Looking for hints. We have our 1st kiddo on the way!!!

[minniegidget]

When they 1st found out they were going to have a baby they started buying diapers. They would buy one or two packs a week differant sizes and differant brands. There daughter was over 2years old before she needed to buy diapers. they also bought shampoo and lotion when they found it on sale and they just ran out they other day and there daughter is 2 1/2 years old.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Unless you are formula feeding---baby food isn't necessary until beyond 6 months....my Ped actually said that between 6-8 months of age, they are "learning" to eat...and around 9-10 months...the feedings start legitimately replacing meals.

I suggest the Super Baby food cookbook...I used it alot with my first, not as much with my second (a lot of extra work with 2 kids, so I stuck to basics, but still made my own food for them)....Both of my girls hated jarred food--we tried all kinds, even organic. My first LOVED homemade cereal....grinding up whole grains and then cooking them (looked like cream of wheat when finished)...it is SUPER EASY..healthier and cheaper than buying the stuff.

We used the name brand diapers for the first 4 months or so and then switched to Sam's club brand--they eventually stopped selling them, so I don't know what their store brand is if they still have one. We use store brand wipes as well. DD2 is now in pull-ups..but before pull ups we used White Cloud diapers from wal-mart.

Consignment shops are havens for good clothes when the babies are young b/c everyone is offloading the hundreds of outfits that baby only wears once.

Cloth diapers make better burp cloths than clothes sold for that purpose.

When you are in the hospital and they give you that new baby pack with all the coupons and such--go fill it out for all the freebies. Join your supermarket baby clubs. With a new baby--you'll be glad to be on so many mailing lists .

 

[Catrin]

I really cannot add any more to what was already written!

I have a 6 week old.... in addition to my 10yr old and 6 yr old.. so I know about saving!

Here is what I do... most of it the obvious
1) Watch the sales... never buy diapers that are not on sale! Start picking up a package here and there when they are on sale and you have coupons. You may need only 3-4 packages of #1's before your child fits into the #2 size.
2) COUPONS! You can get on a mailing list at Pampers.com, Huggies.com, Gerber.com, Beechnut.com etc etc
3) Tell your friends and family to do the same.. and have them save coupons for you!
4) Collect samples from everywhere!
5) I agree that at first you can use generic wipes, but soon you will want Huggies or Pampers... they are alot thicker and actually last longer, because you use less.


and.... I totally agree with whoever said take it easy on the clothes and the novelty items. Invest in Onesies, Sleepers for the newborn.. that is all he/she will be in.

My must haves:
A BOPPY! This was new to me with my baby, and it was wonderful while I breastfed her.
A convertable carseat/carraige. This is NOT a cheap purchace, but I couldnt get over how wonderful this thing is!
and Pull Over Towel Bibs..... just like little terry handtowels that fit over the baby's head. These are the best!
Good Luck!
Catrin

 

[Forevryoung]

Im too young to have a baby but my cousin is almost a year- My aunt and uncle live in a two bedroom apartment in the middle of Manhattan. The place is tiny so they had to make sure that everything served an important and useful purpose.

My best tip is to find a Carters Outlet!!! I picked up perfect brand new outfits and pjs for less than $5 a piece. I went in there and spent $50 with a $5 off a purchase of $50 and got her 7 or 8 short and long sleaved pjs and some outfits. Definitely worth it!

 

[Kristi1357]

My best tip is to find a Carters Outlet!!! I picked up perfect brand new outfits and pjs for less than $5 a piece. I went in there and spent $50 with a $5 off a purchase of $50 and got her 7 or 8 short and long sleaved pjs and some outfits. Definitely worth it!

Another fabulous idea!

DS had tons of baby towels from Walmart & the like. Well, they were so thin & non-absorbent, not to mention small, that you had to use 2 or more of them at bath time! I finally got fed-up and bought 3 nice hooded towels at the Carter's outlet. They are great, real fluffy and soft! I would have much rather had 3 of those than the 8 or so cheapies I had bought in the first place.

 

[BernardandMissBianca]

I'm not sure if this was mentioned, when you go to pick out your car seat, many places will let you take the seat to your car to test it. I would highly recommend doing this. We had a VW Jetta when DS #1 was born and it took 2-3 carseats until we found on that fit securely. We got ours at Babies-R-Us.
Also try to find a place that will check your carseat after you have it installed, 8 out of 10 carseats are not installed properly. Your local police department might have a list of these places.
If you have two cars buy an extra base if you can so you just have to switch the infant carrier and the base can stay buckled in.
We also saved the baby bottles from the hospital and made powdered formula in those for a long time. At first babies don't eat much in one sitting, so you don't want to waste any formula. Some of the formula companies make individual packets of formula but they are expensive so we carried a small plastic container with formula in it and a scoop from the big container. Tap water in a bathroom is usualy hot enough to make a bottle, just shake it up really well.
Lastly, follow your instincts and enjoy your little one, they grow up so fast.

