How to Save Money and Space When You Buy Baby Items

Baby items are expensive and can take up an amazing amount of space. Save money and spare yourself clutter. Buy smart, not everything!

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Just the Basics ~ We all want to give our babies everything. However, they won't use everything. Until the baby arrives, you should hold off on non-essentials. You know you'll need a crib and diapers, but you don't know if you'll need expensive gas-reducing bottles. Many baby items are unnecessary for the majority of infants. Save money by holding off until after you baby shows a need.
2. Collapsibles ~ Baby items that fold up for storage are not only space saving, but often less expensive than solid units. For instance, traditional high chairs are space hogs. They are difficult to clean. They range in price from $75.00 - $250.00 (generally speaking). Instead, think about a folding booster with a tray. These will save you a lot of space and they start around $20.00. By the time your child can begin eating food, they are generally able to sit up.
3. Transformers ~ Baby items that transform for different uses as your child ages are WONDERFUL! You will save money by not having to replace the item, or purchase another item as your child ages. Example: The playpen-bassinet-changing table combo. It's an ideal bed for a newborn as the bedding can be made to incline without much effort (just stick a folded towel under one end). By the time your child will need a playpen, they are ready or have already been moved into a full-size crib. It also eliminates the need for a changing table. Additionally, they are convenient to travel with so you can ensure your baby's sleep comfort even when showing them off in another town. Many items for small children transform for different uses. Even tricycles can be made bicycles. Just look around before you spend.
4. Do it Yourself ~ Spending money on bottle warmers or wipe warmers is a giant waste of money. A bottle warmer is no more effective than placing a baby's bottle in a bowl of warm water. You can warm wipes by rubbing them between your hands or storing them near a heater. These little gadgets may be fun to look at, but they cost real money and take up real space. If you can do the work yourself, it's easier and less expensive to do it.
5. Items Worth the Space and Money ~ Some items are just worth the expense and space they demand. One example is the infant car seat. You may save money with a car seat that adapts to fit a child from birth to 3, but the inconvenience will be astronomical. Infant seat with detachable bases allow you to move your infant without disturbing them. They minimize your infant's exposure to weather conditions because you can have them latched safely in place before you even step outdoors. They also serve as a safe place for your child when you need your hands free and you are not at home.
6. Check Reviews ~ Amazon and other retail websites offer owner reviews of baby items. You might be surprised, when looking for the best of an item, you find that most parents found the item itself unnecessary.

Tips & Warnings

• A baby needs love, food, and surprisingly little else.
• Buy smart.
• Talk to other parents.
• Remember the dollars and inches add up.
• Don't confuse accessories with love.
• Don't confuse accessories with convenience.