Nursery 101 Founder Vera Kessler Offers Tips on Preparing for Baby on a Budget
NEW ROLE MOMMY COLUMNIST! NURSERY 101 FOUNDER VERA KESSLER
With the packages of diapers, containers of formula and an array of adorable infant clothes begging to be bought, having a baby can be an expensive endeavor. Remember that you still have years ahead when your kids will need developmental toys, piano lessons and braces, not to mention money for college tuition, so hold on to your purse strings. Now is the time to put your strategic financial skills to the test and prepare for your baby on a budget. Whether you’re pregnant with your first baby or just had number three, here are some smart ways to save:
1. Invest in furniture that grows with your child. Cribs are one of the most exepnsive items that parents purchase for their baby’s nursery. A great way to save money in this department is to invest in a convertible crib. This type of crib starts off as an ideal place for baby to sleep, and then changes into a toddler bed, day bed and full bed as your child grows. Instead of buying multiple beds of various sizes, a convertible crib is one piece of furniture that will accommodate your child as they grow.
2. Make sure that your furniture is multi-functional. With all the clothes and toys your baby accumulates, you are going to need a lot of storage space. The problem is that most moms simply don’t have enough space to store all their baby gear. That’s where multi-functional furniture comes into play. You can hide a host of toy trains, socks, and bibs in storage draws underneath cribs and changing tables. A dust ruffle on a crib does wonders when it comes to hiding tupperware containers filled with outgrown hats and onesies. Make each piece of furniture count by taking advantage of built-in compartments and storage space.
3. Buy your furniture from a reputable source that offers free or low cost delivery and set up. If you do your research, you will be pleasantly surprised to find that there are retail stores that will deliver and set up your nursery furniture for free or at a reasonable price. Note, that some stores may require a minimum purchase or that you live within a certain proximity to their location. If you should happen to be lucky enough to live near such a store, put them on speed dial.
4. Buy frequently used items in bulk. If you haven’t done so already, become a member of a wholesale retail chain like Costco or Sam’s Club. These warehouses allow you to buy the goods you need, like mountains of diapers and formula, at lower rates than you would find in a supermarket. The only downside is that many of these warehouse stores don’t take coupons.
5. Don’t buy everything you see. New and expecting moms often have shopping fever when they walk into a baby store. The adorable plush toy, the cute dress with the flowers, and the precious bouncy seat with the musical fish all seem to be calling out, “Buy me, buy me.” Before you give in to your whim to own everything baby, stop and think, “Do I really need a diaper warmer?” “Can I truly live without another musical toy?” The answer is yes. There is no shortage of companies trying to convince you that you need every product known to man in order to raise the “best” baby. Don’t buy into the commercial hype. Save your money by limiting yourself to essential purchases. Then, if grandma just happens to buy you that expensive new diaper bag, smile and enjoy. Afterall, you didn’t buy it, it was a gift.
Above all, enjoy your experience as a mom. The precious moments are fleeting and before you know it, your little babies will be asking you to borrow your car. And by the way, they’ll ask, “Can I have 10 bucks?” If you follow the smart tips for saving above, you’ll be able to confidently reply, “Sure, I’ve been saving up years for this.”
1. Invest in furniture that grows with your child. Cribs are one of the most exepnsive items that parents purchase for their baby’s nursery. A great way to save money in this department is to invest in a convertible crib. This type of crib starts off as an ideal place for baby to sleep, and then changes into a toddler bed, day bed and full bed as your child grows. Instead of buying multiple beds of various sizes, a convertible crib is one piece of furniture that will accommodate your child as they grow.
2. Make sure that your furniture is multi-functional. With all the clothes and toys your baby accumulates, you are going to need a lot of storage space. The problem is that most moms simply don’t have enough space to store all their baby gear. That’s where multi-functional furniture comes into play. You can hide a host of toy trains, socks, and bibs in storage draws underneath cribs and changing tables. A dust ruffle on a crib does wonders when it comes to hiding tupperware containers filled with outgrown hats and onesies. Make each piece of furniture count by taking advantage of built-in compartments and storage space.
3. Buy your furniture from a reputable source that offers free or low cost delivery and set up. If you do your research, you will be pleasantly surprised to find that there are retail stores that will deliver and set up your nursery furniture for free or at a reasonable price. Note, that some stores may require a minimum purchase or that you live within a certain proximity to their location. If you should happen to be lucky enough to live near such a store, put them on speed dial.
4. Buy frequently used items in bulk. If you haven’t done so already, become a member of a wholesale retail chain like Costco or Sam’s Club. These warehouses allow you to buy the goods you need, like mountains of diapers and formula, at lower rates than you would find in a supermarket. The only downside is that many of these warehouse stores don’t take coupons.
5. Don’t buy everything you see. New and expecting moms often have shopping fever when they walk into a baby store. The adorable plush toy, the cute dress with the flowers, and the precious bouncy seat with the musical fish all seem to be calling out, “Buy me, buy me.” Before you give in to your whim to own everything baby, stop and think, “Do I really need a diaper warmer?” “Can I truly live without another musical toy?” The answer is yes. There is no shortage of companies trying to convince you that you need every product known to man in order to raise the “best” baby. Don’t buy into the commercial hype. Save your money by limiting yourself to essential purchases. Then, if grandma just happens to buy you that expensive new diaper bag, smile and enjoy. Afterall, you didn’t buy it, it was a gift.
Above all, enjoy your experience as a mom. The precious moments are fleeting and before you know it, your little babies will be asking you to borrow your car. And by the way, they’ll ask, “Can I have 10 bucks?” If you follow the smart tips for saving above, you’ll be able to confidently reply, “Sure, I’ve been saving up years for this.”
posted by Role Mommy @ 6:44 PM
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