Guest post from Jennifer from Multicultural Marriage
My husband and I welcomed our first child last year. One of the best things we did beforehand was to consider how we’d save money on all the new expenses while still providing the best possible care for our baby.
While you can’t plan for everything, here are eight ways I found helpful in cutting costs:
1. Identify must-haves vs. nice-to-haves.
While you’re pregnant, ask other moms what items they found most useful (and what they didn’t need). For example, I made nursing pillows a “nice-to-have” and found I didn’t need them after all.
2. Revisit baby registries.
You can save a lot of money through registries (see a few ideas in this post).
Bonus tip: Extend your actual due date by a few months so you can keep using your registries after your child is born. Change items as needed, and use coupons and discounts as long as you can! Also, think of future expenses such as high chairs and potties.
3. Wait on buying toys and clothes.
We just passed the one-year milestone and have bought fewer than five toys, even though our house is flooded with them!
Friends and family (especially grandparents!) may exceed your expectations in this area. Restrain yourself — close your eyes as you pass that insanely cute onesie on sale! — until you’re certain it won’t come as a gift.
4. Explore health insurance options.
Instead of a PPO plan, we chose a cheaper HMO plan that cost hundreds, not thousands, of dollars for a hospital delivery. For those interested, midwives or birthing centers may be even cheaper if they’re eligible for coverage.
5. Try breastfeeding vs. formula.
If this is an option, I heartily recommend it. It makes mom and baby feel more connected, it helps you lose baby weight, it’s healthier, and it’s a whole lot cheaper!
6. Shop around.
If I had time, I tried to compare prices (especially on big-ticket items) using the Internet first, then consignment, then in-store. Our car seat and stroller were cheaper in-store, but the crib was cheaper in consignment. Meanwhile, our high chair was cheapest online with a store coupon.
7. Try cloth vs. disposable diapers (or a mix of both).
It’s not the most glamorous job to clean cloth diapers, but saving hundreds of dollars (along with all the other reasons I wanted cloth diapers) may help you swallow a little easier on each trip to the toilet. Also, helping the environment is a bonus!
8. Go washable.
From changing pad liners to cloth diapers to nursing bra pads, reusable items are some of your best friends. They may cost more up front, but they’ll save you big bucks by the end of the first year… or even the first month.
These are just a few of the ways we saved on our first baby… however I’d love to hear from you!
What have you found most effective for inexpensive baby care?
Jennifer (blogging at Multicultural Marriage and @multiculturalm on Twitter) is all about celebrating and supporting multicultural families. She and her husband live in the U.S. with their first child, a daughter, who is (in their opinion) the cutest baby on the planet.
Hmm says
An HMO plan isn’t necessarily a good option. Many OBs here aren’t accepting HMO patients. I felt fortunate to have the PPO or else I wouldn’t have access to my awesome OB practice.
John says
It’s so useful for me. Thank Jennifer.
Amie says
My best money saving tips:
-check with your insurance company to see if they will pay for your breast pump. Mine did, but it wasn’t advertised anywhere that I know of. Someone from a frugal blog suggested I check and sure enough they were right.
-(after baby comes) Breastfeed IF you can. I could never get my 1st son to latch. I pumped 6 mos before just going to formula. My second nursed well, but only with a nipple shield. This lasted 10 mos before he stopped nursing. I produced plenty of milk by pumping. My third was so hard to get to latch… I had bleeding nipples and a breast infection. I did 2 visits to a lactation consultant and had to bottle feed for a week during the 1st month just so I could heal, but I stuck it out. It was incredibly difficult. I couldn’t fault anyone for giving up. He is almost 11 months old and still nursing, but after 5 mos, I stopped being able to pump enough milk at work. I supplement about 1 can of formula per month. You may want to visit a lactation consultant before hand or take a breastfeeding class.
-(after baby comes) If you are able to breastfeed, pump extra milk and freeze it. I used ice cube trays so that I had a bunch of frozen cubes available. This was a nice back up for when my milk production dipped and when my 2nd son just stopped nursing at 10 mos.
-If you use disposable diapers, shop the drug stores. With coupons and sales, they have the best deals. Start buying several months before the baby is born so that you can pick your purchase price.
