MONEY SAVING TIPS
We all know how difficult it can be introducing a new addition into your life. Everything from nappies to equipment can seem mind boggling and expensive. Everywhere we look right now we are faced with rising interest rates, rising grocery costs and rising utilities. New parents are feeling very uncertain about their financial futures. The stress of this can overshadow what should be a happy and exciting time. Instead it can be a time of silly arguments, sleepless nights and large credit card bills. Something as simple as having a longer recovery time can throw all your financial plans into disarray. Or what if you’re going it alone and you don’t have the financial help of a partner? As a Mum of two children both in nappies and with the usual mortgage, I have come up with some tips to help parents trying to enjoy their new baby without the niggles of financial worry and guilt that comes with purchasing your dream baby furniture or stroller. Let’s face it; we all want the best we can give our children. But is it worth the sea of growing bills we find ourselves swimming in?
Sit down with a pen and paper and list everything you think you will need. Your list should read something like this- Bottles or Breast Feeding Equipment, Sterilizer, Stroller, Cot, Car Seat, Baby Monitor, Change Table, Nappies-Cloth or Disposable, Nappy Change Bag, Travel Cot the list seems endless. Then you have to decide on brands, and where to purchase. And before you know it you feel exhausted by the mountain of research that lies before you. Well relax, give some thought to my suggestions and you won’t be weighed down with financial gloom.
First things first a reality check! Are you really aware of your credit card figures? Please don’t get bored and skim to the next paragraph. This next bit of info was a wake-up call for me. It almost resulted in my credit cards being cut up on the floor. Envisage this-you’ve your heart set on a dream stroller, you know the exact colour you want, you pass by a baby store with a massive sale on. Your stroller is calling to you from inside the store. Pay days not for another fortnight. Your latte stroller with light blue trim and shiny new wheels is marked down from $1399 to $1000. Before you know it your at the counter swiping your credit card with the jingle of the cash register ringing in your ears, grinning from ear to ear. Now here’s the sad news. If you have a credit card rate of 16.5%on purchases and that’s being generous. Many are 20% or higher, if you have set your minimum repayments at $25 a month, it will take you 6 years 11 months to pay that off if you just pay the minimum and you will have paid $699 in interest on that purchase alone. That shiny new stroller doesn’t seem such a good deal anymore. What I’m trying to tell you is, only use credit cards as a last resort. If you know for certain that you will have nothing else to pay from your pay check go ahead and purchase that dream stroller. Otherwise be prepared to hate that stroller if you find yourself in financial debt because of it. Don’t count on your baby bonus as a way to pay off these debts. Another important thing to consider
There are several options available for your stroller. Start by checking out EBay. Something to be aware of is some of the more popular strollers have collaborated with some retail chain stores like Target. The same stroller is available at a fraction of the price just without the nametag. Have you heard of Baby & Kids Markets? Munchkin Markets? I thought not. These markets are specifically targeted towards goods for young children and infants. They sell top quality second hand and some new goods at a fraction of their original price. I personally scored an Avent Sterilizer for $15. It was in excellent condition and I had damaged my own one. Clothes are often new or in perfect condition and you can purchase beautiful garments in great condition. One of best buys was a Fred Dare velour 'onesy' for $1. It was one of the most comfortable things on my daughter, and scored a number of compliments. Cots and travel cots are also way below retail. Strollers and even double strollers are readily available. The savings you can make at these markets are endless! The goods tend to be in excellent condition. There is also a Baby & Kids Market targeted at pregnant mums only. As your children grow there are markets specifically for their age groups also. These markets are a great resource for purchasing all of your baby needs. This is a great alternative to EBay if you like to actually see the goods, also if you get home and the goods don’t work-then contact the Market directly they’ll put you in contact with the seller.
