeah… my changing table is just where i store my stockpile of diapers. i think i’ve changed my kid on it a handful of times. good thing i got it from my sister-in-law!
Take a little time to think about how you might use an item. For us, we use the changing table constantly so it was a good investment and will last through 2 children at least. I think some decisions are really personal and it is worth it to take time to consider how you live, and yes if you have a multi story house and the changing table is on a floor different from the one you spend a lot of time on, then you may not need it or may be able to use a dresser top. Also think about the size of the parents. We are tall and most strollers just don’t work for tall people unless you enjoy constantly kicking the back of it with your feet when you try to walk. Try stuff out in the stores to make sure it works for you and how you live.
my hospital (kaiser in california) gives you a diaper bag when you deliver. and you can have all the diapers, creams, etc from the hospital room because they just throw away whatever you leave there. so, contact the labor and delivery department at your hospital and see if they have diaper bags. it’ll save you having to go out and buy one.
On the other note can anyone give a good deal on microwave mine just died today 🙁 and I have 3 kids and its an essential to warm up milks
You aren’t suppose to warm milk in a microwave because of the hot spots. You should buy a bottle warmer. Just wanted to give you a heads up 🙂
You aren’t suppose to warm milk in a microwave because of the hot spots. You should buy a bottle warmer. Just wanted to give you a heads up
Check to see if there is a mother of twins club near you. They have resales twice a year. I have twins, and my biggest mistake as a first time mom was buying everything new. They grow out of the baby stuff so fast, you can save a bundle buying gently used items. As far as diapers and wipes go, clip coupons and stock up when theres a sale.
Price points will vary widely, depending on where you live. For me, regular prices for diapers are 8.97 for huggies, 9.49 for pampers and 6.97 for luvs. Join similac or enfamil programs for coupons/checks/samples on formula. Beech Nut has a loyalty program when you save the upc. It is worth the time to save and mail them in. I would take the time to write down prices for diapers/formula/wipes at each store. Figure out what it is per diaper and determine what your stock up price is.
I really liked my space saver high chair. I have four kids and never saw the need for a bumbo. I figure they will learn to do everything, including sitting up in their own time. I loved my swing and bouncer. When I was younger, I did not have a changing table, but I don’t know what I would do without it this time around. Unfortunately, all kids are different. I had one that I needed a sling for, the others had no desire for it. I had 1 that, practically, lived in his swing, the other 3? Could take it or leave it.
When my daughter, and son-in-law had her baby shower, and his dad to be gather, two different events they got a lot of diapers because for hers there was a diaper raffle. Other than the gifts that she had received, people that brought a package of diapers they were given a raffle ticket for the prize of a 50.00 Aveda gift card. (Which was a gift that I had never used.So I re-cycled it.
Her father, and law had the guys over for an evening bonfire, and brats, and beer, and to be admitted they had to bring a package of diapers. Zoe is 5 months old now, and she is still using the gifted diapers
I’ve been using the Sam’s club brand formula for over a year now and I have to say, it’s the best. I do not mind spending extra money when it comes to my baby’s health but if I have to pay that “extra”, I want to know what I’m about to pay for. We’ve learned quickly that 24 dollars for a baby formula which usually lasts for less than a week, has the SAME nutrition and all the extra goodies as the huge Sam’s club formula which only cost 20 dollars and lasts for 2-3 weeks.
Also i totally agree with Betsy, no wipe warmer! It might be nice and comfy for your baby, but what if you’re stucked some place for a longer period of time without it, You’re little one with probably get upset and so will you. I would only recommend not give your baby all the unnecessary “comfort” that you don’t remember having and missing as a child. But that’s just my opinion. 🙂
If you are going to supplement with bottles, you never know which type of bottle/nipple your baby will prefer. Just buy one bottle, and if your baby likes it, then buy more. I bought a whole set of Avent bottles (on sale with coupons!), and my son wouldn’t latch on to that nipple. Haha.