– (after baby comes) Make your own baby food. It is so easy… just cook the veggie/fruit (I use a steamer for most things), add water, puree in your blender, and freeze in ice cube trays before transferring to a freezer bag. Bananas just get mashed with water. It is so easy.
– Use hand-me-downs.
-Don’t spend a fortune on a nursery that looks like it came out of a magazine. Your baby will NOT remember that. That is really for the parents.
Jennifer says
Love these, Amie – thanks! I can so relate to the tip about spending on a nursery. My baby is usually oblivious to store-bought decorations, but can spend ages playing with discarded plastic jars, lids, etc. 😉
Amie says
Oh yes. We spent a few days with the grandparents and didn’t bother to pack any baby toys. My mother-in-law calls large plastic spoons and lids “Mimi toys.” All my boys loved these and would play happily with them. My 10 mos old enjoyed the beach pail set as well. Dumping out the little shovel and sandcastle forms and pushing them across the floor was great fun. lol.
Amber says
I am trying to explain that your choice of words can be hurtful. I don’t believe that was your intention, but that is how some readers will take it. I, for one, did not read your “more” statement in the way you apparently intended at all.
Amber says
Yes, you can simply leave out the word “MORE”!
Jennifer says
Ok, so then it would read, “It (breastfeeding) makes mom and baby feel connected.”
To my ears, that statement implies even more strongly that if breastfeeding makes mom and baby “feel connected,” then somehow, moms who are unable to nurse can’t feel connected with their babies.
That wasn’t what I meant at all.
On the other hand, the “more” in the original sentence emphasizes that all moms and babies feel connected to each other; breastfeeding hormones such as oxytocin (“the love hormone”) help physiologically increase that feeling.
That scientific fact, of the hormonal effects of breastfeeding, should not be offensive or hurtful to any mother who is unable to nurse. It just means she will feel connected with her baby in different ways.
Does that make sense? Please let me know if this helps. 🙂
Amber says
My issues is with the word MORE connected. It implies that a mother who is able to nurse is MORE connected to baby than a mother that cannot nurse. That is what is offensive and hurtful to those that are unable to nurse.
Jennifer says
Hmm … do you have a paraphrase in mind? One that doesn’t include the word more, but still alludes to the hormonal effects of breastfeeding?
Amber says
Great tips, but I really take issue with this statement from tip #5 regarding breastfeeding: “It makes mom and baby feel more connected”. Statements like that this are rude, insensitive and hurtful for women that are unable to nurse. Mothers that feed formula connect to their babies just fine. Women who are unable to nurse often go through intense feelings of guilt. Comments like that make it even harder for new mothers that are already struggling.
Jennifer says
Hi Amber,
Thanks for your comment. I have the deepest empathy for any mom who is unable to nurse, for whatever reasons. Breastfeeding is definitely not for everyone, and I tried my best to convey that by saying, “IF this is an option.”
I also agree with you that any mom will be able to connect with their babies, regardless of nursing or formula. Adopting a newborn? Of course the adoptive mother will be able to connect, even if she can’t nurse.
However, the reason why I said that breastfeeding makes mom and baby FEEL more connected (and it’s really just that, a feeling) is due to the hormones that nursing produces. This has been scientifically researched and documented. Oxytocin is one hormone, and prolactin is another.
I’ve listed a couple of references in case you’re interested:
http://www.babycenter.com/0_5-things-you-didnt-know-about-breastfeeding_10357141.bc
http://www.breastfeeding-problems.com/breastfeeding-hormones.html
Hope this helps clarify my position. Again, let me emphasize that no mom should ever be made to feel guilty about being unable to nurse.
Tracy says
I wish that when I had my baby shower I had registered for baby Tylenol and other baby medicines. They are very expensive in my area.
Crystal Paine says
That’s such a great idea! Thank you for sharing!
Jennifer says
That’s an important point – baby medicines. They add up very quickly.
Does your health insurance pay for at least some of your costs? During my baby’s first year, we used our health insurance HSA to pay for a lot of her medical prescriptions.