Another great option is Baby for Hire. If like me you want the baby capsule but can’t justify buying one, hire one. For a great low fee you can hire one at a fraction of the retail price. They install them for you and they have a number of locations. The nearest one in our area is Point Cook. Baby for Hire also has cots, strollers, baby swingers and so much more. The one thing I will suggest is not compromising on car restraints. They are in my opinion the most vital equipment you will buy for your child. They are a life saving tool that is constantly being updated and improved. If you do decide to purchase a pre-loved one make sure it complies with safety standards. If you are not sure then don’t risk it. Your precious child’s life may depend on the car seat you purchase.
The Nappy Dilemma- Cloth versus Disposable. Everyone has an opinion; you have to decide what works for you and what your motivation is. Some people prefer the ease of disposables and feel that it is kinder to babies’ skin, while others feel that cloth is cheaper or more environmentally friendly. Cloth Nappies have come a huge way in recent years; I was surprised to find that now instead of washing huge quantities of the traditional square nappies now you can buy inserts that are placed in a waterproof outer nappy pods . Brands such as Bio Bums, Bum Genius and many more are readily available from a number of baby outlets. It cuts your washing down hugely thus reducing your energy and water bills. When you compare these products can cost 8c per wear as opposed to disposables then huge savings can be made. They also last through your infant’s growth spurts, with one set lasting as long as your child is in nappies. But are they kind to babies’ skin you ask- Many of these inserts are made from soft organic materials and you fold the insert depending on if you have a boy or girl. There is also an extra insert for added absorbency at night. There are also now raw silk nappy liners that swear to get rid of nappy rash after one use. Silk is known for having healing qualities.
Many people swear by disposable and I can happily report that my children have never had nappy rash which I attribute to using quality premium disposable. Disposables come in many different price ranges and have the added ease and convenience of not requiring constant washing. They also come in such a variety of sizes and some brands cater for the different needs of boys and girls. Some great tips on disposable are to interchange your best quality nappies for night time and when you are going on long trips. Use a lower priced disposable nappy for daytime use. This can cut your nappy budget drastically. You need to be aware of sizing and quantities. Were you aware that Huggies do not sell Infant and Junior nappies in the boxes we purchase from supermarkets. Meaning much greater costs if your child stays in those sizes a while. Wholesale Nappy Distributers however stock them in bulk quantities. This saves you on both the cost of the nappies and the travel costs involves on frequent trips to the shops. Have you considered factory premium seconds? They are lower in cost with the main difference normally only being a misprint on the nappy pattern. A box is normally completely useable. So find your local nappy store that sells wholesale boxes and factory seconds. Some even deliver free. One example of this is Tinkle Tinkle Nappies that offers same day delivery with the convenience of a mobile Eftpos, Visa & MasterCard machine.
If you decide to formula feed your baby you need to watch out for specials and chemists that often have sales. A great place for saving money on formula is Chemist Warehouse. They have prices that are consistently lower than anywhere else. When it comes to feeding equipment that is a personal choice. I will suggest that if you are buying a number of items from the one retailer don’t be afraid to ask for a discount. Ask loads of questions and make sure your feeding system is interchangeable. That it will grow with your child. The system I chose is changeable into cups with training spouts and has grown with my children.
If you want something different for your baby in the clothes department definitely check out the Matilda Market. It’s all new merchandise that has been made to store standards but that are now mass produced so you won’t find 100 babies in your local shopping centre in the same outfits. Many of these products are available in upscale boutiques but are at well below cost direct from the makers at the Matilda Market. I’ve seen some great shoes for $25.00 that is sold in a local boutique for $45.00.
As you baby grows and you are starting to toilet train, consider asking your wholesaler to order in a box that may contain 4-6 packs and you can negotiate a better price. Especially if you’re not in a hurry and can wait for them to add it to their next order.
When your baby grows out of things consider swap parties with friends, organise one in your area with different playgroups. Or host your own stall at one of the markets. It’s not expensive and gives you some cash in your pocket. I hope some of these tips will help you and prevent any money worries. The only sleepless night you should have is baby related.
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