 

[TinkerbellMama]

We are having our first baby in Sept and I am looking for hints on buying diapers, baby food, baby stuff in general.


I love coupons so if papmpers or any baby companys has give aways please point me in that direction.

Thanks

I suggest you at least seriously consider cloth diapers. Our ds is 4 mos. old and we've already saved hundreds of dollars by using cloth. They are NOT the nasty cheap kinds with pins that they had in the olden days, either! We have some very, very nice diapers with great prints on them that are no harder to use than disposables...they have velcro closures, etc. Personally, I would never, ever consider using disposables for him in the future or with other children, after trying the cloth and LOVING IT! Feel free to PM me if you are interested in more information!

 

[drakethib]

We will definetly put these tips and suggestions to use !!!!

 

[mickeyluv'r]

I use only Pampers. AnythingelseI've tried has leaked - especially when your child gets to the upper end of the size range. IMHO, it just isn't worth it. PLus, I do pretty well just using my frequent shopper' s card at my local grocery store. I really didn't save much buying in bulkat WAlmart,and then I had to find a place to store all those diapers (can you tell, im not much of a bulk person) My local store gives $3-off coupons each time you buy a thing of diapers, so it is actually better to buy the smallest size package that qualifies for the coupon.

Walmart is good for some stuff. Target has great stuff too, esp. if you hit the store when they get a fresh shipment. At both Valentine's and Easter they had quality cotton shirts that were REALLY cute (even better than many of the expensive stores, like Gymboree)

Somtimes the Disney store has great stuff too (or Disney Direct), especially if you hit the sales.

Talk to your friends who have kids - kids outgrow stuff long before they wear them out, and most people are eager to get rid of it afterwards.

My local hospital runs a free support group for nursing mothers! Not only was the support/ discussion/getting out of the house to a place where you could feel comfortable nursing great - but the other new moms had things to share and GREAT info!

 

[MichaelsMickey]

If you have a baby shower--go through all the items you receive especally the clothes--Only keep as about 8 outfits per size ie 0/3 3/6 etc. Everyone loves to buy little baby clothes so you end up with a ton. I returned any doubles and all the extra clothes I got at my shower. I had credits at various baby stores and was able to not have to pay for clothes or diapers until my son was 11 months old. I always used coupons even when I had a gift card so that the card would go further. I know that alot of people think you should not return things--but why keep things that the baby will only use or wear once or twice. Also watch for sales I only buy diapers and wipes when they are on sale and I have a coupon.

 

[Tinijocaro]

Save yourself a bit of money and skip the circumcision if you have a boy. Many insurance companies are not paying for this procedure any more, they now know that any medical benefits are slim to none (it's consiedered cosmetic). Unless you are Jewish or Muslim, you have no religious obligation to do it. Also, the rate is down near 50% circ'd so your son will have plenty of company should you decide to let him keep his foreskin. No special cleaning required, just wipe and go, much easier than a girl!

Jackie

Catholics Opposing Circumcision
http://www.catholicsagainstcircumcision.org/


Say No to Circumcision!
www.cirp.org

See exactly what a circumcision is (graphic):
http://www.intact.ca/video.html

 

[punkin]

I am amazed, Tinijocaro. You registered just to post that diatribe?

 

[Tinijocaro]

That was no diatribe, just information. You don't have to agree with it, just skip over it if you don't like it.

Jackie

 

[crazywig]

Save yourself a bit of money and skip the circumcision if you have a boy.

unbelievable and inappropriate in this thread.

 

[kdtwiss]

well,congratulations!!
I think the most important thing to remember is to spend the time enjoying your baby. The time goes by so fast and that precious little newborn is a toddler in the blink of an eye!! Take tons of photos and video because as much as you think something will be etched in your mind forever - new memopries will crowd out the older ones and you will find it hard to remember a time when your baby could not roll over, or babble etc.

I would also say at least try to breastfeed - I have never heard a mom say she regrets breastfeeding, but I have heard moms who regret not trying.And i do not mean that at all to hurt anyone's feelings, I am the only one in my family who ever breastfed, and I think it is only one in a million choices we make as parents, but I do think it is important!

Invest in a good baby carrier. I made the mistake with my first of going through 5 or 6 cheaper carriers instead of just buying the one I eventually found to be the best - Baby Bjorn. Handiest thing in the world - with a breastfed baby and a good carrier - you are good to go! Bring a couple diapers and wipes and you are set all day!