Amie says
I am not sure if you have a CVS in your area or not, but I stock up every year when the baby meds are free after Extra Care Bucks. Usually, Pediacare goes on sale and often there’s a coupon that can make it better than free. During the Black Friday sales, baby Motrin has been free after ECBs as well. I have been buying it these times every year. I do have access to 2 CVS cards – one is mine and one is my husband’s and this is something I have him purchase, too. I also check Walgreens. I buy children’s cold meds (not for babies) the same way and usually can get it for under $1 after sales, coupons, and rewards. I did end up paying for a bottle of infant acetaminophen when I ran out and it was $7 for store brand. It probably would have been cheaper at Walmart, but getting it quickly for my sick guy was more important than saving a few bucks.
Lori says
The best money saving tip is to stock up on diapers during your pregnancy. With each pregnancy I tried to buy at least a couple packs when I found them under my stock up price, which for me is $5.00 per jumbo pack. Buy a range of sizes because your baby will probably not be in little sizes for long. I would also try to grab a pack of baby wipes every time I went grocery shopping, it is usually only $1-2 and you will always use them. When I had my first 2 babies I had diapers between me and the showers I had for almost 9 months. Always keep your receipts just in case you need to exchange, my 2nd was premature so I only had 1 package of newborn diapers, and she used that size for 3 months. So I was able to return other sizes and get what I needed instead of having to pay full price.
Jennifer says
That’s great to know, especially your tip about saving receipts and exchanging sizes. Thanks, Lori.
And way to go on having almost 9 months of diaper supplies! That’s the best I’ve heard so far. 😉
Kacy says
Both times I was expecting I would shop online or in upscale baby stores to decide what I wanted, then search to find the cheapest price elsewhere. For example, I loved the Graco Quattro double stroller but retail was around $300. I spent about two weeks checking craigslist everyday and found a barely used one in great condition and paid only $100 cash for it! I am still getting tons of use out of it today! Also with my first child I wanted the fisher price pink cradle swing which retailed for $130 new. I was fortunate enough to find a gently used one at a yard sale for only $25! A few months later the motor went out on it and fisher price kindly sent us a brand new motor for free!
Another tip is to not be closed minded to accepting hand-me-downs even for your first baby. So many high ticket baby items (such as swings, pack n plays, exersaucers) are only used for a short time before baby outgrows it, so do you really want to waste all that money on buying new?
Finally please keep in mind that you will get the most baby gifts with your first child. Generally people don’t have showers for any baby but your first, so don’t be afraid to register somewhere and be direct about what you need the most for baby!
Congratulations to all the first time mothers-to-be out there, motherhood is an amazing blessing to live! 🙂
Jennifer says
Great tips, Kacy! You sound like the queen of bargain hunting!
Stephanie says
When my friend had her first baby shower I encouraged everyone to bring a tub of wipes, originally has a gag. Not having any children at the time I had no idea what a wonderful thing this turned out to be. After 37 tubs of wipes she was set for over a year. It’s something that you will use every day and the baby never grows out of it.
Jennifer says
What an awesome baby shower gift – wish I’d thought of that! Thanks, Stephanie!
Jennifer says
Great idea! I went to a very large shower where the hostesses bought two $25 gift cards and anybody who brought a pack of diapers was entered into a drawing. She received tons of diapers. I am sure she was set for at least the first year!
Amie says
You are so right about the wipes. My oldest child is 6 and my youngest is 10 mos. We have been using wipes steadily for 6 years and I think I will always have them on hand… “Get a wipe,” is a standard Mom line in our house. I have learned that wipes can be used just about anywhere… they remove deodorant smears from dark shirts, drips on clothes, messy faces, etc., etc.
Katie Bennett says
I agree! Keep it simple! This is the philosophy we followed, and I’m so glad we did.
Libby says
The best advice we were ever given even before we became pregnant with our first child was, “Kids are as expensive as you make them.” It has rang true with us, as we were able to get big items such as the crib from families who weren’t using them anymore and were getting rid of them. And if we are traveling or there is something that we don’t have we ask our friends if we can borrow theirs. The only big ticket item that we purchased was our stroller and that was second hand.
