Thriving With Kids
~Babies~
First of all, let me say for the record
YOU DO NOT NEED EVER PIECE OF BABY GEAR OUT THERE.
(deep breath)
There are many
lists,
graphs
and calculators
to help you find out what it will cost
to bring a bundle into the world.
These are often filled with unnecessary items, child care and savings for college.
lists,
graphs
and calculators
to help you find out what it will cost
to bring a bundle into the world.
These are often filled with unnecessary items, child care and savings for college.
No matter what people tell you.
You do not need:
A wipe warmer, a diaper genie, bumpers,
a crib quilt, special baby bathing units, fancy gates,
special soap.... I can probably stop there.
a crib quilt, special baby bathing units, fancy gates,
special soap.... I can probably stop there.
What I did, was to choose a few items that after watching other moms... I knew I would need.
Look around and listen to the moms in your life.
What do they rave about? What items sat in their closets?
Experienced Moms are your secret weapon.
Blazing the trail before you, so that you can follow them.
Blazing the trail before you, so that you can follow them.
For me several items that I could not live without would be my
Bouncer
Baby Bath
Changing Table
Moniter
Pack and Play
Chunky fun toys
Diaper bag
Good cuddle or swaddle blankets (only a few needed)
A lot of these can be picked up used,
or might be given at a shower.
or might be given at a shower.
Note:
I have currently have my youngest in a used car-seat but, have heard that this practice is highly not recommended and this will not be repeated with my next baby.
As far as used materials....
some moms might be squirming in their seats
with a giant "ugh" face on.
some moms might be squirming in their seats
with a giant "ugh" face on.
But, I tell you.... a little soak in bleach water
and I feel very comfortable with my little darlings using things from the thrift-store or craigslist.
and I feel very comfortable with my little darlings using things from the thrift-store or craigslist.
My pocketbook feels more comfortable too.
Another resource is mom-friends who are finished having children.
Set yourself up for success, discreetly letting folks know that you enjoy hand-me downs.
A word of caution, make sure though that you have checked
about recalls and that the equipment is in proper working order
(as I mentioned above about the car-seat).
Your wee babes safety is of the utmost importance!
about recalls and that the equipment is in proper working order
(as I mentioned above about the car-seat).
Your wee babes safety is of the utmost importance!
Special Diaper and Wipes Section
I know some of the ultimate thrifty gurus would recommend using cloth....
but for me with being on a well with hard water and a septic system
I just use the regular old land-fillers.
but for me with being on a well with hard water and a septic system
I just use the regular old land-fillers.
Some of my ideas on this are:
Sign up for every coupon you can!
I signed up with Luvs, and once a month I get coupons.
They are not my favorite brand but, when they are 6.00 and I get a coupon for $2.00 off, I will buy those.
They are not my favorite brand but, when they are 6.00 and I get a coupon for $2.00 off, I will buy those.
I scour the internet, using some of my favorite coupon sites to see if I can match things to get diapers for less.
I also never buy name brands.
It is always Parents Choice, Target or Luvs
It is always Parents Choice, Target or Luvs
The same goes with the wipes...
I hunt for coupons and buy off brands.
I hunt for coupons and buy off brands.
Also, when using wipes be careful how many you are using.
I have to ask myself... do I really need five wipes when four will do?
I have to ask myself... do I really need five wipes when four will do?
One more thought:
Buy in bulk when you can!
Buy in bulk when you can!
Toddlers
When it comes to toddlers, I use the same basic principles
Can I find it used?
For example:
For example:
I do simply do not see the sense in paying upwards of $15
for a pair of shoes,
no matter how cute they are... they will probably only be worn for a few months.
for a pair of shoes,
no matter how cute they are... they will probably only be worn for a few months.
So. most of my children's clothes are purchased
at the many used baby and kids clothing stores around town.
at the many used baby and kids clothing stores around town.
I also take advantage of Old Navy, Kohls and Target sales.
I signed up through email and wait to find out what is happening with markdowns.
I am not as thorough as some people but, have been able to save pennies with good deals.
My latest acquisitions are
$7.48 for a two pack of Carters Jammies
$5.00 for a pink winter dress
70 cents for a pair of white socks
When I find deals like this, I ask myself
"How does this compare price-wise to the thrift store?"
If I find that the items is close in price,
I will go ahead and purchase the new item.
For example, when Old Navy runs their 50% off clearance many of the items are $3 and under.
At this point, we are very close in price to a used store...so combined with a coupon,
I can save a ton.
With children's thirft stores and thrift stores in general.
They will keep $1 bins of clothes on display.
I always go through these bins.
You never know what you may find. Many of my daughter's pants have come from these sections.
Also, you can ask around and find out when certain thrift-shops do their "end of season" sales.
Often these are rock-bottom prices!
I also, like to make a list of exactly what each child needs and only purchase items listed
I sit down and think about how many pairs of jeans, dresses or shirts each one needs.
This way it helps me not over-buy or over-spend when I see deals.
If I find that the items is close in price,
I will go ahead and purchase the new item.
For example, when Old Navy runs their 50% off clearance many of the items are $3 and under.
At this point, we are very close in price to a used store...so combined with a coupon,
I can save a ton.
With children's thirft stores and thrift stores in general.
They will keep $1 bins of clothes on display.
I always go through these bins.
You never know what you may find. Many of my daughter's pants have come from these sections.
Also, you can ask around and find out when certain thrift-shops do their "end of season" sales.
Often these are rock-bottom prices!
I also, like to make a list of exactly what each child needs and only purchase items listed
I sit down and think about how many pairs of jeans, dresses or shirts each one needs.
This way it helps me not over-buy or over-spend when I see deals.
 |
| 2 pairs purchased for 50 cents a piece |
These are my thoughts for you.
I have found that these pretty basic routines and ideas,
help me save a lot when it comes to the care of my children.
I have found that these pretty basic routines and ideas,
help me save a lot when it comes to the care of my children.
1 comment:
Some of the same thoughts I've had myself, yet it's great to hear it from someone who has kids and is actually practicing it! Thrift stores are the way to go, in my opinion! :)
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