How To Obtain Baby Essentials Frugally

Many parents spend what should be a joyful time – pregnancy – worrying about how they’re going to buy all the gear babies need in time for the little one’s arrival. Are there any ways to get the items you need for the new arrival without spending a lot of money? Absolutely. Here are some of the things to keep in mind that will not only save you money but also be kinder on the environment.

Reassess
The first step is to reassess what you will really need once baby arrives. If this isn’t your first child, you probably have a lot of stuff left over from a previous baby that you could use, assuming you saved things.

If this is your first child, understand that much of the baby stuff that is being marketed as essential is not truly needed in the first place, and is even designed to keep you away from your baby. For example, it is not necessary to create and furnish a nursery at all. Babies and even toddlers couldn’t care less if they had fancy bedding with matching décor. All they want is your time and presence, food and warm clothing. Your baby will likely be happiest if he or she sleeps near you. Bassinettes are generally far cheaper than cribs. Or you can skip the whole thing and let baby sleep with you.

Babies can also play with ordinary household items with your supervision and often prefer these things over the fanciest store bought toys! Wooden spoons, plastic food containers, items from nature and other easily obtainable items stimulate your baby’s creativity and cost nothing because you already own them. Challenge yourself to create a “treasure box” of safe, everyday items you find around your home that your baby could play with. When you do buy toys, focus on high quality, classic items like wooden blocks. These will last for multiple children and experts believe that open ended toys are better for your child’s brain development than fancy flashy battery operated ones. 

Multi Task
Buy baby gear items that serve multiple purposes. A baby sling is the perfect example of this. A baby sling can make a baby swing and exercauser unnecessary. A sling can even stand in for a stroller. Slings are highly portable and can be used to feed a baby discreetly in public, comfort them when they’re upset, and gentle them to sleep. Your baby will thrive developmentally and cry less if she or he is “worn” close to your body. Baby slings can be made cheaply or bought inexpensively.

Obtain Used
As long as you are careful not to purchase items that have been recalled, buying used is an excellent option to help you save money. High quality clothing, cloth diapers, toys, books, furniture and much more is available at yard sales, consignment shops, thrift stores, online auctions and even places like Craigslist and Freecycle. Buying used is also kinder on the environment since it is a practice of reusing, and used items generally have no packaging attached. 

Ask
If your friends or relatives throw you a baby shower, tell people what you really need. Don’t be afraid to ask for practical gifts like cloth diapers, plenty of stylist yet unfussy everyday t shirts and pants for your young baby, and other necessary items. You could also ask friends and loved ones to buy you things like a baby food grinder so you can make your own baby food once baby is eating solids, which also saves you money. And what new mom wouldn’t appreciate a book full of coupons for free babysitting?

Getting what you need for baby without going broke just involves a little forethought and creativity. Be open minded and keep “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle” firmly in mind too.