Saturday, April 10, 2010

Don't Let Your Bundle of Joy Cost a Bundle

The economy may be improving, but for those new parents and parents to be, there are new expenses on the horizon, and it is a broad horizon spanning 18 years or more.  This requires commitment and sacrifice, but it shouldn't land you in the poor house, at least not in the first few years of life...as scenes of Harvard flash before your eyes.

But first things first, you need to prepare for your upcoming bundle of joy.  You need clothes by the bundles, diapers, food, baby toiletries, and maybe formula and bottles.  You may wonder what I'm doing writing a post about baby stuff when all my children have four legs and fur.  Well, the answer is simple.  I want to help people save money, and steer them in the direction of value and information.

There are a number of websites out there devoted to coupon savings, where to get the deals on diapers and how to work the system to even get free stuff.  I have sorted through and pulled out what I think are some good ones.  Some are simply money savers, some have reviews and others will relate their experiences so you'll know you're not alone in baby-land.  


Smart Shopping

Let's start with money saving.  After all that's probably at the top of everyone's list.  This first group isn't baby-specific, but they provide sale information and coupon match-ups for food, household goods, personal care and baby items.

Hip2Save.com
This site has a myriad of different savings from Target and Wal-Mart to the 3 major drugstores, Walgreen's, CVS and Rite Aid.  She has even included store guides so you'll learn how to take full advantage of the savings available.  Yes, there are things to learn about drugstore shopping, and all three stores are different.  She also offers lot of on-line deals like books and toys from Amazon. 

Southernsavers.com
This one covers local grocery stores such as Harris Teeter and Food Lion plus other regional stores with coupon match-ups.  It also covers the same 3 drugstores, offering another take on the same sales.

Sometimes grocery stores such as Food Lion, have printable coupons on-line.  In addition to food and household items, there are usually several sets of baby care coupons.


Just for Baby
Babycheapskate.com
This provides information on cost-conscious decorating, baby product reviews, coupons and sales and diapers and other products.  There is a product review on diapers, and what other mom's have to say about the different brands and styles, including generics/store brands.

Babycenter.com
A wealth of baby information, health and support, links to blogs, questions and answers and more.

Alternative Shopping Places

This may not suit all new parents, but I suggest checking out thrift stores, and consignment shops.  Every parent wants their babies dressed in adorable little outfits, and they should be.  However, they grow out of everything so quickly, especially in the first year, that it can be very costly to keep up with their ever-changing dimensions.  While you can't cover all your baby's wardrobe needs at these places, you can find new, or nearly new items, even brand names, for a fraction of mall and specialty shop prices to help offset the other costs.

Hand-me-downs

Network with friends and family who already have children.  Baby clothes will be outgrown before being worn out so see if someone has clothes to loan or give away.  The same goes for items like strollers, car seats, high chairs and cribs.

Other Links


Diapers.com (free shipping on orders over $49)


Babies Online (free coupons and magazines and samples, and more)

Wal-Mart Baby (97¢ shipping to your home)

Restaurants.com (save money on a parents night out, babysitting not included)

Passion for Savings  (check here for Wal-mart deals, and more)

Centsible Savings (check here for Wal-mart deals, and more)

There is much repetition among the coupon sites.  Many cover the same stores and have the same coupons.  You just need to find the ones that best> meet your needs.  As always, pay attention to your coupons for restrictions such as size, item count, etc., and use coupons appropriately.

4 comments:

  1. While I'm past the need for baby things, I found this post very helpful with the sites that you investigated.

    You are absolutely right that today's new parents or parents in general need all the help they can get.

    I liked the idea of Hand-me-downs and sharing baby stuff...it makes sense:~)

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  2. Thanks Sara. I decided to do this post because one of my husband's co-workers is going to be a new dad soon, and I wanted to pass along some money-saving tips.

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  3. The cute teddy bear caught my attention. We sell like new plush lovies online, plus we run a free lost toy search service. So I've had lots of experience with how to get the best deal on stuffed animals and soft dolls.

    Hand Me Downs and Thrift Store items are definitely the way to save money, as fast as little ones outgrow clothes and tear up their lovies!

    Found you on ExposeYourBlog.

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  4. Hi Dirty Butter, Yes we met on EYB. I don't get around as much as I would like to these days. I do enjoy surfing and finding new reads, though. Thanks for visiting here at roses2rainbows. Feel free to drop by at any time. You never know what you'll find here.

    Yes, thrift stores are great. That is where I get most of my clothes. Not because I have to, but because that is where I find things I actually like, and the price doesn't hurt either.

    Thanks again for the visit.

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