baby on a budget

By Irish clodagh

this will soon be you

Me and my LO

Check out preloved/secondhand gear as most is in mint condition and at least half the price.
Only buy what you need.
Take a list to the shop and stick to it otherwise a slaesperson will take you to gimmicky extras. Think carefuuly about what you need and what you want. Think about your parenting ethos as if you breastfeed and like to cosleep you will only need a sling and car seat for travel and not a bassinet, pram or cot.
Cots are suitable for newborns so no need for carrycots or bassinettes.
two sets of sheets and blankets are plenty, one wash one wear.
Shop around for the best possible online deals but also check out local stores who may be happy to price match.
Baby clearance sales are on four times a year so timing is important
Take a look at my hub on how to choose a pushchair, its all about your needs and lists to ensure you check for things you may not otherwise think about.
Borrow from friends and family what you can but not matrasses or car seats.
Do not bother buying newborn gear as they rarely last more than two weeks. Many eople selling secondhand bags of baby clothes now also which are immacculte. Babygrows will keep your life simple in the early months so you can save on uncompfortable baby outfits.
You do not need special towels or muslin cloths. Towels and teatowles work the same way.
Breastfeed and you will avoid the expense and hassle of bottles, steriliser and formula (could save you in excess of €800) as well as provide both you and your LO with the many health and psychological benefits asssociated with feeding.
Try charlie banana nappies, reusable but as easy as disposables (savings of up to€2000), the mashine will be on regularly so it will not be much extra work plus they are chemical free and super cute. It is also worth noting that babies in charlie bananas tiolet train on average 6-12months sooner than their peers in disposables.
Buy only as you need things and sell what you are finished with if you do not intend to have another baby in the near future