You don’t want to spend a lot on sleepers and …
What baby tools (so to talk) is worth spending a lot on, and what’s not value spending $ on? By kath2.
Comment posted on:
You don’t want to spend a lot on sleepers and clothes because they grow so fast. Try going to consignment stores for these things. Lots of these stores have these other things too.
So just look around.
A car seat is something that you don’t want to cheap out on. In Canada your child has to be in a rear facing car seat until the child is a year old.
Then into a 5 point car seat then into a booster seat. When my daughter was little you had to buy each seat separately, but now you can spend more and get all three in one. Strollers can be bought second hand too. Toys are the only other thing that I have boughten all new of. I am kinda funny that way, nothing that could enter my child’s mouth will come from any were other than the store.
Anyhow hope this helped. Good luck
Kath
Recent comments by kath2
We tried fuzzi bunz one size diapers, kissaluvs fitted diapers, fuzzi bunz xs, small, and medium perfect size diapers, bum genius all in one, one size organic snap diapers, and the bum genius 3. 0 one size pocket diaper with velcro and the fuzzi bunz one size was our favorite.
The Pros:
-First, obviously, we like it because we don’t have to buy a whole new set of diapers for each size.
Our son has worn these since he was a few weeks old and is still wearing them at eight months.
The adjustable elastic is very convenient and only has to be adjusted every once in a while and it doesn’t bunch up like the bum genius that only has three different levels.
The notches in the elastic make the fit much more customized for the baby.
-We much prefer the snaps to the velcro on the bum genius because you always know where to snap the diaper so that it isn’t too tight or too loose.
-We prefer the pocket to the all in one because it seems like they get more clean this way (you can separate them for the wash), you can adjust the absorbency based on size and time (night or day), and they dry faster this way which is especially important if you are line drying. That said, we also prefer the pocket to the fitteds with a cover – more convenient.
-Even though our son would fit in the medium perfect size, the one size fits better. I think they often fit better than the “perfect” size.
The Cons:
-We generally like these, but the later versions (we have some of the first ones and some later versions) have one less snap and at eight months they already seem to be getting a little bit tight on our boy who has a round tummy and chunky legs. I wish they would go back to the extra snap.
Also, the first ones didn’t have the hip snap which worked better for us.
It makes it too tight around his chubby legs when we do the hip snap.
-We have had some problems with leaking. I’ve taken to stripping them more regularly, and I’m sure this would be the case with most cloth diapers, but it is sort of a hassle.
-It would be nice if there were more designs for the one-size. Currently only solids and daisies.
-The white ones end up looking a little discolored, so I would go with a colored one.
-The earlier versions had smaller holes for the elastic and the ends didn’t slip out.
The later versions had bigger holes and sometimes the end of the elastic slips out which can be annoying and leave little marks on his legs.
All of that said, we have 24 of these one sizes and like them better than any of the others we’ve tried. For our next baby, we’ll use only these, with maybe a few small “perfect size” diapers early on.
I was new to cloth diapering when our son was born and didn’t know where to start, how many supplies I needed, how long the diapers last etc etc. I knew I wanted to use a prefold and cover system, so when I stumbled upon this complete pack I snapped it up and haven’t looked back.
This set literally contains everything you need for cloth diapering, from the time your child is born to the time they’re potty training, and the cost is a drop in the bucket when compared to what you would spend on buying disposables for 2+ years.
The cotton diaper stays fluffy and super soft and unlike other brands, I haven’t had any rashing or chafing with the Real Nappies PUL cover.
I was excited to see that Real Nappies also offers a two child guarantee on all of their products, so if you’re thinking about cloth diapering, this Birth to Potty pack is a great investment.
Naw, the last name beginning with c will only help it flow.
So, it’s good.
If he has a brother someday you could always name him Connor or something. (Although, when I was thinking of names that rime by removing c and putting other letters in front I realized that he could be teased when he’s old enough for school. (Carter the Farter, etc. ). Make sure his daddy teaches him how to punchout any kids like that have a bad sense of humor. ^o^ Course with K it’s the same. I think you have in fact the only letter that would go! Kudos to you!
This doll (and the peapod one they sell too) is just the cutest. . .
Well made and very good price. Perfect size for a baby and toddlers, little kids and even my teenager loves it. Why pay GUND prices when this is available?!
I think Carter is a nice name. A name he can grow old with, but is still trendy. I also like it when first and last names start with the same letter. . .
It usually flows well that way.
18 Comments on You don’t want to spend a lot on sleepers and …
March 4, 2010
By elaeblue
Spend money on your crib(esp.
If first baby), car seat(to make sure its a good one) and your high chair( convertible one).
You can get an inexpensive or used stroller.
Some of childrens clothes can be purchased or borrowed used. A diaper bag -I used a back pack it was much easier.
