Keeping Baby Care Costs Down Part 2: Baby Furniture & Toys

While coupons are great for diapers and formula, it just doesn't work as well for the needed furniture. Cribs, strollers, car seats, play pens, mobiles, toys, the list goes on and on. And the dollars go up and up.

Cribs tend to be used for the first year or so. Unless you invest in a unit that converts. Conversion units, from crib to toddler bed and more, are costly though. WalMart does offfer a model that converts to a toddler bed and then to a full size for under $100. At Babies R Us, these models range up to $400 and more.

Also, before forking over big bucks for sleeping arrangements, consider the play pen or pack and play. Graco. Eddie Bauer, and Evenflo, among others, all make models that can be doubled as a sleeping area. And when your baby starts to sit up or crawl, they can just as easily sleep at the bottom play pen level. Afterall, even with a crib, at that point you would need to drop the mattress down to lower level as well. Pack and Plays start at a mere $60 at Babies R Us. The chain store also offers mailings (sign up for the registry) which include coupons off some of the furniture items.

While new is nice, on some items, it doesn't make dollars or sense. Many areas have a store that will offer "recycled" items. While overall GoodWill may have items but in my local area, they tend to be harder used and in worse shape than at a private place. Try some area churchs - some offer thrift shops as a way to raise funds. And check out the yard sales and flea markets. I found a bassinet, not a necessity, for $25, a pack and play by Graco for $20 (which included the changing pad) - used as a crib, a stroller that the infant seat snaps into with matching car seat for $100 (retailed for about $300) and many more savings.

With car seats, most groups don't recommend used. However, if you look on the bottom of the car seat, most manufacturers have a date that the car seat should no longer be used by. Graco is good for this. As long as you won't be needing it past that date (give yourself a year), the car seat should be safe. Just strip down the padding and straps and run through the wash.

Again, not a necessity, but certainly a nice addition is a glider and ottoman. At Babies R Us, these retail for $149 for the cheapest on up. Clip coupons for $25 off or again, WalMart offers the better deal with a similar model for only $88, including the ottoman.

Entertainers, bouncers and swings are among the favorites for toys. These items will easily cost $70 or more, each, unless you get travel models. Most of the difference in price amounts to the quantity of toys surrounding the child and the manufacturer. Lesser cost means less toys. It's easy enough to add some favorite toys with some straps and sticky velcro (make sure the straps are short enough that the child can't choke!). As for swings, look for models that have an AC adapter. You can spend a fortune in batteries if your child likes to swing.

While the tummy pads with attached toys, or enclosed liquid ponds with fish ar all nice and pretty. They are not necessary either. If you're truly raising your child with a shoestring, then use a blanket for their tummy time. A colorful blanket or one with an embroidered corner is just as much fun to play with. As for the attached toys, just put a rattle down and let them reach. If you must have a tummy pad, check out the wholesale clubs. BJ's Wholesale currently offers a western themed one for under $25.

As for high chairs, big and bulky is out, and that means more money in your wallet. There are many models for under $25 that simply strap to an existing chair. Make sure they fit securely and follow the manufacturers directions for attaching. Some of the them fold up offering space savings as well.

And in this computer age, don't forget to check ebay! Thelarger items are often listed for local pick up only (which saves you shipping costs!) and therefore have less bids. Type in a mile range in your search and you'll bring them up without having to sort through the items on the other side of the country.

So remember, check yard sales, flea markets, sales flyers, ebay, WalMart and sign up for the registry at Babies R Us for coupons! Be savvy, think clean it up and wash it yourself. Antibacterial soap, Mr. Clean is a good brand, will do wonders.

Part 3: Baby Clothing will offer some $$$ saving advice on clothing, blankets, burp cloths and more. Be sure to check it out.