Craigslist, Craigslist, Craigslist! I can’t say it enough ha! Anyway there are tons of very nice gently used things from cribs, to strollers, and bags of gently used clothes! They grow up so fast and all you have to do is clean it up and it’s usually like new again.
Here’s all the things I do…
Make the first item on your monthly budget list a set savings amount for college. Then plan around it.
If you think you’ll save money by breastfeeding, be prepared for your grocery bill to rise significantly due to the extra food you need–I was caught off-guard by that. Get prescriptions/letters from your doctor for any nursing supplies and submit to insurance anyway, even if you think things might not be covered.
For formula, experiment with store brands to see if your baby will take them, and go to baby fairs/events/and call manufacturers to ask directly for samples (I’ve gotten a ton of coupons and free items doing this).
We love our Graco combo bouncer chair/swing–she never took to the bouncer but loves the swing.
Register everywhere for the coupons, even if you don’t put much on them or take everything off later on.
Use Costco’s formula, diaper, and wipes prices as your price points and try to beat those using sales and coupons.
Start a mom’s group for trading clothes, baby items (from people you trust!), and then you can apply for sample opportunities from companies to get free items and coupons (like Moms Meet).
Buy a crib and other basics from IKEA. Don’t skimp on a carseat.
Shop Carter’s off-season for future sizes–my baby is 6 months but I just scored almost half an 18m wardrobe from there for $48 using 20% extra off clearance!
I definitely agree with not skimping on a carseat!! A good car seat is worth every single penny and then some! Also not worth any risk of getting a used one.
Swaddler pampers are the best for newborn, once they get bigger you really have to try a few brands to figure out what works best for your bub. .02 cents a wipe is my price point and takes a lot of shopping aound to find but stock up when you find it. Sign up for a registry with babiesrus and you’ll get a free gift bag with diaper/wipe sample and coupons.
When I was 5 months pregnant I started buying diapers via the Amazon Mom and Subscribe and Save program. Together you’ll save 20% and can still be elidgible for any available coupons. You can also earn up to a year of free Prime benefits with the Amazon Mom program. This gives me my never pay more than price of 20 cents on diapers. If i see a local deal where they beat Amazon, I’ll grab it. Sams Club can’t be beat on wipes and they frequently have rebate deals where you get $10 back when you buy two boxes.
Be sure to join the Similac and Enfamil programs. My daughter is now 10 months old and to date, we’ve received approximately 20 $5 off coupons for her Similac formula, several full sized samples, and miscellaneous swag. All the Enfamil coupons i received, i traded with moms on my BabyCenter birth group forum for their Similac coupons.
Save your money and skip the changing table. Its a big waste in my opinion. we have a changing pad safety strapped through the back and top drawer of her dresser. Total cost, $17 changing pad at Walmart. I thought the diaper genies were pointless as well. We have a small bathroom trash can that we line with our plastic shopping bags and toss when needed.
Use craigslist for the things kids only use for a short while like walkers, saucers, bumbo seats, etc. You’ll save a ton and can resell them yourself or pass them on to someone else you know.
My must have was the carrier/sling. I had a very clingy munchkin and it was the only way i was able to get anything done. Also, a sound spa to drown out random noises as she napped and i was buzzing around doing chores.
Congrats and best wishes to you and yours! 🙂
Agree on the changing table…my baby gets changed on a towel with a vinyl pad underneath.
I disagree about the changing table – I didn’t think it was a “needed” with my first son, and we did okay without it – but we were gifted a used one for my second son and it was SOOOOOOOOOOOO nice to have. So much better then changing him on top of a dresser/on the floor or on a bed. I loved having all my diapering supplies right on the shelf underneath too.