Jennifer says
What great advice, Libby! Yes, especially when you consider how babies were raised even just a few decades ago, we tend to overestimate how much they really need to be raised *well*.
teri goodman says
Back to garage sales– be careful buying used cribs, playpens also. Many have been recalled that could be a garage sale purchase.
Jennifer says
Great point – used purchases are always innately riskier than new. Sometimes in my zeal to “get a bargain,” I’m tempted to overlook the risk. Thanks, Teri.
Jessie @MoolaSavingMom.com says
As a Mom of 4 I’d also say – accept Hand-me-downs. That $70 baby swing? My youngest used it for 4 DAYS. When I went to sell it I barely got $30- that was $10 a day for something she used maybe an hour each!
Not everything needs to be brand new with tags- buy the important things new (car seats, crib mattresses, a few special outfits) but really no need to pay $10 for a onesie that trust me- will be disgusting after they wear it just a while 🙂 Great ideas!
Jennifer says
Absolutely, hand-me-downs have been lifesavers for us too. Thanks, Jessie.
And your description about the $10 onesie being disgusting after a while … I laughed aloud! Something about being parents that makes one so intensely practical, right? 😉
Abbey says
My tip is consider waiting until baby is six months to start solids. It saves a good bit of money waiting until 6 months which is recommended by the APA anyhow.
I had a birth center birth and it was a great deal cheaper than the hospital birth I had previously planned.
I actually put my due date earlier on the registry so I could use the completion coupons while still pregnant to buy anything I didn’t get at my shower and be ready for the baby. I also suggest having your baby shower two months prior to birth so you can get every thing and be ready.
I registered for potty seat, pajamas up until a year, bowls, spoons, and sippy cups. Anything I thought I could use in first two years.
Don’t buy or registet for toys or clothes. You will get plenty!
Jennifer says
Thanks for the tips, Abbey! Yes, registries are a tool that people use differently – I don’t think there’s any one right or wrong way. I’m glad you found something that worked for you, and also that your birth center experience went so well.
Did you practice baby-led weaning? That also recommended to start babies on solid foods around 6 months (I wrote about our experience here: https://multiculturalmarriage.wordpress.com/2014/06/18/baby-led-weaning-review).
Kim @ Kim Gets Fit says
I bought so much stuff with my first babies (twins). With my last child I only bought a few things. I bought a good breast pump. I got a sling (which she LIVED in). I bought a bouncy seat so I could have a shower and a few outfits and a single stroller. It was so much easier. We never used most of the stuff we had for the twins.
Jennifer says
Thanks for sharing your experience! I have so much respect for moms with twins after having just one baby – I don’t know how you manage it! 🙂
Tanya says
I never used cloth diapers since there is no washer or dryer h/u in our apartment and we have to use a laundry mat. I put diapers on my registry. Lots and lots of the smaller packages so that way if he went up a size I could exchange packages instead of being stuck with half a giant box of newborns. I also clipped every coupon for diapers and researched the best deals every week as my son got older (still do!). I tried different brands in smaller diaper counts and found some worked well and some were not so great. I still buy smaller packages with multiple coupons because you end up paying less per diaper. I also found some great moms on meet up who had babies a bit older than mine and I got some great hand me downs. I found out the hard way that a changing table was not necessary for us since I ended up changing my son on the couch or the bed or whatever was most convenient at the time and had a stash of wipes and diapers in every room. Wipes never get too small so I tend to buy on amazon in big packages since a lot of the time their price per wipe is best.
Jennifer says
Wow, these are some excellent tips on saving money on disposable diapers and wipes. Thanks, Tanya!
Amy says
I absolutely agree with tip #1!! There are SO many baby gadgets out there half of which you probably will never use. A few other tips would be to look on craigslist, gently used stores/sites for baby equipment such as swings, bouncers, etc. Some babies love those types of things and others loathe them (I had one baby who loved the swing and one who hated it). It would be a bummer to spend a ton of money on a new swing, for example, and have your baby hate it. Lots of great tips in the comments, too!
Jennifer says
I heartily agree – one mom said her baby practically lived in her Pack ‘n’ Play set, but our baby cried almost every time we set her in hers. (Good thing it was a gift!)
