However, not everything is safe for reuse, so you’ll have to part with a bit more money to buy them first-hand. Here is what you can buy used and what you should consider buying new.
1. Toys
There are all sorts of appealing toys on the market, and if you’re not careful, you may end up spending your hard-earned cash on items that may end up unused. It’s also hard to tell what toys your baby will find appealing, so you may buy expensive toy cars only for your little one to play with the box it came in.
To save yourself from unnecessary spending, consider buying secondhand playthings, or take hand-me-downs from family and friends. Just make sure to thoroughly inspect for loose parts, chipping paints, or sharp edges, and leave behind any toys with small parts that could be choking hazards.
2. Clothes
As an expectant parent, it can be almost impossible to escape the lure of cute new baby clothes. But if you’re on a tight budget, or you just want to be financially responsible, it may be worth considering buying used baby clothes.
Babies grow at a rapid rate, and you will often find that your little one outgrows an outfit before even getting to wear it. So it may be worth re-using a sibling’s or a friend’s hand-me-downs, or shopping thrift or resale. Just make sure to keep an eye out for drawstrings and loose ties or buttons, which could be choking or entanglement hazards.
3. High chair
According to voluntary safety standards, a high chair has to have a 3-point harness and a crotch restraint to keep a child in place and prevent them from climbing out or sliding out. If these two features are still in good working condition, a hand-me-down high chair should be fine. That said, you want to steer clear of high chairs which have arms that lift the tray over the baby's head.
4. Baby bathtub
Baby bathtubs should be okay to buy used as long as you check to ensure that there’s no mildew or mold. Babies grow out of bathtubs quite fast, so you should be able to save a couple of bucks on one that was barely used. Just be sure to steer clear of bath rings, bath seats, or inflatable tubs.
5. Changing table
Changing tables can be pricey- why not save money by buying a gently used one. Just be sure to check the one you get to confirm that it has side railings on all four sides and features a safety strap, and keep an eye out for missing parts and chipping paint.
6. Swings or rockers
Baby swings and rockers are great lifesavers for when you need to put your little one down and get some things done around the house. However, they can be very expensive. To save yourself from the hassle of purchasing one new, consider joining a local Facebook swap group, where you'll likely find gently used swings and baby bouncer chairs still in good condition.
7. Baby monitor
If you live in a small space, a baby monitor might not be an item that you need to buy. But if you live in a home with multiple levels, a baby monitor is useful to have. Because they’re quite pricey, try to see if you can find baby monitors at a consignment – you could save up to 50% off of retail!
1. Crib
When you become expectant, you will likely get crib offers from friends and family. You may have to turn them down – federal regulations changed in 2011, prohibiting manufactures from producing all kinds of drop-side cribs, which can be incredibly dangerous for babies. If you can't afford a new crib, consider going for a new portable crib – which is less expensive but just safe as a standard one – is a great alternative.
2. Mattress
A crib mattress is best bought new for sanitary reasons. Infants are very messy, and a used mattress most likely contains bacteria from pee, poop, spit-up, or even mold which could make your little one very sick. Older mattresses could also contain chemicals such as phthalates and BPA, which you want to keep away from your baby.
Additionally, crib mattresses can get soft and lose firmness over time, which makes them a suffocation risk. A new firm mattress is ideal as it can help prevent SIDS.
3. Pacifiers
The rubber in pacifiers gradually its integrity due to wear and tear as well as exposure over time. Second-hand pacifiers can come apart in your baby's mouth, making them a choking hazard. Therefore, choose to buy new pacifiers, not only for this reason but also because used pacifiers may carry lingering bacteria.
4. Stroller
If you plan on getting out and about after having your baby, a high-quality stroller is paramount. While they will set you back a couple of dollars, you must buy strollers new rather than new. This is because these big-ticket items are subject to a lot of recalls – in 2015, new federal guidelines went into effect, requiring manufacturers to minimize risks of stroller-related injuries. Additionally, stroller technology keeps evolving, with new models incorporating more safety features.