We bought a changing table that as our kids get older can be used as a tv stand, that way it’ll grow with them. We got it at IKEA. I couldn’t find the same model on their website but this one looks similar: https://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/10153790/
I have a 15 month old and I have given away a lot of our things that we thought we really needed, that you really dont. For me, a wipe warmer is not needed at all. Dont waste your time or money. Also, the diaper genie, to me, is a waste. Once you get a few stinky diapers in there, it starts to smell the whole house and it takes too long to fill, so you are either changing the liner everyday, which wastes the liners, or waiting til its full and smelling up your house. I decided to just use a small trash can and plastic grocery bags, and take them out at the end of every night.
I would also say a must have would be a jumper/excersaucer for when they are a little older, like 4 months. It keeps them busy and out of trouble, if you need to run to the bathroom or whatever.
HTH
Also, Goodwill for clothes…all baby clothes are $1 here (Central FL) and almost all brand name
The best thing I did for my sisters baby shower was a raffle for a $50 giftcard (could be done with multiple giftcards, gift baskets, etc). To enter the raffle I asked everyone to bring a pack of diapers, any size. They could bring up to four packs and get a raffle ticket for each. She now has at least five packs of diapers in all sizes!
Oh, and Old Navy sales for baby clothing if you want a couple of trendy and cute new items – ridiculously cheap!
especially if you use the snap appy! I’ve gotten severeal pairs of shoes and onsies from there for almost nothing!
Shop for clothes off season. That was easier in the beginning. Now I refuse to accept that my kids are getting bigger until their ankles are hanging out of their pants. We tend to go clothes shopping twice a year. The weekend after thanksgiving for cold weather clothes, and Memorial Day weekend for summer clothes. Carter’s or osh kosh tends to have really good deals.
.99 or less on boxes of wipes. Stock up big time when they hit those prices. Also, skip the diaper genie. The refills are expensive. And tying up a stinky diaper in a plastic grocery bag does the trick just as well.
I also recommend a nice cradle instead of a bassinet or play pen. I got a nice wood one with my second. And it’s so pretty and she uses it to put dolls in now. I’ll be able to use it again if we decide to have more. Or for grand kids in the future. It isn’t an eye sore and isn’t ginormous so I’m not constantly tripping over it.
ThredUP is great for swapping used clothes that don’t fit for used clothes that do! I have never spent full price on diapers just from contacting the manufacturers of the diaper companies who have given me free diaper coupons, $10 off coupons etc and then matching that with EB or RR at CVS and Walgreen’s! I singed up for every baby freebie I saw which helps a lot. A lot of baby things every first time Mom thinks they need that they really don’t! If I would have known then what I know now I would have saved hundreds on baby items! For example: A bottle warmer does the same thing as heating it up on the stove and takes almost the same amount of time so to me that was an unnecessary item. The diaper genie is another one for me that wasn’t necessary. Depending on your income you may qualify for WIC which gave me 8 cans of formula a month for free which really helps! Congrats on your first baby and good luck 🙂
Craigslist! We bought my son a solid pine bedroom set for $350 and his clothes for the entire first year, including winter coats and snow pants, for around $200 (which is a lot of clothes considering he was borderline 2T at 12 months old!)
We also found that most stores cycle through baby sales about every 6 weeks so we stock up and wait for the next sale.
Oh, and when we buy toys we buy toys that are good quality. If we can, we try to get wooden toys. So we might spend a little more on a toy, but then we don’t buy him as many toys.
My favorite useful baby item has been the diaper genie, but you have to go with the elite version.
I get diapers at sams or on sale at babies r us. Walmart has great baby pants in thier Garanimals selection for $4.
Does anyone know about how many size newborn and 1 diapers I would need? I didn’t want to stock up on too many, not knowing which brand will work best, but I’d like to have an idea of how many I will need. I know they go through them fast! Our first baby girl is due in 2 weeks 🙂
Depends on how big your baby is. Mine was in newborns for about 3-4 weeks and then size 1 for about 5 weeks.