That said, however, I wouldn’t discard something immediately if your baby doesn’t like it. She might grow to like it over time, as our daughter did with her walker and other toys.
Heather says
Careful with the birthing center/midwife. I know someone who did it to save money, and had to transfer to the hospital anyway. Had to pay both fees, which I know hurt them.
Jennifer says
I’m so sorry to hear that, Heather. It may be that midwives/birthing centers are good options only for low-risk pregnancies, perhaps? I know some friends who went with a midwife, but I don’t think they experienced any complications with the pregnancy.
Tanya says
Also prepare for unexpected surprises. I have excellent insurance so I ended up being ok but I had an emergency c section which costs more.
Jennifer says
Yes, can’t stress the “surprises” enough for new and to-be parents! I found it really helpful to create a birth plan ahead of time – it forced me to consider all sorts of different scenarios, like a c section and so on. Thanks for sharing!
Jenna says
Love this list! The only thing you need to be wary of is buying a used car seat. Seats expire, and they are no good after being in an accident. Unless you personally know the history of a car seat (people often lie unfortunately), please buy new! Definitely use a coupon and shop sales though 😉
Amanda says
Yes to this! That’s one item you do NOT want to buy used, or at a garage sale.
http://car-seat.org/
Do some searching around there to find out which car seat will work for your car – especially if you’re planning on having more kids. That can help you get a seat that fits well the first time, and even avoid buying a larger car (some models fit three across well).
Jennifer says
Thanks, Jenna! That’s super helpful. I do think a car seat is worth splurging on, especially because the baby’s safety and well-being are involved.
Do you have any recommendations on which car seat you found helpful? We used a Graco combination car seat and stroller, but I’m always looking for other opinions. 🙂
Jenna says
My daughter is in a Diono Radian that we LOVE. If I didn’t already have our infant seat, our baby on the way would come home from the hospital in a Radian as well. I always refer friends and family to the site below, as they have thorough reviews of the safest car seats available, based on your needs. Hope that helps!
http://csftl.org/recommended-seats/
Jennifer says
Oh wow, what an awesome list. Thanks so much!
Layne says
Personal preference, but we used a Chicco infant seat and now use a Chicco convertible seat. They are pretty easy to install and use. They are a bit pricier than some, but after the convertible seat saved my son’s life in a rollover accident, I immediately purchased the exact same one again! With that said, though, all car seats have to meet certain safety standards, so don’t feel like you have to get an expensive one to be a “good parent” if that’s just not in your budget.
Jennifer says
Thanks so much for sharing, Layne! I’ll definitely consider a Chicco for our next purchase – we’re looking for something once our daughter reaches the 30-pound limit on her current car seat.
Macey says
That is very true! Another thing to be very careful about if buying used is a breast pump. Most electric pumps are not designed to be able to be completely sanitized, so pathogens can get into the area of the pump that is not able to be cleaned/replaced and potentially lead to contamination of milk you pump. Unless the pump specifically states it is safe for multiple users, it’s best to buy new. Sales/deals are often available and many health insurance plans will also cover the cost.
Jennifer says
All great points – thanks for the reminders. All the breast pumps I purchased were new. Another thing to check is whether the pump is “hospital-grade,” which made me feel a lot better about reducing the risk of contamination … Hygeia is the brand I used and highly recommend, though it’s not the cheapest option by any means.
Elyse says
Buying breast pumps new is what is currently recommended, but breast pumps parts (tubes, etc) are replaceable. Also, if you don’t think it is safe to use someone else’s pump due to it not being cleaned properly over time, would you feel safe exposing your subsequent children to an “unable-to-be-cleaned-properly” breast pump? All of your milk would be just as contaminated.
Although it is a good practice to replace parts that can be replaced and also to purchase from someone you know (versus on ebay), buying new is NOT necessary. That is just another way for us to spend more money and fill the landfills.
Macey says
It would probably be fine to reuse a breast pump for subsequent children because the risk does not come simply from old milk but from pathogens. What if when buying used the previous owner had HIV? Would you really want to risk that getting in the milk you give your child? I know that many women buy used breast pumps, and honestly the risk of infection is probably pretty low, but it’s not something that I’d be willing to take a chance on.
