Budget shopping for baby:

New parents-to-be might feel overwhelmed when they set foot into a baby store, with thousands of baby “necessities” available, often at high prices. Budget-conscious parents can stock their house full of goods for their baby without breaking the bank. Use smart shopping strategies to prepare for your new arrival.

Consignment Stores

Many cities have kids’ consignment stores, which should be your go-to store for all things baby. You can find gently used or even new clothes at these stores. Since babies grow out of clothes so quickly, many new clothes with tags end up on consignment store racks. Consignment stores also have gently used activity gear for your baby, from swings and bouncers to bassinets and jumpers. These items can carry a high price tag new, so buying a gently used must-have for your baby can save you big bucks.

Registry Basics

Registering for baby gifts can also benefit budget-conscious new parents. Make the most of your registry by limiting it to those items you really want to ensure that gift-givers will get you those items. Keep inexpensive, easy-to-purchase items like hangers or washcloths off of your registry. Focus your registry on essentials, such as feeding supplies, nappy supplies, and high-ticket items. As a result, your gift-givers will focus on those essential items, meaning less money out of your pocket to buy them.

Clothing Tips

Baby clothes are adorable, so it can be tempting to stock up on a closet full of onesies before your little one arrives. However, you should avoid excessive clothes shopping for a few reasons. First, babies grow out of clothes quickly, so you don’t want too many clothes in any one size. Big newborns might be in newborn-sized clothing for just a few weeks—or not at all—while others might wear it for a month or two.  On a similar note, you have to buy baby clothes with seasons in mind. That size six-month snowsuit might be cute, but it isn’t practical if your baby will be wearing six-month clothes in December. Have some basic clothes on hand, including T-shirts and onesies in newborn and three-month sizes, and buy the rest as your baby grows. This shopping strategy saves you from spending money on clothes that your baby will never wear.

Buying New

While used baby gear can help you stay within your budget, there are some items that you must buy new. Car seats and cots should be new to ensure that they meet current safety regulations. If you buy a car seat secondhand, for example, you do not know if it has been in an accident. Only buy a used stroller if it is clearly in good condition. You will spend more buying these items new, but doing so maximizes your baby’s safety.

Conclusion

Baby gear can be an expensive investment, but several strategies help you stay within budget. Following some smart shopping tips saves you money, which will allow you to purchase important items, including car seats and cots, new. This way, your baby will have everything he or she needs to thrive—while staying safe.

Do you agree there is pressure to spend on new baby items? Share your savings tips....