Has your doctor given you an idea of how big Baby is? My kids were well over 8 lbs. each, so I knew to skip the newborn size. What ever you start with, I would get several big boxes of. Don’t be afraid to exchange them for a bigger size if you need to later on. Congrats and good luck!
My baby was 7 pounds exactly. We used 2 cases/boxes of newborn and then size 1 for 3 months. I’ve recorded every diaper (almost) changed. First 2 weeks (she was born mid-month): 90 diapers. Next month (2-6 weeks old): 214 diapers. Third month: 199 diapers. Fourth month: 194 diapers (last month at size 1). Fifth month: 200 diapers. Sixth month: 178 diapers. Averages about 7 diapers/day. I hope that helps…hard to say how many packages of different sizes since each manufacturer packs a different amount per size.
Thank you thank you thank you! Exactly what I needed to know. That definitely gives me an idea of how many are used each day. I’m so impressed that you kept track like that!
They say my baby will be over 8 lbs, but I have a hard time believing she’ll be that big! If she is, I’ll probably have too many nb size, but I can exchange them!
I use the BabyConnect app on my phone to track everything…I never thought I would, I thought people who did that had too much time on their hands. But my brain went to mush so quickly…sometimes I thought I had just fed her and she was crying, and then I looked at the app and went “wow, it’s been over an hour since she ate!” It’s been a lifesaver so many times, and it’s kind of cool to see everything tallied up like that, too! 🙂
That is an excellent point too–I just wrote on a tablet when and how much the baby ate, because seriously, my brain went to mush, too! Apparently it’s still a little mushy because I totally forgot that I did that 😉
My first was a preemie (6 1/2 weeks early) and in newborn diapers for the first couple months and my second was 7 1/2 lbs and in newborn diapers just over a week. Also I find that different diapers work differently for girls/boys. So you migh prefer one diaper over another.
Oh and I will share a good on-the-fly bottle warming trick I just learned. Use an “activated” hand/feet warmer and wrap it around the bottle for a few minutes. It warms it right up. Useful if you’re staying in a hotel that charges a fee to have a microwave in room or when you’re on the go.
Check out prices now and make a list of them. Target, Shaws and Walgreens have better prices on the formula my niece drinks than CVS (by nearly 4 dollars!).
When buying things new look around to see if there’s a ‘bargain’ manufacture of whatever you’re buying. A $400 crib by a known brand was $200 by an unknown brand. It was the exact same crib and the unknown brand had less safety recalls!
Don’t be afraid to return baby shower gifts. My sister got a bunch of cute winter clothes but where in 6 month size. My niece was too small this winter and will be too big by next winter. Return them and get replacement clothes, or a giftcard to use at a later date. Same goes if you get way too many clothes of one size – especially newborns. If you’re doing laundry once a week, you really don’t need 40 newborn outfits.
Look into buying a second base for your car seat. It’s less expensive then buying another seat and less of a hassle to move it from car to car.
Oh and I opted to get my sister a pack-and-play that had an attachment to be a bassinet and changing table. It can then later be used as a play pen. Made more sense to get her something she can use with the baby as a newborn and when she’s bigger.Plus it’s a space saver with the changing table!
FACEBOOK BUY SELL SWAP pages are the way to go for any baby gear! like a searchable garage sale and they’re usually more location based than craigslist. In my town of under 10,000, there are 4! I just searched on fb with words like my town name(or county name) and sell or swap or trade or that sort of thing. i’ve met some great people this way too. some people sell at rummage sale prices some higher but all are more convenient.
buying new clothes…end of season clearances at the boston store(all Bonton affiliates) nice stuff at awesome prices.
buy car seats new though…unless from someone you’d trust your child’s life with since you’re taking their word that the seat has not been in an accident or been inappropriately washed(straps should not be submerged).
or you can skip the infant carrier carseat altogether and just get a convertible seat(rear faces and forward faces later) to use from day 1…especially if you’re likely to “wear” the baby…but remember to research which convertible car seats fit newborns well.
