****edited to add links-sorry for the duplication to folks who read in a feed reader****
Well, with all the best intentions in the world, I meant to get to the second part of Allymonami’s question today, about what baby items are the most necessary/frugal/useful when you have very limited space for storage. I was going to write the post last night, so this morning I could just edit and post.
Well, the kickboxing video that I did yesterday morning in a fit of enthusiasm caught up with me after supper, and I was too sore and tired to even think about writing. But that was o.k., because there was this morning.
So we went through the whole morning rigmarole, got Princess out the door (almost missing the bus-I lost track of time), straightened for a few minutes, then walked Buddy to preschool. On the way back I stopped by my girlfriends house-and walked away with 2 large cabbages, 3 eggplants and 5 peppers. Add that to the 2 grocery bags of tomatoes that I inherited from another friend yesterday. . . . well, lets just say that my virgin attempts at salsa, sauerkraut, and plain old canned tomatoes will be taking up more than the time I had allotted for blogging.
As a matter of fact, I shouldn’t even be online writing this now!
So, I’ll get back to it tomorrow (unless the preserving defeats me and I have to use tomorrow too). Meanwhile, please leave your own opinions and suggestions for Allymonami in the comments!
Oh, and if you are looking for something to make you smile, check out “Consumer Warning” over at Punny Money-if you aren’t already a reader of Nick’s blog, you should be!
{ 9 comments… read them below or add one }
I’m happy to leave more advice for Allymonami!
We live in a tiny two-bedroom apartment (my husband is still in college) and one of our biggest space-savers was borrowing from friends. My son’s bouncer, baby bathtub, and swing were all borrowed. When we were done, we gave them back so we didn’t have to store them for future kids. We also didn’t have to pay for them.
I change my son on the floor on a kitchen towel to protect the carpet, because we have no room or money for a dresser or changing table. So, all of his clothes are stored in a closet hanging shoe organizer (less than $20). This makes it easy to find what I need quickly, too!
We haven’t spent much money on toys, either. My son loves to play with an empty formula can, plastic measuring cups, an extra tv remote with no batteries, and some rubber ducks and dinosaurs my mother purchased for us. The only thing we’ve spent money on to entertain him? Board books.
I make sure that all his toys fit in a basket we keep in the living room, an extra that we had laying around.
Also–my favorite frugal find was a Maclaren umbrella stroller at Costco for about $75. It works like a dream and is very sturdy but lightweight.
Have I jabbered on enough, yet?
From my observation, the most important thing for a baby to have is plenty of baby blankets. Babies don’t really need much in the way of clothes, and as they gain motor skills, they’ll just take them off anyway. So, if nothing else, you can let them be in their diapers and swaddle them in a blanket.
Lauren
Oh here is some more information. Some people cannot get a crib or bassinet. If the resale shop is too expensive due to other expenses some people say a dresser drawer works well temporarily as needed if it is taken out of the dresser and put in a safe area where it won’t fall. The child needs to stay warm to prevent S.I.D.S. . Safeway is giving out $24.00 worth of Enfamil coupons including 1 buy one get one free. If you are not on thier mailing list sign up for a club card. You can also ask the manager for coupons. Homemade baby food with a blender is less expensive too and you can make it presservative free. Have a great weekend.Thanks for all advice. Annette
Ever tried a product that you did not like or were allergic too?? Need coupons or survey money and free products ect… Here are some good sights Walmart.com go to free samples, Killer freebies, Dawnie’s freebies,steals and deals; About freebies(they have good money saving information too); Freaky Freddies funhouse of freebies and Your daily freebies. There are lots of free samples that you can try before you buy and save money by not buying something you dislike that will go into your garbage can. This can help any budget. Thanks for this wonderful sight. Annette There is lot’s of baby stuff too. Good luck to all!!!
Another good sight to explore is Dollar Stetcher. Mary
Ok I found more information to help others. There is a sight called Finney’s friday free stuff. They are giving away nipple adaptors for bottles and more. Some of thier stuff is nation wide and some is for people who live in the San Francisco, Ca bay area. Good luck and have a wonderful week!! Annette
I’m obviously not Allymonami but I also appreciate all these tips as I am planning on having a baby soon. Keep them coming!
I am a foster/adoptive mom and have never had more than a day to get ready for any of my 4 kids.
It’s odd to me when 9 months of worrying about what do I need get in the way of a joyful time- waiting for baby.
Believe me when I say, you really only need diapers, onesies, blankets, a few sleeper sets and a pack and play. And of course a car seat. Friends and family have rallied for us each time we have gotten that surprising call- and we’ve been more than ready each time. People want to share in your joy- let them give you their hand me downs. After one washing, no one would know anyways. I would rather a bag of hand me downs than a fancy, will never really be worn type outfit. Set the pace by telling everyone around this- and you will receive. The only (sometimes) problem is if your baby is the opposite season of a friends. A nice size 0-3 months snowsuit isn’t much good in July. By the time its needed, it won’t fit. We let everyone filter stuff through us and let them know if it isn’t used, it will be passed on to the next person.
Emily C-That’s not jabbering, that’s exactly the kind of recommendations we are looking for!
Lauren-Baby blankets are key! I think that lifestyle (and season) has a lot to do with how much clothing you actually NEED. If you are out and about a lot with baby in the winter you obviously will need a bit more than someone who mostly stays home in the summer. But your point is valid. Children don’t NEED anywhere near as many clothes as people tend to buy them.
Annette-Thanks for all the sites to check out. And your point about the basinette is so true-they are only of a size to fit in one for such a short time anyway. . .
Hilda-Oh I’m so glad that you are finding this useful. Just don’t give in to the temptation to buy more and more stuff
Anon-Wow, I am always humbled by folks who are so willing to open their homes and hearts to foster/adoptive children. Your comment is a good reminder of how little we actually NEED.