5. Car seats
While a car seat is expensive, they’re worth every penny. Just like with strollers, safety standards for car seats change frequently, so a car seat that may have been considered to be safe a couple of years ago may not meet current safety guidelines. Additionally, parts of a car seat wear and tear over time, and may not provide full protection in case of an accident when re-used.
Buying used baby items and taking hand-me-downs is a great way to save some money. However, because of the ever-evolving recalling list as well as stricter safety standards, not all hand-me-downs/used baby products are safe for a new baby.
]]>Choosing clothes
1. Stock up on the essentials
You should focus on buying the necessities in preparation for your little one’s arrival. Here is a basic list of what you need to have and the estimated numbers for each item.
2. Choose soft fabrics
Babies have sensitive skin, which is why you always want to go for soft fabrics. Some experts recommend going for cotton exclusively, although soft cotton blends are also suitable for most babies. Organic fabric is softer than both of the aforementioned options, but it is also pricier.
3. Buying the right size of clothing
Sizing for baby clothing varies from brand to brand, so you want to check the size charts, which will usually be provided on a brand’s website to see which size will suit your little one based on his/her height and weight. Consider buying clothing that is one size larger to keep up with your baby’s growth spurts.
4. Go for clothes that are easy to change
You will quickly realize the convenience that clothes that are easy to put on and take off allow you once you start dealing with poop, pee, and spit-up.
Look for stretchy clothes, especially around the neck, arms, and legs.
5. Avoid buttons and opt to go for other fastening options such as Velcro, zips, and snaps.
6. Kimono-style clothing will make the dressing experience much more comfortable for your baby.
7. Consider the season
Buy your little one warm clothing – jackets, sweaters, winter coats – for the winter. As the weather warms up, peel back the layers to reduce the risk of overheating.
8. Consider the cost
One of the easiest ways you can cut down the cost of having a baby is by buying clothes cheaply. This doesn’t necessarily mean you have to compromise on quality. Here are a few tips on how you can save on purchases:
9. Avoid buying in bulk
Whenever you buy clothes for your little one, avoid making bulk purchases. This is because babies grow at a rapid rate, so you may buy a large quantity at once only for the baby to outgrow them in a couple of weeks. Once you get the essentials out of the way, only buy items as you need them.
10. Go for gender-neutral clothes
If you intend to have more children in the future, consider buying gender neutral baby clothes. This way, you will be able to reuse the clothes, regardless of the baby's gender. Additionally, unisex baby clothing has a higher resale value in case your plans change.
11. Consider used clothes
Consider buying used clothes for your little one. Most second-hand baby clothes are usually in good condition as they are gently worn, plus you are more likely to find a diverse range of clothes. You can buy second-hand from thrift stores and online consignment clothes. You can also ask family and friends for old baby clothes that they don’t use anymore.
12. The importance of safety
Beware of unnecessary add-ons or any potential choking hazards
Beware of buttons, bows, appliques, hooks, flowers. These add-ons can easily come off and become choking hazards.
13. Pre-wash
New clothes are usually treated with chemicals to make them appear crisper, so ensure you give all items a good wash before wearing them.
14. Adherence to safety guidelines
A lot of guidelines are routinely recalled due to their falling short of safety standards. Check to see that the items you plan to buy haven’t been recalled.
Final thoughts
Buying clothes for a baby can be overwhelming, but if you know how to go about it, it can be a fun experience. You should have all the essentials ready beforehand, making sure that you go for items that are soft, easy to change, season-appropriate, and in the right size.
To reduce costs, only buy what you need, and consider going for gender-neutral clothes especially if you plan on having more kids in the future. Finally, ensure the items you buy are in line with the safety guidelines for baby clothes.
]]>Choose clothes in your baby’s size
Buying an adorable onesie for your little one only to find it too small or too big is quite disappointing as it means you will have to go through the hassle of making an exchange. You must always choose clothes that fit your child right. In addition to being comfortable, the appropriate size of clothing will also allow your baby to stretch and move effortlessly.
Most clothes usually have standard measurements to serve as a guide if you are unsure of the size that will properly fit your child. As you have probably realized, sizing tends to vary between brands, as well as from country to country. To select the right size clothing for your baby, start by considering age. That said, you want to always check a brand's size charts to give you an idea of the size that is most suitable based on your little one's weight and height.
