With a newborn baby on the way (or already here), that’s enough to shake up any family. But do you really need all the hoopla that goes along with a new baby?
The short answer is - no, you definitely don’t. Some of the things you’ll never use while others your baby may not even like.
Don’t feed into the hype, stay focused and figure out what you really are going to need. Here’s some advice to get you started.
1. Ask for it
The purpose of a baby registry is to get things that you need, desire, or perhaps would be costly otherwise. So use your baby’s registry to your advantage - just be smart about it. There’s no need to add twenty different sizes of pacifiers on it because, chances are, you won’t get half of them.
I remember when I was putting my registry together, I had no plan, no list, not even a clue what I was getting myself into walking around the store with that scanner in my hand. If I had to do it over again, I would absolutely allow for a better part of my afternoon to be free to make the registry the right way. I’d walk around the store first, looking and comparing, then I’d make note of what I really wanted and needed and scan accordingly.
It’s easy to get caught up in the moment of the registry-making and not really think of what you’re throwing on that list.
Slow down - plan - add. In that order too.
2. Search for it
If you didn’t receive everything you needed or wanted during your shower, fear not. Now it’s time to hone in on your searching skills and start asking friends who have children if they have an extra whatever it is you need. Perhaps they’re done having kids and you can score some hand-me-down clothes, toys, and baby gear.
If not, then turn to sites like Craigslist, FreeCycle, and ThredUp to find parents eager to get the extra things off their hands, and often for a fantastic bargain too.
3. Be frugal
Things like baby wipes can go a long way if you cut them in half. Also, remember that breastfeeding is free. Cloth diapers can help save you thousands a year as well as reduce your family’s carbon footprint.
Also, buying in bulk can help save your family hundreds a year as can using coupons and watching sales. If you’re at home with your baby, there’s no excuse for you to not be watching store sales, clipping coupons, and hunting down the best price for baby’s essentials.
No showering and make-up is needed - simply throw on your computer and use the Internet to locate all the sales and coupons you need. There are a ton of money-saving websites out there doing a lot of the work for you, all you have to do is start finding them. Once you find one, they’ll lead you to others.
Cooking at home is also a great way to save money and an easy way to eat healthier. Since you’re preparing it, you know exactly what’s in it. If slaving over the stove isn’t your thing, no problem. Purchase a slow cooker and get busy. They’re inexpensive and there is an abundance of free scrumptious and super easy recipes online.