tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2486325429771539945.post2007783417683918560..comments2023-10-23T10:53:57.423-07:00Comments on Potter Lane: Saving Money pre-babyLaurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05528906763229896400noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2486325429771539945.post-48889203956442022882011-07-20T20:45:12.331-07:002011-07-20T20:45:12.331-07:00I think you're on the right track Laura. We fo...I think you're on the right track Laura. We found there really wasn't a whole lot we needed and we received so many things from generous friends and family we didn't need to buy much ourselves. Buying used is definitely the way to go--in addition to Craig's List and consignments stores garage sales are great for baby stuff. There is a huge kids consignment sale here in town twice a year that has a lot of great stuff (http://www.ittybittyboutique.org) Some of the consignment stores/sales also have maternity clothes. <br /><br />You might also see if you can borrow something you're undecided about or that you might only need for a few months. We borrowed a swing from a friend for the first six months and that worked perfectly.<br /><br />We have also saved a ton of money using cloth diapers. AND if you keep them in good shape you can use them for any future children or resell them. There are lots of places you can find great deals on used cloth diapers as well.<br /><br />There are several forums on babycenter.com where you can buy/sell cloth diapers and baby carriers--I have done both with great success. That can be a great way to save some money. I have heard ebay can be great for buying kids clothes as well.<br /><br />If I could only choose one baby item for purchase it would absolutely be the Ergo--we still use ours nearly every day in the house and outside (Lydia just came cherry picking with me today in the Ergo, in fact!)I also LOVED having a stretchy wrap (like a Moby wrap or Sleepy Wrap) for the first few months. I found a used one online, but you could also make one yourself with a long piece of knit fabric (there are lots of tutorials online) and it would only cost a few dollars.Lynnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02349383275519372962noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2486325429771539945.post-65171353905164210762011-07-20T09:45:14.371-07:002011-07-20T09:45:14.371-07:00You are definitely right, babies don't need to...You are definitely right, babies don't need too much. However, if I were you, I would most definitely register for a bouncy seat and/or exersaucer. I don't know of one baby who did not love the bouncy seat. In fact, most moms I know have a bouncy seat on every level of their home! They are not that expensive. You will need to put the baby in something when you shower, go to the bathroom, etc... The one I registered for was about $25. You are right on the swing. Some babies (like my baby) loved the swing; other's don't. Definitely look into the Bjorn and Ergo. I have both, and I love love love them. We purchased the Bjorn with our Babies R Us coupon, and I found the Ergo barely used via a mom in my mom's group for less than half the cost. I found the Bjorn excellent for babies 0-5 months, but the Ergo better after that. If you are only thinking one carrier, I would learn towards the Ergo because of the weight distribution. Oh, and check out www.babysteals.com for other bargains. Feel free to email me anytime with baby questions; my husband and I are on a tight budget, so we are careful not to spend much on our daughter. (Oh, and sign up for Amazon Mom - free two day shipping on all items and the lowest prices on diapers.)Sarah Rosemaryhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09103524873154877301noreply@blogger.com