Save Hundreds on Baby Furniture and Maternity Items

Unless you are one of the few that are thriving in this globally downturned economy, expecting a baby is a welcome but extremely expensive surprise. Between maternity items that have been marked up three or four times to baby furniture that threatens to clean out your bank account, not to mention medical expenses, you may wonder how you will ever be able to care for your child without having to get a second or third job.

Follow these money-saving tips to save literally hundreds of dollars in baby and maternity related expenses.

Opting for secondhand clothes and items

Once you find out that your family is expecting a new baby, begin asking your friends, coworkers, and family members if they have any secondhand items that they do not want. I was fortunate enough to have a good friend let me borrow three huge boxes of maternity clothes, a sister who gave me all of her little girl's infant clothes, and a loving mother-in-law who is always on e-bay searching for baby items at reduced prices. Certain things, like a car seat, should never be bought secondhand, but most other items can be. Obviously, if you have children already, see what you can reuse for the new baby, from dressers to clothes to toys.

Pace your baby expenses

Gauge what you have to buy now by the age of your child. Your baby will not need a high chair or even a full crib for several months. A basinet can easily last your child those few months you need to save up for the crib. If you buy a Playard, you can have a basinet that later does double duty as a portable crib.

Avoid high cost unnecessary baby items

Be wary of items that are considered "must-haves" but are actually just gimmicks to dupe new parents. Examples of unnecessary high cost baby items are walkers, deluxe mats, cribs, and cradles, almost anything that is hyper electronic, video baby monitors, a diaper genie, and wipe warmers (a hand does just fine). Make a list of true must-haves, such as a car seat, a crib, a bassinet, and a stroller. Almost anything else can wait until you have the funds. Also, avoid any baby educational videos. According to CNN, studies have shown that baby videos are not as effective as a parent, and actually may lead to overstimulation and other problems.

Check out the Freecycle Network for free baby furniture

Set up through Yahoo groups and entirely grassroots organization, the Freecycle Network strives to reduce waste by setting up local groups that give away furniture, electronics, and other items for free. Click on the link, find your city, and then peruse what is being given away in your local neighborhood. There is no cost to you, except picking up the item. You can also post what you need, for example, a baby crib. This is a great way to save hundreds of dollars and help the environment to boot!

SOURCES:
Madison Park, "Study: Want a smart baby? TV's not going to help", CNNhealth.com.