New parents can have a tough time being frugal. There are so many baby products available. Some are easier to do without than others. Whether or not a baby product is useless is debatable. But you can adopt a few frugal strategies to save money, such as buying some used baby items and putting the word out that you'll accept hand-me-downs, borrowing items and delaying purchases for items that aren't needed immediately, such as highchairs.
One reader, Karen in Kansas, shares: "I recently went shopping for a baby gift, and I couldn't believe all the stuff we did without. Mostly because it wasn't available. Here are some words of wisdom from the 'Household Searchlight Homemaking Guide' from 1937. It was good then, and even better advice now. 'Supplies for the baby: Do not permit good judgment to be influenced by the sentiment of having a baby. There are so many cute things to buy that it is a temptation to fill the baby's wardrobe with nonessentials. Dozens of the cute things are 100 percent impractical. Do not forget that babies grow rapidly.'"
What baby items do you think are unneccessary? Here are a few suggestions for items you can substitute easily.
CHANGING TABLE: A baby can be changed easily on a bed, couch or even on a clean floor. A changing pad can be helpful, but a towel or receiving blanket works fine, too. Some parents argue their back hurts from standing and bending over. You can sit on a couch, floor or bed to change the baby.
DIAPER-DISPOSAL SYSTEM: You don't need diaper sausages. If you use disposable diapers, simply place soiled diapers into a plastic grocery bag and toss it out immediately. Better yet, use cloth diapers at least part of the time.
SHOES: Babies don't need shoes. They're nothing more than something to keep parents busy as the baby repeatedly kicks them off. These can wait until a baby is walking. For colder months, simply use socks and booties.
BABY DETERGENT: Select scent- and dye-free laundry detergents, and make certain that baby clothes are rinsed well. Most babies will not have any type of sensitivities that require special baby laundry detergent.
LOTIONS AND POWDERS: These are not needed on baby skin. Babies only need to be clean and dry. A small container of A&D ointment should last a while to help with any mild rashes or irritations.
DIAPER BAG: Diaper bags are often too small to fit everything you need or have too many small compartments. You don't need a special bag. A backpack, tote/messenger or duffel bag you have at home already will work fine.
CUTE OUTFITS: Think practical when it comes to clothing. Avoid buying too many outfits, especially those that button in the back or only on the shoulder. I often wondered who created them. Babies are most comfortable in sleepers, and they're easy for parents to change. A couple of public outfits are plenty.
MOBILE: They're expensive, and most keep babies awake. Often, the mounting brackets don't work well on all crib rails. You can make your own mobile, too. Simply use an embroidery hoop or a dowel. Hang small toys with ribbon, and suspend it from the ceiling.
Sara Noel is the owner of Frugal Village (www.frugalvillage.com), a Web site that offers practical, money-saving strategies for everyday living. To send tips, comments or questions, write to Sara Noel, c/o United Media, 200 Madison Ave., 4th Floor, New York, NY 10016, or e-mail sara@frugalvillage.com.
