“Having a baby costs so much money!”

While raising kids does have many costs (not just financial!), there are so many ways to exercise frugality, especially when buying items for young babies. Here’s how to save on baby gear and clothes, which can end up being some of the most expensive items you buy!

Saving on Baby: How to Save on Baby Gear and Clothes

In our society, both baby clothes and baby gear seem to be status symbols among young families, and often new parents feel guilty if they don’t provide the most stylish and highly rated products for their children. An obvious step in spending less money is to care less about status and more about your relationship with your baby. As long as he is fed, warm, clean, and loved, your baby will be happy. However, it can also be a comfort to know that your baby is comfortable and safe in a quality outfit, crib, or car seat.

Keep things simple

Simplicity is a beautiful thing. Keep reminding yourself that newborns need surprisingly little. While growing babies and toddlers need some form of diversion to keep them from destroying everything in the house or whining like crazy, they don’t necessarily need expensive diversions.  I’m continually surprised by how long a child’s attention can be held by a cardboard box or a piece of junk mail that makes a cool crinkly noise. Just because the top baby websites list 101 different items for which you “need” to register doesn’t mean that everything on the list is a true necessity. Bear in mind that the more you “need,” the more money the companies make.  How many outfits, toys, and gadgets does a baby really need? Take some time to evaluate what is truly necessary and purchase quality products instead of buying lots of junk that will just end up cluttering your house and your life.

Ask around

This is by far the best way to save on baby gear and clothes. So many helpful baby items are only used for a short period of time: think swings, bouncy seats, Bumbos, and playmats. And so it is not wise to spend $100 on one of these items! Ask friends and family if they have one you can borrow. When one of our kids was younger, there was one baby swing that I think got passed around to about six different families! With clothes, think about people you know who have a child about a year older than yours and ask if they’d be willing to hang onto any clothes they don’t want and pass them on. Then you can pass on the kindness by giving your baby’s clothes away to others you know who need t hem!

Look for freebies

If you read this blog, then I already know that you are all about finding free products. Try putting your money saving skills to work for some bigger items. You will be surprised what people are willing to give away after they are through with the baby stage. When you announce your news, you may even discover that a family member has been saving some heirlooms for you. I personally received furniture (crib, rocker, chest of drawers, bookshelf), books, a baby gate, clothing (large amounts), and a changing pad and cover.

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