By Love always, Kortnei
Anything that involves safety is worth spending money on and if you are buying the baby toys make sure they are educational toys. . .
By mdoud01
Crib if you get one that later converts to a toddler bed, carseat buy a convertible one carseat that works 5lbs to 80lbs so you only have to have the one. I am not sure what you mean by books but the only one I needed it what to expect when you are expecting and what to expect the first year, what to expect the toddler years, I used disposible diapers, toys I buy all sorts of different ones, and clothes I bought “good” brand new but for everyday clothes I bought just at good will or garage sales because they grow out of them so fast and you can get them just as cute and they look brand new.
March 5, 2010
By emandn's mom
Things to spend THE MOST MONEY ON:
*Crib-MOST IMPORTANT*-Your child will stay in this for aleast a couple of years.
*Car Seat*- Especially if you spend a lot of time travelling.
Your child is worth a few extra bucks for a well built car seat.
Stroller- Again, IF you walk,travel,. . . Etc.
Alot, it comes in handy
Everything else can be bought at a cheaper price.
By kath2
You don’t want to spend a lot on sleepers and clothes because they grow so fast. Try going to consignment stores for these things. Lots of these stores have these other things too.
So just look around.
A car seat is something that you don’t want to cheap out on. In Canada your child has to be in a rear facing car seat until the child is a year old.
Then into a 5 point car seat then into a booster seat. When my daughter was little you had to buy each seat separately, but now you can spend more and get all three in one. Strollers can be bought second hand too. Toys are the only other thing that I have boughten all new of. I am kinda funny that way, nothing that could enter my child’s mouth will come from any were other than the store.
Anyhow hope this helped. Good luck
Kath
By louise
Spend wisely on all baby equipment. Think carefully about your needs etc.
If for example you will use public transport buy a lightweight stroller. Spend most on car seat vitally important fits your car etc don’t buy second hand.
A cot/crib should also meet safety standards but remember they quickly outgrow them. Don’t spend lots on clothes for the same reason. Most importantly you need to assess your own lifestyle and think about what you require do not be fooled by the magazines and shops you don’t need everything babies need love and food!
By ibgansta@sbcglobal.net
you’ve got to have a swing;and one of the good ones that play lullabies and have different speeds on them’the crying it saves you from haveing to hear from the baby far outweigh the 100 dollars.
By Princesskitten
I was the manager in the baby department of our store and I can tell you the most important stuff to not go cheap or second hand on are the crib, and the stroller preferrably one that comes with the infant car seat all the other things arnt really things to worry about as long as you check there labels to make sure they are safe for your child for things more than 5 years old can be dangerous to your child.
By haleysmom
Everyone already gave you great answers so let me just put my two cents on babies clothes.
Your baby will hardly get to wear one outfit before he outgrows it and will probably spitup all over them too!, You’ll still want to get some adorable outfit you see, just don’t get too many. I have precious little newborn outfits that my daughter NEVER wore!
By Heather Y
Stroller–think about your activities, if you’re a walker, runner, or jogger invest in a good jogging stroller (I suggest one that has the option of having the front tire either swivel or lock straight, because when you’re at the mall or walking you’ll want it to swivel, when jogging or running you’ll want it locked straight).
Crib–Get a good used one that’s not too old, if it’s too old (10 years or more) the bars may be too far apart (shouldn’t be able to get a soda can between them) or have lead paint. Check a second-hand chidrens store. If money is really an issue you can always use a playpen.
Infant car seat–check consumer reports, they just tested the 12 most popular infant car seats and only 2 passed all the tests. Don’t do second hand unless its from a friend or relative and you KNOW it has not been involved in an accident.
Diaper bag–the free one at the hospital is better than any I could have bought
Books–definitely, they’re an investment in your child’s future. Let friends and relatives know that you’d like them for gifts.
Cloth diapers–make great burp clothes, never tried putting one on the bottom end of a kid. . .
Toys–the ones that convert to grow with your child are the best. Get a swing and bouncer second hand, the amount of time they’re used is not worth buying new (and don’t be wowed by swings that have 8 speeds, you’ll end up only using 2, but do look for one with an open top and seat that reclines).
Clothes–shop the sales, yard sales, and online auctions.
Something worth spending a lot of money on–a good camera.
By jennifer g
I would spend a good deal on the stroller, car seat, crib and swing. . .
And jolly jumper later.
The rest you can buy used, like toys and clothes. Just make sure. . . Of course. . . To wash the clothes first and to disinfect the toys. Cloth diapers are a great idea if you have your own washer and dryer and if not, bigger cities have diaper services. Best Of Luck to you. Don’t go overboard, just make sure that what you’re buying is good quality, you’ll need the money later, lol!
