So as we all know there are tons of books, and articles out there about everything you need to know about babies. how many of those books actually lack any quality help? Or actually help when the time came to use it.
My daughter Alexa Rayne is almost 5 months old, I've been pooped on, puked on, scratched, hair pulled and she's screamed in my ear, and my baby is really well behaved. She sleeps through the night, didn't cry when i got her ears pierced, has had only one ear infection, eats well, if not too well... I dunno. She's amazing but i was never prepared for everything that was going to take place, even with my two year old nephew. Like how much it cost for formula, diapers, wipes, clothes, shoes, everything just adds up. I'd like to just take a second to spread just a few things that I've learned in my five months.
Today we'll touch on prices, and ways to save money.
Tip One: COUPONS!!!! Sign up for Good Start coupons @ goodbaby.com, they've sent me coupons for up to $11 off formula, money off bottles, pacifiers, baby food, bowels,etc. They're so useful. Especially starting out. Huggies, Pampers, and Luvs usually send you coupons too. Sign up at thier websites, Huggies send me coupons for diapers and wipes all the time. Anywhere from $.50 to $3.00 off wipes and diapers. Coupons can be found on the Internet, anything that might have a website, probably has a sign up for memberships (which includes free coupons), look in the Sunday papers, and always look for ads and sales. Remember certain stores honor competitor's prices, so ask your local stores about details. Look for coupons in your pediatrician's office too.
Tip Two: Don't be too proud. Having a baby, or more than one can be expensive. if you qualify go to your local health department and sign up for the WIC program. They help with women pre and post pregnancy, and with children up to 5 years of age. Use an opportunity to get a medical card if you need one for your child. The very least that can happen is they tell you that you don't qualify.
Tip Three: Thrift stores or second hand shops. Goodwill prolly just popped up in your head, but there are some really nice places that sell second hand baby products. (Not that there is something wrong with Goodwill, there are just places that specialize in baby products.) A lot of these places sell furniture, swings, car seats, strollers, and even maternity clothing too. Pay attention to places and see if they trade in clothing, some even give a cash back option. Baby clothes are really hard to soil on a day to day basis if treated properly, and they usually don't get to be worn many times, so don't feel bad for buying second hand clothing. Also about twice a year there are massive baby sells, like the Little Cherub Sale, that gather clothing for the up coming seasons and sell them for about 2 days. You might have to dig a bit, but almost always it's worth it. Which brings me to Four.
Tip Four: Sell anything they outgrow.Yeah you might want to keep a few of their best outfits for the memory box, or for the next child, but if you're done, or need money then it's a fast way to work it. Newborn size was worn about a month here, and from the showers i had SO many newborn clothing, things she wore once. I'd say that happens a lot. Even if it's to your neighbour or in a yard sale you're making money to provide more things your baby needs now.
Tip Five: If you buy in bulk it's always cheaper! Sam's Club in notorious for big sized items, Walmart carries some bulk items, and look in BigLots, you'll find random great deals.
Tip Six: Off Brand products work just as well. (HINT: some babies have sensitive skin and can only use certain items, Alexa can only wear Huggies Gentle Care diapers... If this is the case find something that works over price) Even dollar stores carry baby products, a dollar thing of wipes versus $2.50 at pricier stores? Which sounds better?
Tip Seven: This may be one of my favorite tips, and the last for the day... FREE SAMPLES!!! By getting free samples you'll know what you are getting, plus you don't have to pay for it to find out if you like it or not. And this doesn't just pertain to babies, you can get free samples for everything. Freebies4mom.com is amazing for finding coupons and giveaways and samples. Usually you don't have to fill out surveys or anything, just type in your info and wait for it in your mail box, you'll be excited Certain websites will also have birthday clubs and things for free whatevers on your birthday, so optimize anything you can do.
I hope I can save you a few bucks, and let me know if you need any links or you've discovered anything I missed. Thanks!
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