What Economy Problem?
Preparing for a New Baby on a Budget
Smart, Stylish, and Cost-Efficient Ways to Prepare for Baby
by The Cradle Staff
hese days, it seems like you can’t turn on a TV or pick up a newspaper without hearing or reading about the
economy. Though this isn’t necessarily an optimistic time for our wallets, you can always be optimistic about your growing family.
Of course, a new baby means new expenses. But they don’t all have to break the bank.
We’ve compiled a list of smart and stylish - yet cost-efficient - solutions to keep your spirits up... even when the economy is down.
The Three 'B's: Buying in Bulk, Borrowing, and Sticking to the Basics
Buying in Bulk
Buy in large quantities when it comes to diapers, wipes, ointments, and any other baby items you know you’re going to need for a while (like formula, if you are formula feeding). As we know from our national obsession with stores like Costco, buying in bulk will usually mean you're purchasing at a discount. If you'd prefer to have these larger quantities delivered to your door, check out a site like Diapers.com or Amazon.com. They both offer a wide variety of brands and products, and both offer free shipping when you spend a certain amount.
Borrowing
If any of your friends or family members have recently welcomed babies, it's likely that their children have already outgrown much of their newborn clothes and gear. Don't be afraid to ask if you can borrow some items; you'll be surprised at how many people would love to get some of those boxes out of their garage!
Sticking to the Basics
Don't sweat the small stuff. Literally... the small stuff. Your newborn is going to grow out of those newborn clothes so quickly, plus they’re mostly going to be lounging around at home in a onesie or swaddling blanket, so you don’t need to buy too many clothes for the first few months.
And some of the items that your friends call 'necessities' are not necessarily... um, necessary. A bottle warmer might seem like a handy piece of equipment, but you might find that it's easier to warm the bottle in a mug of hot water. Sometimes, you need to learn your own routine to see which 'must have' items are the ones you really can't live without.
