5 Best Ways to Save on Baby SuppliesRainy-Day Saver

No matter if you are planning for the arrival of your first child or you are already a parent, there is one thing you are most likely aware of: Raising a baby can be very expensive. As you begin to make a list of the baby supplies that you will need, it is important to consider your budget and how much money you are willing and able to spend. Like all parents, your primary goal is to get what you need without spending too much. Having a baby in the house is going to cost a bundle, but there are still many ways you can save on the necessities.

1. Get the Most Out of Your Baby Shower
A baby shower is a lot of fun. You get to spend time with family and friends while enjoying the fact that your baby will soon be brought into the world. Of course, this is also an event in which you will receive a number of gifts.

To avoid receiving gifts that you do not want or need, make sure you fill out a gift register. Additionally, it is essential to inform the people on your guest list where you are registered far in advance of the date of the shower. If possible, encourage family members to pool their money and purchase high-ticket items, such as cribs or high chairs.

2. Get the Best Bang for Your Buck at the Stores
When shopping for baby supplies, you will discover that you have multiple options for many items. For example, there is a plethora of strollers and high chairs on the market, ranging in price from less than $100, to more than $300.

Some parents make the mistake of buying the items with the highest price, thinking that a higher price means better quality. While I wouldn?t suggest that you should always buy the cheapest products, there is always a happy medium. Most people realize soon enough that the highest priced items are not much better (if better at all) than those that are considered to be middle of the road.

3. Buy Used Items
Thanks to the Internet, buying used baby supplies is easier now than ever before. Not only can you find local stores and flea markets that sell used items, but going online will open up a world of opportunity. Have you ever scanned Craigslist listings in your area? Scan the site?s ?for sale? section, and you will quickly find that you can purchase used items at a fraction of the cost of new items.

Of course, some baby supplies are fine to purchase used, while others are best to buy new. Instead of focusing solely on the price, you must consider whether the item is going to be 100% safe for your baby. For example, a used car seat is not a prudent choice.

4. Get Hand-Me-Downs
Do you have family members or friends who are willing to give you baby supplies that they no longer need? You may not want to rely solely on hand-me-downs, but this is a great way to pick up supplies that you need without having to spend much money, if any.

Don?t be shy about asking others for hand-me-downs. Most people would rather give away their old items than throw them in the trash.

5. Shop Around, Shop Online
Just like anything, if you want to get the best deal on baby supplies, you need to do comparison shopping. Years ago, this was extremely difficult, as there were a limited amount of brick-and-mortar stores that sold baby supplies. However, things have changed now that the Internet has brought thousands of retailers into your home. No matter what you are shopping for, you can go online to compare prices and find the best deal.

Final Thoughts
There is no denying the fact that having a baby is very expensive. But rather than getting swamped in bills due to overpriced baby supplies, follow the five tips above, and look for other ways you can save money, such as by making homemade baby food. If you can save a lot of money now as you plan for the future, you can consider using the savings to start a college fund for your new child.

What tips can you suggest to save money on baby supplies?

Related posts:

1. 5 Ways to Save on College Textbooks

Source: http://www.rainydaysaver.net/2012/07/ways-save-baby-supplies.html

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