By second time around
I would invest in a stroller that comes w/the car seat and base. . . Much easier. . . Little more money but worth it.
Crib. . . I invested in one that converts into a toddlers bed. . .
So it’ll last for about five years. . .
Again a little more money but worth it in the end.
Diaper bag. . I wouldn’t worry about spending too much on that depending on how much you intend to go out. I liked one of the ppl’s post where they said they used a backpack. . . That sounds like a good idea.
Books. . .
They will get pretty used no sense spending lots of money on them. Try buying them at used book stores. . . I got some really nice ones for my daughter for real cheap and they were in good condition. . . .
Also book sales, or garage sales.
Toys. . . I’ve never bought used toys. . . Not that I think there is anything wrong w/buying used. I’ve just always found things on sale, and haven’t had to.
Clothing again I’ve never spent much there either. . . I wait till everything goes on sale and I’m buy shirts for 2. 00 and pants for 4. 00. . . I ususally buy clothing bigger too so my children get lots of use out of them. . . Who cares if you’re rolling up the sleeves or pant legs. My daughter is 20months and I buy for 3yrs to 4yrs. . .
There is no point spending lots of money on clothing that they’re just going to poo, pee, colour, and get stains on, etc
I read soemwhere too that if you’re going to buy a infant gate to look into the prices of dog gates. . .
Apparently they are the exact same but cheaper.
good luck w/your shopping!
By cinnycinda
I wish I would have known better but I would only buy basic stuff. Save the money for when they get bigger.
You should buy a good car seat. Once they start to get bigger I’d spend more money on toys teach them things. Motor skills, colors, words, songs, nursery rhymes, and things like that. Other than that they don’t know a 75. 00 stroller from one that costs 1000. 00 . Of course you want them to have descent looking clothes, but you will see how fast they grow. My son had outfits that he never wore. I gave them away with the tags still on them.
You can find great stuuf at Wal-mart, and K-Mart- places like that.
By Tetsi
All these answers are great but I thought I would throw in my experience as well. I found the only thing worth spending a lot of money on was my car seat and camera.
My crib was not new and I am very glad b/c my son stayed in it only 7 months. First he was in a cradle in our room and then was in his crib for some months and then in a bed. My daughter will be in it a little longer but still I am glad it is not something I wasted money on.
Although, if it was convertible maybe that would be different.
The camera is indispensably, we use it a lot! And it was not something I felt compelled to upgrade when our daughter arrived.
It takes small videos and can be down;oaded straight to my computer.
I did splurge for a diaper bag b/c I wanted something small with a lot of pockets but it wasn’t expensive.
I say it boils down to your needs. Evaluate what kinds of parents you think you will be (co sleeping,bottle feeding traveling) because that greatly influences what you really need to buy and what you can get away with not having.
By ee_lime
I would suggest that you do not take the tags off of things untill you know you will use it. .
If you get lots of bigger size (like 6-9 month)clothes as gifts, dont take the tags off to wash till you know you will be using them. I have like 5 winter jackets for my little guy that i took the tags off so i could wash them before he was born.
Then I found out that this whole babywearing thing is great and he never wears a jacket because he is under mine.
And I have only used my travel system stroller twice in five months.
I usually dress the little guy in really comfy stuff w/o zippers and crap, like little adidas pants with a white onsie. Super cute and comfy
Most important is to buy lots of onesies, long sleeve and short sleeve. Usually dads will get pee or poop on baby’s clothes at every diaper change they do
Get a carseat that fits good in your car.
Humidifiers are really nice
a nice camera is important
good luck
oh and the sizing on clothing can’t be right because my son is in the fiftieth percentile for height and weight and clothes in his size are too tight. so get them a little big if your not sure
By Noggin Mama
Okay–I’m VERY frugal–so I’ll give you the lowest option
Stroller? Buy a wrap or sling or carrier instead.
It’s easier and better for baby! Have 5! A sling, a structured carrier and 3 are homemade wraps-learn how here
Http://www.Wearyourbaby.com
“American children are held by their parents approximately half as much as children in cultures that routinely use baby slings and carriers.
American emphasis on independence and self-reliance plays a significant role. Many parents fear that holding and carrying their babies will make them overly dependent. However, the opposite is true: Infants whose parents satisfy their natural need for closeness routinely develop into self-confident, independent individuals
A 1986 study published in Pediatrics confirms that newborns carried in slings or body carriers cry less often and with less severity than those who are not. “Supplemental carrying modifies ‘normal’ crying by reducing the duration and altering the typical pattern of crying and fussing in the first three months of life,” the study states. “The relative lack of carrying in our society may predispose to crying and colic in normal infants. ” Less crying means less stress for the entire family. Parents feel more confident when they are successful at interpreting and satisfying their baby’s needs. ”
Crib? Co-sleep–no crib needed!
