Getting what you need for your newborn without going
broke!
It’s been said time and again that babies cost a
pretty penny. Although little Brad or Jennifer won’t hop
out of the birth canal and start demanding servants and
expensive electronic gadgets, they do represent some
additional expenses that can be wallet-draining when
considered all at once. Fortunately the expenses do not
have to be incurred all at once – even an unplanned
pregnancy allots nine months to plan and gradually deal
with the expenses associated with procreation. There are
several steps that expectant parents can take to help
cut down on some of the major expenses that are
expected.
Baby Showers
A baby shower is a time honored tradition in which
expectant mothers get a bunch of free stuff from their
friends and family members. Don’t be afraid or ashamed
to take advantage of this situation. A decent shower can
often cover most of the immediate baby layette needs.
Usually someone will offer to hold a shower for the
expectant mom, but she shouldn’t be afraid to drop hints
to close friends and family or even come right out and
ask for a shower.
Buy Diapers in Advance
When is the best time to start buying diapers and
other such essentials? The moment after conception would
be ideal, but since most women don’t know that they’re
expecting until weeks or even months later, you may have
to settle for “as soon as you find out.” Start adding
diapers to your regular shopping list and try to pick up
one or two packages each week. Varying between size one
and two is a good idea, with perhaps a pack or two of
the newborn size. If you have a bigger baby you don’t
want to be stuck with lots of newborn size diapers that
you’ll never use. If the baby is “normal” size it is
easy to buy newborn sizes while you need them and rest
easy in the knowledge that you’re already stocked up on
the next sizes up. A lower cost alternative to this is
to use a cloth diaper service if you can find one still
in operation in your area.
Get Help & Buy Used Whenever Possible
For large baby needs like cribs, playpens, and
strollers, try and get the help of family members with
these purchases. Proud grandparents to be are usually
more than happy to help with items like these. A lot of
money can be saved by purchasing these items second-hand
as well. If a used crib, stroller, or playpen is in good
condition, there is no reason not to buy it over a new
one. The only item you probably don’t want to buy used
is a car seat. These items must meet safety requirements
and there is no way to be sure that a used one measures
up to current standards.
A little planning and thinking ahead is all it takes
to save serious money on most of your initial and
ongoing baby needs. They real key to setting up your
baby layette on a budget is to start as soon as
possible.
About The Author
Kirsten Hawkins is a baby and parenting expert specializing new mothers
and single parent issues. Visit
http://www.babyhelp411.com/ for more
information on how to raising healthy, happy
children.