This is a highly personal decision and I hope not to step on any toes but I always feel I have to give a voice to this issue. Research vaccinations very carefully. I have a child who reacted badly to his first two sets of vaccinations and is autistic. I am not going to debate on whether or not vaccines can cause autism because I know in my son's case at least they did. A vaccination for Hepatitis B is routinely given at birth to babies. Babies who have just gone through birth, and are just getting to know the world. You are just getting to know your bABY and if God forbid they had some kind of reaction or side effect due to the vaccine - how would you even know? You have bnothing to base it on. Get to know your baby. If you are not HepB positive (nearly everyone is tested during pregnancy) and you are not engaging in casual sex, IV drug use or getting tatoos frequently you are not in a high risk group and neither is your baby, HepB is not a disease spread by casual contact. IN normal circumstances there is no reason this shot can not be put off at least for a couple months. At any rate wait untill you have gotten to know your baby a bit before introducing a possible life altering medical procedur eto them. Also - please just research vaccines in general - I am not saying noone should vaccinate - just that you should research the decision about when and what to vaccinate against as carefully as you would say - an operation. That may seem dramatic, but unfortunately vaccines can have serious side effects. Noone can force you to vaccinate, noone can force you to get all the vaccines that are on the schedule exactly as the schedule is written. If you want to get one or two shots at a time that is your right. NEVER vaccinate a sick child!!I sincerely hope noone is offended by this - but if any of you had been through what I have - you would feel the need to speak out whenever possible.


All the serious stuff aside - I wish you the best of luck - you are entering the most beautiful and precious time in your life!

 

[mountaineer]

One thing I saved money on was wipes. I made my own with Bounty paper towels, baby bath, baby oil and water in a Rubbermaid container (or a plastic Folger's coffee can). These are really great at first when you don't need a large wipe, and if you use the select a size it makes them smaller. I loved using these. When we went out I just tore a few and put them in a sandwich container.

 

[pamlet]

How exciting!! It's been many years since we had a baby around - but from the looks of the posts the savings tips are just the kinds of things we did!

I have a comment on two things.... do what is best for YOUR family situation and baby...

Don't feel bad if breastfeeding doesn't work for you - I'd suggest trying.. but don't be broken hearted if it doesn't work for you.. and don't let anyone tell you that you aren't trying hard enough or some such nonsense! It's wonderful when it works - but you'll be getting a LOT of advice .. I think the militant breastfeeders just about made me a basket case with my first DS..

We also tried cloth diapers ... for us they didn't work - but even with double diapers - both of our DS would soak 'em. The disposables worked much better for us! Though I always kept some cloth with baby pants around in case we ran out... which would happen in our house. The same with formula - we always used the pre-made - but I always kept a can of the powder around "just in case"...

 

[CLEO Z]

Ditto on the Consinement/Thift Store/handmedowns/garage sale for clothes. You'll probably find that you won't need to buy much clothing until the baby is about 6-9 mos if you have enough friends and relatives!

Diapers/formula/babyfood: COUPONS in the sunday paper insert and register for everything you can find on line. Just search under the brand names -they all have some kind of club that send you coupons. Don't assume that bulk stores like Costco and Sams are cheaper -do the math. I found that the diapers at Sams were more expensive per diaper and the formula was a great buy. Try different kinds of diapers at different stages of your kids growth. Ditto also on buying up on babyfood. My DS (now 11 mos) has decided he wants nothing to do with babyfood now that I have a cupboard full!

Breastfeeding: With DD I breastfed until she was 9 mos after two cases of thrush -read up on it and diagnose it early! OUCH! Otherwise the experience went really well. My mom rented me a pump and I started using it immeadiately upon my return home from the hospital. It really helped my milk come in. Once I was certain that breastfeeding was working for us I bought a Medela Pump In Style Traveler. Its expensive but pays off in the end. I also had a job with a private office to pump in. With DS, breastfeeding did not go as well -I quit at 5 mos. By then I was even a stay-at-home mom. The boy was driving me mad -wanted to eat all the time. I wasn't expecting it to be harder the second time around! Looking back I should have quit earlier. Let this be a lesson: Listen to yourself! Different moms, different babies. Do what works for you and yours! One day at a time, yatta yatta yatta.

circumcision (sp?): Very personal issue that will get women up in arms in a heartbeat. If its a religious matter then do what is right spiritually. If not, then educate yourself by asking your future pediatrician. I asked mine if he was in my shoes what are the pluses and minuses. I ended up not getting DS circumsized and figure that if someday some teenage girl won't touch it because its "different" then whoo hooooo score one for mom and abstenance!

BIGGEST HINT: Get yourself a diaper pail or lidded bucket and some Borax powdered laundry booster. Do this even if you're using disposable diapers. You dissolve the Borax in some hot water and used it for dirty laundy. I didn't do this until baby #2 and I wish I'd done it sooner! If you don't get to those diaper leaks and food/formula dribbles right away they soak in. Once a stain has dried its a pain in the @@@ to get out. I found that stain sticks, baby sprays, etc. didn't work for me. You don't always have the time to scrub a stain, so you just throw the offending outfit in the bucket. When you go to do laundry it'll be easier to get the stain out and the Borax is easy on the clothes. Saves time, clothes, money and your nails! Our mothers and grandmothers used Borax -its a great product.

Last advice: Take it all with a grain of salt! Having a baby is kind of like planning a trip to WDW: you can get overwhelmed by all the info and you can't plan everything!

Enjoy this time!