How to Save Money on Infant Gear

Let's face it, babies are expensive. Go into any store that specializes in infant gear and you will be overwhelmed by the choices. High chairs, cribs, bassinets, strollers, exersaucers, tummy time mats, baby gyms...the list goes on and on. Infant gear can be expensive, but there are simple ways to save money.This article will show a few ways to save money on infant gear. By shopping carefully, determining what your baby really needs, and re-purposing gear, anyone can save money when buying baby gear.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Save money with a shower. The first way to save money on infant gear is to ask someone to host a baby shower for your child. Be sure to ask - politely - for practical infant gear. Otherwise, you might end up with stacks of cute baby clothes that will only last for a few weeks.

2. Save money with the basics. A lot of the infant gear on the market today wasn't around when you were a baby - and your mother did just fine without it. All a baby needs is a safe place to sleep and a car seat for traveling. Even the stroller is optional if you decide to use a baby sling to carry your child. Do you need a tummy time mat, or just a blanket on the floor with a few toys? Think about each piece of infant gear before you buy it. Do you need it, or does it just look like fun?

3. Save money at sleep time. All infants need a safe place to sleep. A crib is a necessary purchase and will serve your baby for several years. A bassinet, however, is a luxury item that will be quickly out grown. Instead of buying a bassinet, see if you can borrow one from a friend or relative. Another option is a port-a-crib. Many port-a-cribs act as a traveling bassinet, a diaper changing station, and a play yard. Baby can nap in it, play in it, and take it to grandma's house to use as a crib. You can really get your money's worth from this item.

4. Save money at bath time. Those little baby bath tubs are cute, but unnecessary. Try bathing baby in the sink with a towel in the bottom for cushion. When baby is a little older and has neck control, take him into the shower with you. Then, when baby is old enough to sit up, go directly to the tub. Again, a towel underneath, and your steady hand, is all that baby needs to keep him safe.

5. Save money through consignment. Check your phone book for consignment shops in your area. These places are real money savers. Not only can you buy gently used clothes and toys for cheap, but you can also sell or trade in your used infant gear. Shop around, because not all stores are alike. Some consignment shops specialize in designer clothes while others take anything that's clean. Check back often because the merchandise rotates quickly - and hot items don't stay for long on the shelves.

6. Save money by swapping. Find other families with children the same age and have a toy swap. Toy's your child is bored with can thrill another. Also find families with children who are older for gently used hand me downs. Be sure to pass your gently used toys to another family, too.

7. Save money by planning ahead. Check your favorite clothing store for clearance racks. Great bargains can be found when stores are trying to clear out the racks for the next season's shipment. Try to gauge your child's growth and buy clearance clothes in a size or two larger. Summer clearance items can be worn next spring - or even around the house. Even the most frugal mom can dress her child in designer clothes by shopping the clearance racks.