According to data collected by the USDA,
the average middle-income, two-parent family spends $12,290 to $14,320
annually on their child. In addition to housing, health care and
clothing, there's no question baby gear contributes largely to that
annual expense during the early years. Carriers, car seats, cribs and
strollers can all add up to a big expense for first-time parents.
Happily, experienced parents
know a thing or two about saving on everything from baby formula to car
seats. Before you max out your credit cards in preparation for your
bundle of joy, consider these tips to save on all the gear you need.
BEG
From Family and Friends
If you have friends or family with little ones, ask if you can have some of the baby gear they've grown out of. If you ask nicely enough you might score some gear for free or at a minimal cost.
If you have friends or family with little ones, ask if you can have some of the baby gear they've grown out of. If you ask nicely enough you might score some gear for free or at a minimal cost.
From Retail Stores
It's a given to create a baby registry, however don't be afraid to add all your items to that list. Some stores like Target and Babies 'R Us will give you a coupon to use on the remaining items off your registry before your due date.
It's a given to create a baby registry, however don't be afraid to add all your items to that list. Some stores like Target and Babies 'R Us will give you a coupon to use on the remaining items off your registry before your due date.
BORROW
Swap
Babies grow quickly, which means that they are also growing out of gear like car seats and strollers at an astounding rate. Instead of purchasing new items for each stage, look for groups of moms in your town who are willing to swap items with each other.
Babies grow quickly, which means that they are also growing out of gear like car seats and strollers at an astounding rate. Instead of purchasing new items for each stage, look for groups of moms in your town who are willing to swap items with each other.
Test Drive
Ask your friends and family if you can borrow gear for a set amount of time. You may even want to ask to borrow an item for a trial run before you purchase an expensive piece of gear.
Ask your friends and family if you can borrow gear for a set amount of time. You may even want to ask to borrow an item for a trial run before you purchase an expensive piece of gear.
SAVE
Find Freebies
There are ways to get baby items that almost feel like stealing because you can get them for free! Find a list of free baby items like formula, nursing covers and car seat canopies at MrFreeStuff.com. Ask your pediatrician for as many free formula samples as they can spare. You'll learn that sometimes, the sample size of certain products is really all you need. For example, the free Lansinoh's sample I received from my hospital was all I used while I was nursing.
Request Hospital GiveawaysThere are ways to get baby items that almost feel like stealing because you can get them for free! Find a list of free baby items like formula, nursing covers and car seat canopies at MrFreeStuff.com. Ask your pediatrician for as many free formula samples as they can spare. You'll learn that sometimes, the sample size of certain products is really all you need. For example, the free Lansinoh's sample I received from my hospital was all I used while I was nursing.
During your hospital stay ask your nurses what you can take home with you. Grab as many diapers as you can, ask for a humidifier, a nasal aspirator and maybe even a blanket! You can take these items home with you at no additional cost.
Participate in the Trade-In Event
Participate in Babies 'R Us Great Trade-In Event through Feb 10. If you don't have gear to trade in, it might be worth it to pick up an older car seat or stroller off of Craigslist to trade in for 25-percent off a new item.
Go Gender Neutral
If you plan on having more children, you may have to look at the baby gear you do purchase as an investment! Don't buy gender specific items, but rather purchase gender neutral items so that you can use your gear with future children regardless of their sex.
Maisie Knowles is a working
mother of two with three-year's experience writing on parenting issues
and business ownership. She co-founded Kinoli Inc. with her husband in
2005 and divides her time between managing the company and taking care
of her two young girls. For more information, visit MaisieKnowles.com.
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