When my husband and I found out that our third child was a girl, the first words out of his mouth were, "She can wear all of the boys' old clothes, right?" Needless to say, he was pretty upset when I told him that I'd already given away all of our boys' baby and toddler clothes. And then when I informed my cheapskate husband that the only baby items I'd saved were books and a few keepsake toys, his reaction was one that suggested I get to work hunting for deals on baby items at garage sales and online.
However, family and friends ended up coming to our financial rescue by loaning, and in some cases giving, us everything we need.
Based on my calculations, our savings during our daughter's first two years will amount to at least $2200 as a result of all the hand-me-downs. Following are items that we have not had to purchase along with approximate costs if purchased new.
Baby Necessities
Crib = $250
Crib Mattress = $50
Car Seat/Stroller Combo = $175
Convertible Car Seat = $150
High Chair = $100
Baby Bath Tub = $25
Bottles, Spoons, Pacifiers, Sippy Cups, etc. = $25
Helpful Baby Items
Double Electric Breast Pump = $175
Breast Milk Storage Bags = $10
Medela Microsteam Bags = $6
Boppy Nursing Pillow with Cover = $40
Bumbo = $40
Sling/Carrier = $75
Exersaucer = $60
Pack 'n Play Crib = $65
We've also been given other baby items such as clothes, books, and toys. In fact, we have enough hand-me-down clothes right now to last our daughter until she's two-years-old.
Based on the fact that we spend approximately $500 per year on new clothes and shoes for our eight-year-old, the hand-me-down clothes for our daughter will save us at least $1000.
Total Approximate Savings = $2246
I know all too well how tempting the desire to buy new things for a baby can be, but I also know that the purchases won't be worth the money most of the time. So when I get the strong urge to purchase a cute new outfit for my daughter, I just have to remind myself how fast she grows out of things. Spending money on baby items just doesn't make sense if it's possible to get used things for free or for a reduced price.
More from this contributor:
First Person: The Financial Benefits of Breastfeeding
First Person: Saving Money on Road Trips
First Person: The Financial Benefits of Owning a Multifamily Property