A majority of clothing retailers typically provide size charts for the brands that they sell, so you want to check their websites before making a purchase. If you plan to purchase from a kids’ clothing store in your area, seek the guidance of the staff who will likely inform you if a label tends to run small or large.
The importance of fabric
Babies have very sensitive skin that can be easily irritated by clothes made from the wrong type of fabric. Cotton is the most common fabric used for babies’ clothes as it feels soft on delicate baby skin, plus it is durable and incredibly versatile – jersey, corduroy, denim, terry, fleece, and flannel are just a handful of the numerous cotton fabric variants available. Another perk that makes it the go-to fabric is the fact that most cotton items are easy to care for as you can toss them into the washing machine without having to worry about damage.
Polyester is another popular fabric used to make kids’ clothes. This is a synthetic fiber that is lightweight, quick-drying, durable, and resistant to stains and wrinkles. Polyester/cotton blends are commonly used to make sweatshirts, dresses, and sweatpants.
Polyester is also commonly used to make children’s swimwear, linings, and outerwear.
How safe is a design?
When shopping for baby clothes, keep safety in mind. Every year, countless clothes from different brands are because they fail to meet safety standards. To reduce the risk of strangulation, the North American Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) bans neck and hood drawstrings (the kind that was previously prevalent in kids’ hooded sweatshirts) in children’s’ clothing in sizes2T-12. Small parts, such as buttons, as well as decorative add-ons like bows, hooks, sequins, ribbons, beads, and flowers can become choking hazards if they become loose. Better Kid Care recommends that all fasteners and decorative attachments on clothing made for children under three have to be a minimum of 1 ¼ inches in diameter and 1 inch in length.
The CPSC also stipulates that sleepwear for kids ranging from 9 months to 14 years have to be either tight-fitting or made from flame-resistant fabric. Some pajama fabrics, such as a polyester fleece combo can trigger static electricity when your little one tosses and turns in bed. To avoid such a scenario, consider buying non-fleece sleepwear that is tight-fitting (no more than one size larger) and made of non-flammable material.
Look out for potential irritants
Clothing tags that are usually found behind the neckline are irritable even to some adults, so you can imagine how uncomfortable they feel against a baby's sensitive skin. Simply snip off tags, making sure to get rid of every bit of it. Alternatively, you can select clothes that are tag-free (some cloth brands sell items with clothing details printed on the fabric itself)
Some chemicals used in clothing can also irritate your baby’s skin, cause allergic reactions, or even expose them to long-term health problems. Look out for formaldehyde, a carcinogenic chemical that is used to keep clothes shrink-free and wrinkle-free, and perfluorinated chemicals (PFCs), used to make clothing stain proof and waterproof, which have been proven to be toxic.
Convenience is key
A baby never stays in one outfit for too long – frequent changes are required because of spit-up, poop, and pee, so you want to choose clothes that are easy to put on and take off.
Arm and neck holes
Go for clothes that feature wide arm and neck holes to make dressing and undressing easier. Clothes with an envelope neckline are ideal as they tend to be wide and stretchy.
Fasteners
Zips and snaps are the best types of fasteners for baby clothing. Buttons can cause a bit frustrating to fasten while your baby is flailing his/her legs and arms. Choose a zip-up outfit that also features a snap-over tap to keep the zip from sliding down, as well as to protect your child from scratches
Kimono-style clothes
Consider going for kimono-style onesies if you want to avoid the hassle of trying to get your baby’s outfit over his/her head. You won’t have to worry about touching your baby’s head thanks to the wrap-around design and easy snap fastenings in these styles of clothing.
Final thoughts
With a wide variety of fabrics, styles, and brands of baby clothes in the market, it is understandable why it can be a bit overwhelming to choose the appropriate ones for your little one. To make your shopping experience fun and less stressful, consider the tips in this article to help you build a suitable and comfortable wardrobe for your baby.
]]>Buying baby clothes on a budget doesn’t mean settling for items that are of poor quality. This article explores a variety of strategies that can come in handy when you want to buy baby clothes on a budget.
