Baby on a Budget Part 2

So, I realized I missed a few pointers in my last post. So, here's a few more tips.

1. Buy store brand. Your little one won't notice the difference if you're using Target-brand baby shampoo or Acme brand baby food.

2. Take advantage of sales, especially BOGO. Most baby food doesn't expire for a long time, and diapers will last as long as you make them last.

3. Save on child care. If you're working, see if a family member can take your little one for at least one of the days you work. Even if you pay them, it will cost you much less than a babysitter or day care. If this can't happen, see if a family friend would be willing to watch your little one for a low cost.

4. Go to the park. Yes, go to the park. Kids don't need to go to some huge play place or have their own swingset. They will be quite happy to talk a walk or bike ride (or even drive) to the park with mom.

5. If you haven't had your baby yet, consider using just a portable crib (Pack and Play) for, or co-sleeping with, your baby. Babies don't NEED cribs. My mother-in-law bought Ava's crib, thank goodness. She's a saint!

6. Only buy what you need. Your baby won't need 50 bottles, 73 spoons, 46 sippy cups, and 5 cans of formula. Buy what you need, and restock later on if you need to.

7. Share. Give your toddler what you eat, like bread, milk, fruit and veggies. These are a few examples. Now, don't take that too literally; you don't want your little one eating chips and drinking sodas and beer!

8. Use your own hand-me-downs (when appropriate). Ava loves reading books that I loved to read when I was a baby, and playing with some of my old toys. We even watch some of my VHS's (yes, I said VHS!) from when I was little. This keeps mementos that your parents obviously wanted to keep, in the family. Don't even think of using your old carseat, though! I also wouldn't recommend an old crib.

9. If it's possible, don't make your child a seperate meal from what you're having. This is a little tough for us, because of Ava's food allergies, but we make do where we can. This will not only help you to eat healthier (unless you want your child eating McDonald's and other junk... admit it, you're probably not the healthiest eater ever [I know I'm not]) and save you money by just making one big dish for the whole family. This will also help teach your child that you won't cater to them by making their own meals every night. Ava LOVES eating the same thing as us.

10. Don't believe all the high-priced "baby-specific" brands. Sure, some of the products specifically aimed at babies should be used, like shampoo for example, but you don't need to always buy "baby brands."