Nobetterdeal.com has awesome deals and i’ve heard its alot of amazon’s return items.
We use Huggies diapers exclusively with our 22 month old. He wears size 4, so I aim to spend .18 or less per diaper. With wipes we aren’t picky about brand, so I shoot for no more than .02 per wipe. Like other readers have said, it’s a smart idea to try and stock up on these types of things while you’re still pregnant. When I was pregnant back in 2010, amazon had some crazy promotions going on and I stocked up newborn all the way to size 3. I didn’t have to buy diapers for the longest time.
Brand Diapers (huggies/pampers) my price point is $5/jumbo pack to stock up.
I find generics (cvs or walgreens brand) are okay for daytime wear but did not work for overnight wear for my kids. I typically don’t buy them unless I need diapers and don’t have a good sale/coupon match for brand. Brand wipes I usually pay $1 per soft pack (64 wipes) when I stock up. If I can’t find a good match, I buy the parent’s choice brand boxes of wipes that work out to be the cheapest per pack. I didn’t buy formula, since I breastfeed, but I wouldn’t stock up on that until you figure out what brand works for your baby if you plan to formula feed. Baby food I usually wait until I can get it free or for $.25 per jar or $.50 or less per pouch.
My first is a girl, now 6 months.
Best investment: car seat and stroller combo-every kid will use this; regardless of preference
Surprise purchase after coming home: wipe warmer- she was screaming on the changing table and cooing once we got the wipes warm
Saved messes: changing table-used or new; just get one, you will love it when they have a blowout
Price points for baby necessities:
Pampers Swaddlers -$.11-$.16 a diaper
Pampers or Huggies wipes-$.009-.014
Enfamil formula $.69-.90 per oz
These are my set in stone price points. Once I find the lower price, I stock up.
Clothes: some of the amazing deals I’ve gotten:
Ralph Lauren dresses -$3 at kohls
Leggings-$2.40 kohls
Carter’s dresses and playsets-$4 Macy’s
Jacket-$6 Gap
Jeans-$3 Carter’s
I see no reason to buy used when I can find these deals brand new. Yes it takes time and effort; but I see these deals year round. And like other posters said, I buy the next two sizes up.
Good luck!
I have 5 children, 8, 6, 5, 4 and 19 months. Cloth diapers worked best for us when I had 3 in diapers. Disposable, I usually stayed around 14cents a diaper and once the got into the larger sizes, I tried to stay under 20cents a diaper. We did most of the diaper shopping at Sams club and Babies R Us when they had the good deals. I didnt buy pampers or huggies often. Garage sales, Once Upon a Child and after season sales are the best ways to get clothes. Formula was also Sams Club or Costco…much cheaper than the name brand. Target also has a good formula. We never used a changing table, but bouncer and swing are a must! We also use a white noise machine in all their rooms (small fans when they were older). Good luck!
I will echo other posters. Used, used, used!! There are some items, like a carseat, that I would spend the money on and buy new. For the most past though, you can get so much used at resale stores and consignment sales or on clearance with deep discounts at places like Target, Old Navy, Gymboree, Childrens Place, etc. Here locally, we have a few big sales that rock! We are due with twin girls in 7 days and I got so much used from consignment sales. I got our two Graco swings for $25 each, bouncers for $20, Graco Blossom Highchairs for $65, etc. And we will be able to resell most of these items when we are done using them, reducing our out of pocket costs even further. We got our cribs and mattresses on Craigslist for about 30% of their cost new and again we will sell them at some point! For used gear in good condition, I would look to pay 25-50% of the original retail cost.
Dont get me wrong, I have absolutely purchased cute new clothes and not paid rock bottom prices, but if you save on everything overall, those splurges wont hit so hard!
For things like baby shampoo and lotion (like Johnson and Johnson), you can easily get these for $1 or less. Same thing for Desitin.