1. Find cheap online stores
Online shopping has become one of the most common ways to buy items, including baby clothes. You can get newborn clothes, toddler clothes, and other baby essentials at reasonable prices.
2. Try using cashback shopping sites
When shopping online, consider using cashback platforms. Some of them offer up to 40% cashback on online purchases from a variety of stores that retail baby clothes, including Macy’s, Amazon, Kohl’s, Old Navy, Target, Walmart, and more. All you need to do is to sign up for free.
3. Buy from family members and friends
If you have family members and friends that have children who are a bit older than yours, consider asking them if you can buy baby clothes that they don't need. In most cases, you will find that they have a closet full of baby clothes that they want to get rid of, so they might even offer to give you items for free. Take what you get, and then afterward, sort through the items to find what you want to keep.
4. Browse Facebook Marketplace
Facebook Marketplace is a great place to find baby clothes when you’re on a budget. To get started, sign in to your Facebook account, and a link for Marketplace will appear on the left sidebar. Click on the link to see Marketplace ads. Go to the “Family” category and click “Baby & Kids”. Browse the listings for baby clothes in your area to find affordable deals. You can also list and sell any baby items that you may have on this platform.
5. Check for baby clothes in your local thrift store
Consider buying baby clothes from your local thrift store. Because kids grow at a rapid rate, they typically outgrow their clothes way before they wear them out, so you will likely find that the secondhand clothes sold in thrift stores are still in good condition. Just remember to give the items you decide to buy a good wash before putting your little one in them
6. Shop at garage sales
Garage and yard sales are great places to start when you’re looking for a bargain. One of the most reliable ways to get good deals at yard sales is by looking around for citywide sales. Some cities regularly set aside some days during which residents are encouraged to take part.
In some cases, the sale sponsor will put out a catalog that details all sale holders. The catalog allows sellers to describe what they're selling – you can take advantage of this to find participants who are selling baby clothes. Don't hesitate to bargain when buying clothes at a garage sale. You will find that most sellers are willing to lower their asking price as they likely just want to find buyers.
7. Don’t overlook coupons and gift cards
Coupons come in handy when you need to save money shopping online. Before checking out, use Honey, a reputable coupon finding-app, to scan the items in your virtual cart and start the search for coupon codes. This will save you from having to look for applicable coupon codes for each item. If Honey finds coupons, they will be automatically applied, and you will subsequently get to save on your purchases.
8. Shop offseason
Another way you can save a few coins shopping for your little one is by shopping the clearance racks. Consider buying snowsuits or winter coats ahead of time. Similarly, you can save quite a bit of money by buying Easter, Halloween, Christmas, or any other special occasion outfits ahead of the season. Just remember to consider growth spurts so that you don't end up with ill-fitting clothes.
9. Trade with a friend
If you have family or a group of friends who have children that are around the same size or age as your own, consider swapping clothes to upgrade your little one's wardrobe. Gather a few people in your circle and ask them to bring items that are in good condition but they want to get rid of. Switch clothes as you see fit and end up with cute baby clothes without having to break the bank!
10. Check local group sales
Check to see if there are any local group sales where you live. These sales are often hosted in churches as well as in schools over the holidays. You can usually find more information regarding such sales on local Facebook groups.
11. Browse Freecycle
Consider browsing Freecycle to see if you can find free baby clothes. Freecycle is a renowned non-profit organization that allows people to exchange items for free. This platform is free to join, plus you can also list the things you need.
Browse Craigslist and other similar sites
Craigslist is a great platform to find items when you have a tight budget. By browsing on Craigslist and other similar sites, you will find a lot of affordable baby clothes in top condition.
Final thoughts
One of the most effective ways you can save money when you have kids is to buy baby clothes on a budget. All these strategies will help you avoid having to pay full price for baby clothes so that you can spend your hard-earned money on other baby essentials.
]]>Buying kids' clothes on a budget does not mean that you have to settle for poor quality items. But that's what a lot of parents end up doing.
In this article, I'm going to show you how to find cheap alternatives for your child's clothes. I'll also outline a few tips that you can use to cut costs when it comes buying clothes for your kids on a budget.
