We were there in the doctor’s office when the nurse found one tiny orb on the sonogram with heart cells beating. Then moments later…another tiny heartbeat on the monitor.
Yikes, we were having twins!
We joke now that we got the two-for-one special with our little boy and girl. But soon after we found we were having twins a fellow twin mom posted to Facebook, “Oh, one baby is so easy.” My heart pounded!
What were we in for?
We were in for needing a lot of things and prep before the babies arrived. I want to share three tips to save money on your new baby whether you are having one or two or, bless your heart, three!
1. Borrowing is a mom’s best friend
Apparently all babies need a truckload of items upon arrival to this world that would shock our pioneering ancestors. But we don’t need to buy all these items brand new.
If you are entering the baby years, it is likely that a friend or family member has entered that world before you. Do not be too proud to ask to borrow big-ticket items that you may only use for a short time.
For example, a popular bunny swing can cost $150 on Amazon and most babies only use the swing for a few months. With twins, I wasn’t going to buy two new swings to use for three months. I asked around, and generous friends loaned me two swings. It worked out even better that I did not purchase because one baby didn’t even want to swing, but the other lived in one.
In the end, I was able to have one upstairs and one downstairs without spending more than a few dollars on thank you notes.
Other items to consider borrowing include:
- cribs
- changing tables
- diaper genie
- bumbo seat
- playpens /mats
- car seat
- bounce seats
- clothes
One good friend has an amazing bounce/entertainment seat that practically every child in our group of friends has used at some point.
Be sure to keep good track of who loaned what and make every effort to return the item in amazing condition. If something happens, replace the item.
More than likely, you will be getting to use an item at no cost, and your friend will be saving some storage space for a while. A great win, win situation.
2. Used is the new Black
As a first time mom, I wanted my kids always to be dressed in amazing, cute clothes. After nicknaming one child, “Five Outfits”, for the five outfit changes a day his reflux required, I got over this desire.
When your babies are tiny, they will have more than likely been given plenty of new clothes as gifts. New clothes are awesome! But in the end, after an hour or so of wear, the outfit will be dirty, require washing and will no longer be new.
New clothes for kids can get pricey as even inexpensive stores like Target can charge $12-$18 per outfit for baby items that will be likely worn out and too-small in a month or two.
I had to break myself from the idea that my children would always look catalog-best and face the reality that I don’t want to spend that much on clothes. Instead, I find that gently used items are the way to go.
There are massive consignment sales all over the country going by different names such as Just Between Friends and Rhea Lana. For a complete listing check out Consignment Mommies. These sales will sell everything from toys and clothes to strollers and playpens.
You don’t need to pay full price for a high chair or baby bathtub. The last set of toys I purchased at the consignment was treated brutally by our twin one-year-olds and I was glad I only paid a few dollars for each item.
My final recommendation of buying used items is to look on resale websites like a local Facebook group or Craiglist.
I bought our City Select Double Stroller, which at retail with accessories would cost over $900 new for $400 on Craigslist.
I also bought two barely used car seats that would have each retailed for close to $200 for $95 apiece from a local mom of twins. Then when the kids outgrew them, I sold them for $90 each. So for the first year I paid $10 for two car seats.
I bought both of our cribs off Craigslist for less than $75 apiece.
I created an awesome nursery where only the Ikea dresser and rocking chairs were new furniture. With a little home sewing thrown in (don’t look too closely), everything came together.
3. Resell
There are going to be some items you don’t want to buy used for your baby.
Buy what you want new. Keep boxes, receipts, and instructions if possible to sell to some other new mom looking for a deal later on.
For example, my sweet deal of a stroller needed two car seat adapters that were $50 apiece. I have saved the boxes and instructions, and when it comes time to sell the stroller, I’ll be selling the adapters as well.
This goes for a lot of baby items only used for a short periods such as:
- play mats
- holiday wear
- shoes
- jackets
- and many of the items listed in the borrow section.
I did spend a good bit on cute outfits for the twins’ first birthday photos and birthday party. I sold each outfit at half of what I spent.
It takes time and some effort to resell, but with cameras on your phones and Facebook and Craigslist apps, it might be just a few minutes a day listing things to sell. If that doesn’t appeal to you, sell items at one of the big consignment sales listed earlier.
Hopefully, this has given you some ideas on how to get the items your baby needs. Plus you’ll be a happy parent for much less than you think when you see the heartbeat on the sonogram.
Happy shopping and reselling!
Question – Got any baby money saving tips? Please share them in the comments below
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