New bottles cost about $1-2 after coupons and sales, less than .50 at consignment sales.
We also got our boppy’s from Totsy for $16 each. Considering the used ones at resale stores were going for $12-13 where I live, we decided to get the new ones.
Onesies and pants $1 or less. Sleepers $2-3 (used)
Definitely be careful of what baby freebie sites you sign up for – a lot will SPAM you like crazy!! (Baby2Bee is a HUGE one). However, sign up for the mailing lists of reputable companies they will send you tons of coupons (especially if you use or have to supplement with formula – the formula voucher checks will save you a TON) – Huggies, Pampers, Gerber, Enfamil, Similac, BeechNut.
I agree with others to shop Craig’s List/Mom2MomSales/consignment shops for most of your baby gear (exersaucer/nursery furniture/baby swing/etc) – except your car seat – definitely spend the money to buy a new one that guarantees it is up to date and hasn’t been in any car accidents. We used our gift cards towards buying the majority of our travel system.
I’ll admit that I haven’t read through the other posts here, but here’s my two cents. (Hope they aren’t all repeats.) Sign up now with gerber, huggies, pampers, beechnut, or any formula company that you may use. They will send freebies, great for the diaper bag. A bouncy chair and swing were very helpful to my sanity, but both take batteries–stock up if you plan on using them. (Trust me, the batteries will eventually get used.) I loved my cheap plastic bottle drier. Don’t buy a special sanitizer, just use a pot of boiling water to sterilize the new stuff. I never bought Dreft either, I think that stuff is way to expensive. I used Purex Free and Clear with my babies, and still use it today. Target brand baby wipes were my favorite and much cheaper than name brand. And skip the Diaper genie. I bought the little scented bags at the dollar store that are for when you walk your dog for the smelly ones.
I see everyone suggesting consignment shops…maybe they had a better experience than me. I bought a pack n play, swing, diaper pail, bathtub and more ( most from once upon a time…and literally everything broke. Swing motor broke after a month, pack n play wouldn’t even open, even the bathtub fell apart and slipped when I put my son in it! Clothes are ok used, but for baby gear, you get what you pay for. It’s definitely worth it in the long run to buy new.
At first I thought we would get everything new…then I started to add it all up and it was depressing! We did buy new (very very cheap baby furniture from Kohls online) but most of the rest of our things have been hand me downs and those huge consigment sales. I will buy after season clothes too though some of the buying ahead I did was a waste because our son is tiny (born a micro-premie) and many of those things fit at the wrong time, so be careful buying too far ahead or buy non seasonal specific things like t-shirts and cotton pants.
I stocked up on wipes and diapers before too and that helped a ton when we finally got him home not to have to find deals on those items and just stay home to hibernate and hold the precious one. I feel that diaper and wipe prices have gotten worse in the last almost two years. I spend more like .18 a diaper typically and around .02 a wipe. If less than that I buy as much as I can afford at the time.
We also do the small plastic removable highchair that just attaches to a chair. It was worked perfectly and couldn’t be easier to clean, plus it doesn’t take up any more of our limited table space.
I made most of our baby food, it was way way cheaper and super easy! Just get food processor or bullet type thing and icecube trays and good to go!
We liked our little cheap swing (it was a gift for babyshower) that barely swung and ran on batteries and sat close to the floor. At first I was going to return it for the big monster I wanted but then I realized it really was the most practical and our son didn’t care if it was swinging or not. It was a great place to set him while I did dishes or made bottles etc because he could be right next to me in his tiny swing. Most the other things we could do without.
Don’t get too many toys or clothes (we get over run by hand me downs anyway and until recently didn’t buy more than three toys ourselves). I find too many toys/clothes a source of stress and mess for me and feel guilt about getting rid of them. So if they don’t come in the house to begin with you are good.
Good luck! Being a Mama is the best thing ever! It is exhausting and awesome and stressful and often mundane but mostly amazing!