Sounds good? Great. Let's begin!
1. Buy durable clothes
Kids can be very active. This means their clothes have to be able to take a beating without needing replacement.
For this reason, you want to go for items with quality stitching and durable materials. You want to make sure that they'll be able to withstand multiple laundry sessions.
Buying durable clothes might mean spending a little extra money upfront, but it is always worth it in the end. Go for trusted brands and brands that have a reputation for quality assurance.
In addition to getting quality clothes, ensure that you follow the cleaning and ironing instructions for each garment. This will guarantee that the clothes retain their color and strength for longer.
2. Look out for sales
Whether you are shopping at a physical location or an online store, always be on the lookout for great deals. If you are in a physical store, start shopping at the back of the store. That's where all the magic happens. This is where you'll find all the clearance sales and huge price reductions.
Also, if you find any coupons for clothes in magazines or at the store, seize them. Coupons are a great way to save big on your shopping and walk out of the store with a smile on your face and tons of clothes behind you.
3. Shop off-season
Buying clothes when they’re not in season is another way to guarantee that you'll get them for cheap. For example, if you buy winter coats and jackets in spring, you can get them at almost half the price. In the same way, you can also buy bathing suits and summer wear as summer ends if you want to save some coin.
A word to thee wise: off-season shopping can be a little tricky sometimes because you have to guess what size your child will be by the time they need the clothes. You probably want to play it safe by estimating a couple sizes larger.
4. Sell some clothes
When it's time to shop again, one of the ways you can keep yourself from digging into your savings is by letting the clothes buy themselves. By selling some of your child’s older clothes, you won’t have to spend a lot out of pocket to upgrade their wardrobes.
The only way this works is if you sell clothes that are still of good quality. You can make them look more appealing by washing and ironing them before storing them in a plastic container. This will ensure they are wrinkle-free by the time you are ready to sell them.
You can sell the clothes in a number of ways. Garage sales are always a hit. You can hold your own or join a neighbor or friend in theirs, although this might mean sharing a portion of your sales with them.
Online stores are also quite popular especially if you have a lot of clothes on your hands. Take photos and post them online and there'll always be someone willing to take them off your hands.
Some stores also allow trade-ins. In this case, you bring in your slightly worn items that they will valuate. You can then pick out a few items worth the same value as the clothes you brought in. Most of the time, the value of your clothes will go down by half, but this is still better than fully going out of pocket.
5. Trade with friends
If you have a group of friends with children of the same age or size as your own, it is possible for everyone to upgrade their wardrobes without being set back a dime. This is possible when you do swaps.
To get started, all you have to talk to a few friends and ask everyone to bring clothes that are in good shape and fall in the same size bracket. You can then switch the items as you please and end up with cute clothes for cheap.
6. Hand-me-downs
This is one of the most straightforward ways to save money on children's clothes. It only works if you have an older child, though. Instead of buying clothes new clothes for both your kids, when the older one outgrows their clothes, store them safely till the younger one is big enough for them to fit. This way, you get to use one set of clothes for two kids.
The best way to make hand-me-downs work in your favor is to buy unisex outfits in gender-neutral colors. For clothes like hoodies, snow jackets, gloves, and boots, go for colors like brown, black, and gray. This way, whether your next child is a boy or a girl, they can still wear the clothes you kept for them.
7. Buy clothes for different purposes
Picking out clothes for different uses extends their usage. For play clothes and park clothes, you can opt for cheap kids' clothes that are still of high quality. You can also get them is sets, like half a dozen t-shirts or shorts for playtime to save money. For school clothes, you can choose more high-end items.
8. Avoid collections
Collections may look cute, but they are always expensive. When you split up the outfits and compare their prices with other similar clothes from the same brand, the set is almost always more expensive. Plus, collections will also throw in things like shoes and hats to add on to the total cost.
To make matters worse, these clothes will likely not match anything else in your child's closet. This is why you are better off buying individual pieces.
These 8 tips have helped me save a lot when shopping for my kids. I hope they can help you save money on cheap kids clothes, too. Good luck!
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