1.) Diapers
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| Though I use disposable diapers, I would like to convert to cloth diapers in the near future. |
When it comes to diapers, let's be real, you'll spend all this money on a product just so your child can crap their pants and you throw the product away. In just a year, a child can use over 2,700 diapers and you can spend well over $500 (Kids Growth). Fortunately, moms now have better* options for how they conceal and discard their baby's poop. One option is to invest in cloth diapers. I say "invest" because almost all of the money will be spent up front for this option. Disposable diapers come at a high cost, but one you only see over time. There is various information available on how to initially stock up, so with a little research, you'll become a virtual expert. I've learned that most cloth diapers fit babies from newborn to over a year, come in a variety of precious prints and follow a pretty simple care routine. Do keep in mind, cloth diapers require constant washing and unless you have well water, this cost will be factored into your utility expenses. You will also spend money on a certain detergent to care for these diapers most effectively. Biodegradable diapers are another option. For these, you will still be buying with the motive to simply toss these diapers away. However, their impact on the environment is clearly preferred to regular diapers. They do come with a higher price tag, but if you figure the cost to the environment, it may be worth working into your budget.
2.) Toys
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| My daughter's favorite toy. It's convertible with replaceable batteries. Small price tag ($38). |
If you look at the care instruction tag of most baby toys, you will find that they use all new materials. This means literally no part of this product comes from a renewable or recycled source. There are many things you can do to counter-act the typically wasteful nature of these products. Welcome hand-me-downs, especially when they only need a simple battery change. Invest in convertible toys, like this activity center from Delta. Look into eco-friendly toys; my daughter has a pair of teething keys made from 100% recycled wood and cornstarch, totally biodegradable after their functional appeal is lost. I advise avoiding time-sensitive toys. What I mean by this, is that there are toys that make a noise, play a tune or song, and feature a fully stitched design that prevents battery changes. When their noise stops, their functionality stops. And if this toy is one of your child's favorites, you can get maybe two months of use.
3.) Food
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| My 7 month old has only had one cold, and I work full time ;) |
When it comes to feeding your baby, this is one expense that trumps all others. Breastfeeding provides your child the best nutrition, for no cost and little waste. Most insurance companies provide breast pumps if need one to continue breastfeeding after returning to work. If yours does not feature this option, look into WIC programs (they supplied me a PISA) or even look for sales, coupons and other specials. These promotions typically happen on breastfeeding supplies at places like Babies R Us or Target. If you choose to formula feed (please note, I personally do not support this method of feeding infants!) reach out to WIC, look for promotions and specials, or even check parenting magazines for coupons. Looking back, I really wish I would have registered for glass bottles. They are not only eco-friendly, stain-free and BPA-free, they are non-porous and will last through many children (if you plan to have more than one, consider the investment). Another cost to consider, feeding solids. This is not recommended until at least six months of age, but remember to follow your child's lead. You'll know right away if they are ready for solids or not based on their reaction. My daughter HATES cereal. You'd think it was poison. So I had to toss all the unused cereal, making it a total waste. As much as I'd love to make my own purees, I haven't the need for all the food batches make. However, when the time comes, I will enjoy using what is essentially a baby food processor that I registered for (thanks Gina!). For the small amounts of solids my daughter does eat, I purchase Non-GMO certified, packaged in glass jars and it costs maybe 80 cents.
4.) Gear
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| A really cool example of convertible baby gear, looks like this one transforms into 4+ items. |
Most of my advice about gear relates closely to toys. Try to refurbish used items from yard sales, or pick up gently used (or even unused) gear at stores like Once Upon A Child. Convertible pieces are essential for gear, and are now available with a variety of items like carseats and highchairs. Take advantage of 3-in-1 or 4-in-1 products to not only save space in your home, but also in a landfill. I decided to register for a 3-in-1 highchair that converts to a booster seat that can be removed from the base to sit on a chair.
5.) Clothes
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| Baby clothes don't go out of style, so stock up on essentials for cheap, or free! |
If you're anything like me, baby clothes are a total weakness. The darling prints, ruffled hemlines, dainty buttons - I cant help but grab anything that tugs at my heartstrings. But for the first three months of my daughter's life, she wore a ton of hand-me-downs given to me from my mom's friend who had twin girls. If I knew someone now who was willing to share clothes, I would take them with open arms. Here's the thing - no matter how cute or how perfect my daughter's outfit is, there's at least a 70% chance she's going to pee or poop right through it. As hard as it is to hold back on a polka-dot satin romper, considering the $30 price tag, I know it's not worth it since it won't look nearly that precious after an exploded diaper. I suggest opting for organic cotton bodysuits, which can be bought suspiciously inexpensive from H&M, and come in a ton of cute prints and colors. Ultra-crafty moms can make their own baby clothes, and with so many free patterns available online, I think I need to learn.
A final piece of advice: sign up for Zulily! Whether you need baby gear, clothes, cloth diapers, blankets or anything else for little one, you won't find it at a better price anywhere else.
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