Baby Buys
By Marla Bautista
You're pregnant, congratulations! As new mothers, we all want the very best for our children, but at what cost? Trying to find deals on quality products for your newborn may seem like quite the undertaking. With a little research, you can find great deals on some amazing items for your little one! In this article, I'm going to help you find a few sweet deals for your new baby.
Choose Neutral Colors
First thing's first, do you know the sex of your baby? Believe it or not this makes a difference in the cost of the products you buy. If this is your first baby, consider buying neutral-colored products that you'd pass down for future use. For my first child who was a boy, I purchased a stroller and car seat combo in a plaid grey color. I did use this with my second child, who was a girl. Consider purchasing other large items such as playpen, swing, and a bassinet in gender neutral tones as well. If you don't want to keep these items for future use, reselling gender-neutral items may be easier than gender specific. I also like to buy second hand items, but I only purchase items I can thoroughly clean. Check out the article from Sleeping Baby about products you shouldn’t buy second hand here.
Basic Items for Baby
So, what do you need? Let's start with the basics. For a smooth transition from being pregnant to be a new mom, having the convenience of a safe and comfortable place for your child to travel and sleep is most important. Travel systems (stroller and car seat combo), are usually more cost effective than purchasing them separately. Having a bassinet is also something that you want to have upon your return home from the hospital. Even though we love all the baby snuggles, you need to have a safe place to put them when you tend to your own personal needs. Having a swing or a baby bouncer is another convenient way to keep your baby safe when you need personal time. I have found that shopping around is best. Using online sites like Amazon may be cheaper but be sure to thoroughly read the reviews and compare your ideal products.
Look for Coupons
Often there are places to find coupons or deals on products for new babies and mothers. Some companies give you special coupons and a small baby gift when you complete your baby registry with them. You can find coupons online for baby items at coupons.com. You can also go to baby product websites and print coupons directly from them. Ever read those magazines at the doctor's office while you wait for your appointment? Those contain coupons for baby items as well.
Plan your Baby Registry
Completing a baby registry can sometimes feel like a daunting task, especially when you're nearing the end of your pregnancy. But there is a great advantage to doing this. Your friends and family may purchase items from your registry. Amazon and other companies that sale baby items offer registration completion online. Walmart and Target also offer online registration, but in my opinion, if you have access to their physical stores it's best to go in and pick the specific items you want on your registry. Head over to customer service and they will help you through the process. Quick tip: Add multiples of both large and small items to your registry, it helps your friends and family if they have a variety of items they can choose from to purchase.
Ask for Samples
If you plan on breastfeeding, there are companies that offer free covers, creams, and nursing pads. If you are going to formula feed, you can check out websites such as Enfamil and they often offer samples and coupons for their products. Ask your doctor if they have any diaper samples, formula samples, or possibly even diaper samples that you may have.
There are lots of resources that can help you save money on baby products as you prepare for your little ones’ arrival. If there are certain things you want to save more money on than others, make a priority list. Identify what items you are willing to buy at a lesser cost and what items you’d prefer to spend more on.
As the days get closer to your baby's arrival, have all the necessities ready so that you may comfortably care for your child at a moment's notice. Relax, take time (if you have it), to make a list of all the things you want for your new baby. Enjoy the precious moments with your little one. The material things come and go, but the memories last a life time.
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Marla Bautista is an Army spouse and mother of three currently living in New York. Bautista is a freelance writer and has recently released her first book, My Thoughts Abandoned. She was named the Armed Forces Insurance 2018 Military Spouse of the Year Base Level Winner for Fort Drum. She was also featured as a Hometown Hero on ABC50. Bautista loves to volunteer in her free time within the military community and advocate for those in need. She is also an avid couponer and hopefully one day, a millionaire because of her frugal lifestyle! Follow her on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sgm_hh6/
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