How to Get Ready for Baby on a Budget

My husband and I started married life during our last years of college and to our surprise we were pregnant with our first child. We were happy but concerned at the same time. Being students with no real employment concerned us as to how we could get ready for our little bundle without a large baby budget? As we walked through the aisles of baby retailers, we gazed at all the things suggested on our preparation list; we didn't realized gearing up for baby was going to be so expensive. With the advice of some veteran parents at the university, we learned the ins and outs of preparing for baby the frugal way. Here are some tips I'd like to share.

Start with research. Between books and sites on the Internet you can find lists of what you really need to stock up your nursery and which manufacturers deserve your business. Look for reviews on cribs, bedding, strollers, clothing and more. Search for bargains, but don't skimp on safety. Make sure to check infant/child product recalls using the United States Consumer Products Safety Commission website. Babycenter.com also has a product recall finder, which is a handy tool.

Think secondhand. Garage sales, classified ads, eBay and Craigslist are great places to collect baby gear. If you are in a college setting, like we were, many parents post baby sales on bulletin boards around campus. You won't mind spending $50 on an item when you see the outrageous prices for products brand new. Most companies can be contacted for replacement parts and instruction manuals. Of course, again check recall lists when buying second hand; your baby's safety always comes first. One tip when shopping for used items is to carry a few batteries in your bag. If an item is battery-operated, like a swing, you may just want to give it some juice to see if things work before purchasing the object.

Borrow from a friend. Many baby items are only used for a short period of time. Once the baby reaches a certain weight or height, infant swings and bassinets need to be put away for larger products. While cribs, strollers and car seats are used for years, other infant items are sometimes stored in basements or garages of friends with toddlers or older children. Many friends will be happy to loan you an item or two that are not being used at the moment.

Can you make it? Some parents are really handy with sewing machines and woodworking crafts. In our world today, trying to go Green and repurposing materials can work when decorating a nursery on a budget. Think about baby bumper pads, bedding and curtains to match with a cute fabric. A nice changing table or chest of drawers can be constructed from wood, showcasing the new dad's craft. Baby wipes and baby food can even be made naturally with recipes found in books and on the Internet.

Think double duty for your money. Portable play yards can serve as a portable crib, a playpen, a changing station and a bassinet. This product is very popular today in baby retailers because of the double and triple duty. Some high chairs double as infant seats when reclined and booster chairs when the baby gets to the toddler stage. So, if you are going to invest in a product, make sure the lifespan goes a long way.

Don't skimp on car seats. If anything you have to throw a few bucks at will be for a reliable car seat for your child. Let's face it; car accidents kill and they happen no matter how safe we try to drive. This is one product you may not want to obtain used. Make sure the seat has a high rating for crash safety. Car Safety.org has a great FAQ about car safety seats and laws.

Needs and wants. I know there are so many baby products on the market that are pretty, fun and visible at stores, but do you really need it? As a grandmother today, I see so many products on the market that new mothers say they need, but thinking back, how did I raise three kids without them? Keep your head to your budget and buy only the essentials. Plan your spending strategy over the nine months of pregnancy and purchase a few things at a time. If ever there was a time to avoid impulse shopping, it's now as you prepare for your new bundle of joy and feel comfortable that you didn't break the bank along the way.

Source: Personal Experience

More from Tania:
Ways Fathers-to-Be Can Support Pregnant Women
Baby Nursery and Decor: From Cribs to Diapers and More
Remedies for Morning Sickness: A Guide for Pregnant Mothers