(As Jennifer said, the hospital-grade ones are designed for multiple users and do not allow milk to get into the parts that cannot be replaced/cleaned, so those would be fine to buy used.)
Pamela says
Do I understand #2 correctly — that you’re suggesting to lie about your due date so that you can use more coupons? Or am I misunderstanding??? I hope I missing something here!
sarah @ little bus on the prairie says
I think what the author is suggesting is to enter in your due date as a few months later than it actually is when registering at stores or online so that you are able to utilize any potential discounts to purchase items that you realize you need AFTER your baby arrives. I personally don’t see a problem with this and have actually had sales clerks suggest it to me themselves, but it’s probably unnecessary because most registries extend your discount a few months anyway.
Jennifer says
Hi Pamela,
Sarah’s comment explains my perspective perfectly. It’s to enter the due date on your registry a few months later so that you can continue “shopping” for your baby after the birth, but if you think that’s tantamount to lying, then of course I wouldn’t do it.
It’s true that many stores will extend your registry by a few months after your due date anyway, but I’ve found (and am continuing to find) that even a year or so after my baby’s born, I’m always wanting to add something more to my shopping list!
Jennifer says
Most stores also allow you to easily return items on your registry without a receipt. A friend purchased a diaper bag for me online and the strap broke within 2 months! I took it to Target thinking I was out of luck, explained my situation and the clerk told me to go back and find a comparable in price diaper bag! All because I had registered and it was purchased off my registry. Plus it does help to be very nice when trying to return an item:) As a side note I highly recommend the Skip Hop diaper bags. A bit pricier ($35-60 range) but they are very nice, and mine has lasted over 2 years and still looks great.
Jennifer says
Wow, I’ll definitely need to look into the Skip Hop line! 🙂 Thanks for the other great registry and return tips!
Need A Nap2 says
Suggestions for baby registry – register for everything you’ll need for the first year (as you suggested think beyond even). We registered for gender neutral onesies, sleepers, all clothes really b/c we didn’t know what we were having, sippy cups, plates, utensils, baby monitor, rocking chair with ottoman. Our church and my work were great about giving lots to us. I didn’t buy any pink clothes until 9 months. 🙂 I heartily agree with above commenter – buy gender neutral car seats, etc.
One possible idea – buy a double stroller instead of a single, it will be great for loading with shopping items and a huge diaper bag and you’ll be ready if you have a 2nd child.
Jennifer says
Thanks for sharing! That’s a great tip about a double stroller, too – never thought about that.
Jill F. says
Stock up on baby wipes and wash cloths before baby is born. For my baby shower a friend bought me rice cereal and snacks and snack cups and stage 1 baby food.
Jennifer says
What an awesome friend you have, Jill! I think one of the best baby shower gifts I got was a series of snack cups, too.
And yes, you can never have too many wash cloths or baby wipes.
Amie says
Yes, I totally agree with stocking up before hand. With my first son, I was not living a frugal lifestyle at all. I had been told that Pampers were the only good diapers so I went to the store and spent well over $20 on a Mega Pack. Luckily, my husband’s coworker bought us a huge box and I returned the Pampers. He worked at a hospital and was able to pick them up at cost so we got diapers that way. To afford a second child, I needed to save $ and got into couponing. At that time, I was able to stack coupons and create overages so diapers cost me next to nothing. This changed when stores changed a lot of coupon policies. With my final son, I started stocking up several months before he was born. I scored over 30 packs of wipes for free before Kroger stopped doubling coupons, bought diapers when they were $3 or less per pack after deals, etc. With my stockpile, I am able to wait to buy only when diapers are on sale for less than $4 per pack and wipes are 50 cents or less.
Ashleigh says
Almost anything you need for a baby can be bought used at a garage sale or thrift store. Nearly everything can be stripped down and washed to become good as new. Making your own baby food also saves a lot. If you live far from family, swap childcare with another family to save on much needed date nights.
Ashleigh says
Another tip is if you plan to have more than one child, don’t buy a pink car seat, bouncy chair, and high chair. Think gender-neutral so you don’t have to re-buy if your second child is a boy.
