What Economy Problem?
Preparing for a New Baby
on a Budget page 2
Smart, Stylish, and Cost-Efficient Ways to Prepare for Baby
by The Cradle Staff
Decorating the Nursery
Preparing the nursery for your baby’s arrival can be incredibly exciting... and expensive. Luckily, over the past few years, the baby product market has exploded with new companies and new product lines. There has never been a better time to shop for baby. Not only has the selection increased exponentially, but with the introduction of high-end lines also came the introuction of more affordable lines. Some of our favorite affordable furniture lines are:
If you've been drooling over the latest vintage-glam celebrity twin nurseries (of Vivienne & Knox Jolie-Pitt and Max & Emme Lopez-Anthony), you don't have to rake in a $20 million/picture salary to recreate their updated elegance. See our affordable options below.
Here are our 'affordable' alternatives:
As for decorating those walls, a great alternative to investing in art, or hiring someone to paint a mural, are colorful and creative wall decals.
The options available today are plenty – from modern to whimsical. There’s something for every style. Also, since they just peel and stick, you can move them around the room as you please (an activity in itself for your growing child).
Our favorites include:
Announcing Your New Arrival
Send e-card announcements. Forgo the stamps, paper (not to mention time and energy) and announce your baby’s birth with an e-card. Not only are you saving on time, energy, and money, you’re saving paper and therefore saving a tree. Very eco-conscious!
The Cradle offers birth announcement e-cards, or you can find e-card announcements. You can also find multimedia options at Smilebox.
Dressing Your Little One
Think ahead and buy clothes at the end of each season when clothes go on sale. Buy 1-3 years in advance and store away until your child grows into each size. You can find some really cute, designer clothing for a fraction of the price. January and July are big sale months.
Plus, we're always amazed at the great fashions - and deals - at Old Navy, babyGap, Janie & Jack (Gymboree's sibling), and... Loehmann's! There's always a slew of clothing on sale, and the offerings are perfect for both wardrobe staples and trendy pieces (that you can justify at those discounted prices)!
Thinking Outside the (Wrapped) Box
When registering for gifts, consider options that will last much longer than clothing or toys. Companies like Cord Blood Registry and Freshman Fund allow your friends and family to donate to your child’s health and education. What a valuable gift!
