$ saving tips for new and expecting moms & dads

[OhioBlue]

I just started using Kizoodle.com to trade coupons. The site lets you trade just about anything. I've only used it for coupons so far.

First, register on Enfamil, Similac, Nestle and Wal Mart's Parent's Choice websites to get their free coupons and checks for formula. Also on Pampers, etc. to get their coupons and start clipping coupons - even if they will expire before you will use them. If you formula feed, keep the coupons/checks that you will use and trade the rest on Kizoodle. If you register, you can use my code HEQN4S - you'll get free points for registering and I'll get points if you make trades. The formula checks go quickly. I posted other coupons today, but haven't "sold" them yet. The formula checks went within minutes. Don't make the mistake that I did - I didn't know how it worked, and posted $10 worth of checks for 1 point. I could have gotten at least 8 points probably. And... when you "buy" something, ALWAYS read the description. I just "bought" a coupon, and realized it was only good at BJs - which I never go to.

Secondly, find a baby and children's used clothing store near you. You can find gently worn clothes at very cheap prices (especially good for sleepers and pajamas) and sell or trade in the clothes that your little one has just out grown. You can try e-bay, but I had a bad experience and the shipping charges usually suck. I would rather go look at the items.

There are ALOT of specials for new moms - I know I'm not aware of most of them, but Olan Mills website has a coupon for some free pics for babies under 3 mos. that I found. Also - check with your local health department. They gave me a free well baby check at home. It was really nice as a new mom to have a nurse come visit, discuss concerns, weigh the baby, etc. She even checked my used crib for me as I was concerned the mattress didn't fit tight enough. She left a lot of information sheets but also a little card to make sure baby's bath water was an okay temp and a little book of baby faces that my little one likes to look at.

I registered with babycenter.com and would get weekly e-mails throughout my pregnancy that discussed what was likely going on that month - plus they have chat rooms for moms due the same month as you. (they continue after the baby is born) The conversation was/is useful and you can get tips from the other ladies on that site too. (I didn't know that orajel can cause a baby to choke and a walker can give a baby hip problems.)

Another tip that might be controversial, (haven't checked CVS's reputation) but I have a CVS near home and one near work, I registered with them and have one of their cards. I buy most baby items there and get $3 off $15 purchase almost every time I go in the store.

Check all boxes of stuff you buy - if you buy bottles or tylenol, etc. Sometimes they have extra coupons printed inside the box.

If you have any tips, please feel free to post them.

Edit to add: of course there are always garage sales and such. But, also craigslist.com - came in handy as I bought an extra bouncer and car seat base for the baby sitter.

[LynzM]

1. Plenty of good ideas there. One to add -

You don't need at least half the stuff society and the lovely marketing people of baby magazines want you to think you do. What you need:

Breastmilk or formula (although breastmilk is obviously much cheaper)
Pump if nursing and away, bottles if nursing and away or formula feeding
Diapers
More diapers, and wipes
Onesies
Sleepers/warmer outfits
Sling (ok, not a necessity for everyone, but the best $28 dollars I ever spent, kid-wise)
Car Seat

Pretty much everything else is things that you can find when you find the need or desire for them.... :)

[DarkTirade]

2. Something to chew on when they're teething.

That is a necessity. I've still got bite marks on the case of my copy of Who Framed Roger Rabbit thanks to my little sister. :)

[flygal]

3. Excellent!

If money is really an issue just give the baby the necessities. I saw so many parents rack up cc debt doing all the things they were "sold" by media. Most of my kids "portraits" were by me. Why spend $$$ on studio garbage when a snap shot is so much more real. That's the style most photogs are going for anyway - the non-posed natural setting snap away...

As for clothes, toys, books - hang out with moms of toddlers and that stuff just lands on your doorstep esp. if you make it known you're on a budget. My kids have so many used books with other kids' names on them. And even the HUGE size 3/4 stuff eventually fits them and I'm still using stuff from 6 years ago that people "unloaded" on me.

Also, garage sales in really nice neighborhoods are a boon. Most of their stuff was NEVER used b/c they bought into all the stuff marketed to them or given as gifts that you really don't find use for.

Now, with a 3 and 6 y.o. I'm really finding you don't buy stuff but the money goes to activities and pre-school and babysitters. :)

[fortyfeetunder]

4. If you know your baby's gender, ca$h in...

Or if you don't you can still ca$h in on savings.

If you know the gender you can at least check out the baby clothing sales and get clothes for up to the first couple of years.

Primary colors (red, blue, green, yellow) look ok.

And the baby doesn't care..

My newborn had some borderline opposite sex clothes but only seen in a random picture...LOL...