Jennifer says
Yes, I couldn’t agree more. Gender-neutral trumps cute. In fact, practical trumps cute every time. 🙂
Cute AND practical, though – that’s the best of all worlds!
Jennifer says
Thanks for sharing, Ashleigh! That tip about preparing your own baby food has been an absolute joy for me. We do baby-led weaning, which has also helped us save on food costs (I wrote about it here: http://multiculturalmarriage.wordpress.com/2014/06/18/baby-led-weaning-review).
sdr says
My third baby is three months old and I’d advise you not to throw away receipts or pull tags off until you *know* you’ll use them. Due to complications in my pregnancy my son was a month early, so many people bought preemie clothing and diapers for me, then due to totally separate issues he spent a month in the NICU and really wasn’t able to use any of them.
Jennifer says
Yes, absolutely – great point. Thanks for sharing!
Rebecca says
Great tips…everybody’s “must haves” and “nice to haves” will be different. As a mother of 4, I find a nursing pillow is a must have for me. The one I’m using with my 4 month old is the same one that I got for my first (who is now 7). I nurse the baby while we eat dinner (great time saver) and I would never be able to manage that without have the pillow to help prop him. It won’t be true for everyone, but it sure helps me a lot.
Jennifer says
Thanks for posting, Rebecca! I’m glad you found a nursing pillow so helpful.
Everybody’s experience will be different, just as you pointed out – I found it important to keep that in perspective, especially when something that another mom had tried (and sworn by) just didn’t seem to work for me.
Lauren says
I do the same thing. 🙂
Lauren says
Oops…supposed to be a reply about doing the same thing and nursing during dinner using the pillow.
Debra C says
With my first, I used the Boppy ALL the time. If I had her on my lap on the Boppy, she’d be content to hang out and I could be writing or doing whatever on the computer. I got sooo much writing done with her sitting on my lap. Baby #2 refused to let me do anything else while nursing him, so the Boppy was much less used. Baby 3 is another content one, though I don’t get nearly as much computer time these days. At three months, he likes to be propped up though, so he can watch me fold laundry or read to the other two or whatever. And my husband has occasionally used it to nap on the couch.
Jennifer says
Well, I must say your Boppy has come in very handy, Debra! Even your husband found a use for it, which made me smile. Interesting that you had such different experiences with each of your children!
Anya N. says
As a mother of two boys ( 7 months, and 6 years), I second breastfeeding and cloth diapering. My first time around, I had problems latching and had to formula feed, and didn’t want to pay the upfront cost to cloth diaper. Now that I’m doing both with my second, I’m kicking myself for losing out on so much savings!
Also, don’t be afraid to buy used clothes and toys! You can find lots of stuff in great condition, as they hardly get used before young’n outgrows them.
Jennifer says
Yes! One of the best gifts I ever received (and am still receiving) are bundles of used baby clothing from a work colleague. Her baby is 2 months older than mine, and she just puts the clothing her daughter has outgrown in a bag and hands them over to me. Great point!
MomofTwoPreciousGirls says
On tip one, it’s definitely a good idea to talk to other parents but keep in mind their experience will be different. You mention a nursing pillow as something you found unnecessary, but even though I didn’t breastfeed our boppy was the most used baby item! The babies napped in them next to me on the couch, they helped tremendously with tummy time (my dd would SCREAM while on tummy time, until another mom suggested using the bopy to prop baby up!) when they started holding their bottles it helped keep them in proper position ( my second was VERY independent and once she started holding the bottle she refused to allow me to hold her while she used it!). Yet I found a wipe warmer to be completely useless and a friend of ours swore by it!
The idea to talk to other parents for their opinions is great, just once you are doing it don’t get caught up in what others suggested as the ONLY way. As you go alo you will find a groove and what works for you and your child (because even the second and third will be different for your first!).
Jennifer says
I heartily agree – everyone’s experience will be different (hope that came through in the “nice-to-haves vs. must-haves” terminology. And thanks for the tips that subsequent children will be different too – I’ll have to keep that in mind! 🙂