But if you get one, don’t spend a lot on it.
If you buy it used check for safety
Http://www.Nsc.org/library/facts/cribtips.htm
My son was in a big boy bed by the age of 1. Spend money on the big boy bed, since it will last WAY longer than a crib.
We borrowed a crib and spent $2000 on a bedroom suit for the boys, bunk beds, 2 chest of drawers and a desk and chair. That will last them for years.
Infant car seat? DO NOT BUY USED!!!
Car seats can not be used after they are in a wreck.
You have NO way of knowing if a used car seat has been in a wreck and if it is safe for your child or not!
It’s not about money it’s about safety. I think the 2 best infant car seats in the consumer reports study were both around $90–check out reviews, not prices
I had an infant car seat with my 1st (got the whole travel system) With my 2nd I opted for a convertiable car seat that holds from 5-100lb
Diaper bag? Buy one you like! You’ll have to live with this thing for the rest of your life! LOL Okay at least until your LO is potty trained!
Books? Parenting books? Don’t waste your money! Most just try to sell you on their way of parenting with little or no facts or research. Every baby is different, do what is best for you and your baby.
If you mean books for baby to read, buy them all! It’s a wonderful gift reading with your child!
Cloth diapers? I don’t use them, so I don’t know if the more expensive ones are any better or not? But I do buy generic diapers ($12/pack as opposed to $19/pack!!)
Toys? We spend VERY little on toys. Between 2 sets of grand parents, 2 sets of great grand parents, aunt and uncles and cousins and friends they get PLENTY for Christmas and birthdays! We bought my oldest 2 toys for Christmas (he got other stuff from us) but he got TONS of Toys and his birthday is in two weeks!
I will say the leap frog toys are worth every penny though.
Clothes? I don’t spend much on clothing cause they outgrow it so fast the 1st 3 years. Don’t get me wrong, Both my boys have TONS of clothes and many brand name. I rarely pay more than $2 for a shirt or pants at a 2nd hand store. Plus I don’t feel so bad when he ruins a $2 pair of Tommy pants instead of a $30 pair!
As for baby clothing, really, sleepers (sleep and play) and some onsies are all you rreally need for a while. One or two OUTFITS will do.
The sleepers are easier on mom and baby! Buy TONS of socks! The washer eats them!!
I had a high chair with my oldest, barely got used, since you’re not supposed to introduce solids until 6 months–just buy a booster to attach to your chair!
Mointor–buy a good one.
Swing-bouncy seat–wait to see if your baby needs it. My 1st child didn’t. My 2nd SOOOOO does! LOL
Breast pump–if you plan on staying home and only pumping occasionally-buy a cheap single pump–if you plan on going back to work and pumping buy the Medela Pump in Style
Baby bath tub–with my 1st i didn’t use it-I just took him in the bath with me-the skin to skin contact is great for bonding! I use it with my 2nd so they can take a bath together.
Etc, etc, etc?
By me
Stroller? I honestly used mine about 4 times, the big huge one that came with the carseat- I held him or used a sling. Plus the big ones that come with a carseat are huge-they take up my whole trunk of the car!
Crib? I got one, but it’s rarely used since we decided to cosleep-I change his diaper on it but that’s about it.
Infant car seat? read the reviews and buy the best-you can’t put a price on safety.
Diaper bag? never bought one, I got a free one at the hospital with formula samples (which I threw out). Still using it 16 months later!
Books? you mean books about raising a baby? If you have the internet you can get ideas from that.
Cloth diapers? I use these! The average savings is $2000 for the first child. Check out http://www.Diaperpin.com and http://www.Diaperjungle.com for different types-they aren’t rubber pants and pins anymore!
Toys? you are the biggest source of entertainment for your baby. Plus people always buy your baby toys-I think I’ve bought a few things here and there-I like wooden toys-they last a lot longer than plastic.
Clothes? They grow so fast, so don’t stock up on newborn clothes! Buy them secondhand, I mostly used onesies when we were home.
Other things to consider are playmats, a playpen if you need to run in the other room and want to keep baby out of stuff, nail clippers, booger suckers, receiving blankets for swaddling, washcloths, lotions, soap.
Things I have that I rarely used:baby monitor since we coslept, diaper genie since you can’t put cloth in there, the diaper stacker that hangs off the crib.
By kelly24592
Car seat! A good safe car seat is A #1 priority.
Second, I would say a good stroller.
I would spend as little as possible on toys.
The kid will play with most of them for about 10 minutes.
The rest, I would (and did) buy used. (Bought a new matress for the crib, though. I wasn’t taking any chances with some other kid’s funk. )
Spend money on really important things like pictures of you & the baby.