Ways to Be Economical with Baby Products
Earlier this month, we talked about going to secondhand stores for baby clothes and making sure all furniture and strollers were new. Aside from these tips, more can be done to make having a child more affordable. When it comes to baby products, what is necessary and what is affordable? What is a splurge? What don’t you need? An article from GoToBabyGift gives a few suggestions suggestions:
• Always buy new cribs, but if you expect another child in a few years, choose a unisex design.
• If you want a fashionable diaper bag, make sure it holds everything you’ll need.
• Stick with cloth diapers.
• Only use wipes for emergencies and go with soap and water if possible.
• Make sure you have four and nine-ounce baby bottles, which should be BPA-free.
• Have ample onesies around in sizes 0 to 18 months. These, too, can be unisex.
• Invest in a baby monitor.
• Strollers don’t need to be expensive but they should be sturdy enough to protect your child and to last through the toddler years.
• Have multiple swaddling blankets on hand.
• Have a baby thermometer in your home.
While many of these suggestions will help a parent save money, the article doesn’t address one issue: baby toys. Although toys, on some level, might been extravagant and excessive, they’re necessary for a baby’s development and growth. Consider stimulation toys that are age-appropriate: mirrors and crib books and various soft toys with colors, sounds, and textures. Additionally, find a mobile that also stimulates sight and sound. Several retailers carry baby toys and offer a selection of stimulation or educational toys.
Additionally, a car seat is an item that will last for several years. Like furniture and a stroller, a car seat should be new and solid enough to last a few years. The car seat may be part of a travel systems stroller or it may be purchased separately. In either case, it should support the needs of a baby – head support – and a toddler.