Baby Savings

For those who are expecting and/or have small children, there are many ways to reduce costs.  First, consider alternatives to buying everything new. For example:

Clothing, toys, bedding and equipment

Yard Sales, Consignment Sales and Clearance Sales can offer great deals. Yard sales will offer a smaller selection, but lower prices. I have found:

• Onesies $.25
• Bibs $.25
• Towels, sheets, blankets $1 (or less)
• Clothing $1 - $2 for NICE outfits (we’re talking like new, $50+ from department stores)
• Toys $.25+ (avg. price $1)
• Equipment $5+ (I have purchased double strollers, Exersaucers & other items for $5 each)

Of course not all yard sales are the same, so walk ask for a lower price or walk away from those tagged close to regular retail!  (Read Posts on "Yard Sales" under "Everyday Savings" for more suggestions.)

Free is always better than anything else, so say, “Yes” whenever someone offers hand-me-downs. If you get too many things, you can always pass on to someone else.

I don’t like fooling with stains, but have had success with this “recipe” adapted from The Tightwad Gazette. This works well on light colored clothing, but will fade darker colors.

• Collect a small laundry basket of stained items.
• Change water level in washing machine to smallest setting.
• Fill with HOT water.
• Add 1 cup Clorox II (or SUN)
• Add 1 cup of powdered dish washer detergent.
• Agitate until cleaners have dissolved.
• Add stained laundry.
• Soak for 24 hours.
• Run the wash cycle.
• Wash again with normal detergent.

Laundry Detergent

Dreft smells so sweet, but is not really needed. Purchase detergent without color or fragrance for a fraction of the cost. (I like All Free & Clear, b/c I can get this for less than $.10 per load when it is on sale & I have a coupon….compare to the cost of Dreft!)

Baby Wipes

When these are a great deal, you may want to grab a few packages, however these are cheaper to make most of the time. Follow the “recipe” HERE

(This was written by my favorite author, Ellie Kay. I couldn’t help but read the story, which reminded me of a lot of other funny things she has written about!)

Formula

Breastfeeding is cheaper and better for the baby. I always signed up for free samples & coupons, just incase I had to wean someone before his/her birthday, but we only opened one small can. The rest went to a food pantry.

Baby Food

Cook vegetables or fruits without seasoning, then mash in a food processor or blender. Transfer into ice cube trays then freeze. When frozen, transfer to storage bags or containers. Defrost as needed.

Additional Ways to Save

Take the time to sign up for all the free offers.  See next post "Baby Freebies".