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  5. Ways to Save Money on Baby Stuff

Ways to Save Money on Baby Stuff

By Andrea Cooley
July 14, 2015
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We talked to Angie Wynne from babycheapskate.com for tips on saving money on baby stuff.
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5 Ways to Save Money

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Baby Savings

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Credit: StockByte/ Veer

Having a baby doesn't have to cost a fortune. Sure, there are some things you have to have before you bring your little one home from the hospital -- diapers, blankets, car seat -- but you don't need to buy every gadget imaginable before your bundle of joy is born. Stick to the essentials and look for savings on the things you need.

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Start Planning Before Baby's Arrival

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Credit: StockByte/ Veer

One of the best ways to save big on baby things is to wait to shop until after they're born. There's no way to know everything you'll need or want until you actually have the baby at home. "It's impossible," Angie says. "You'll waste money by trying to cover all the bases. Instead, buy or borrow when you perceive an actual need."

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Research Before You Buy

pregnant couple shopping for baby gear

Before you head to the nearest baby superstore and go on a baby shopping spree, do your research! "Shop with a notebook, not a wallet," Angie says. Read reviews to find out what other parents are saying and compare prices before you buy anything.

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Buy Used

bright sweaters on expandable hangers in Ultimate Nursery closet

You'd be surprised how many baby items you can either get for free from friends or find used. The one item Angie recommends buying new is a car seat. When you do buy new items, look for sales -- 20-percent off or more.

  • Learn more about buying used.

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Meet the Travel System

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Stick to Essentials

pregnant woman holding baby socks
Credit: Alexandra Grablewski

There are some baby items you can't live without. "Think basic needs: food, sleep, and safety," Angie says. Some essentials include:

• crib and bedding

• diapers and wipes

• bottles and formula

• blankets

• breast pump

• car seat

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Hit the Sales

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Credit: Bryan McCay

Learn how to shop sales. "Parents who don't shop the sales or use coupons spend quite a bit more than they need to. Probably 25-30 percent more," Angie says. Stock up on consumables such as diapers, wipes, and formula so you don't have to rush out and buy them at the last minute.

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Know When to Splurge

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Credit: Stephen Israel

Depending on your lifestyle and priorities, there are some baby items that are worth spending a little more money on, according to Angie. Moms who go back to work and are breastfeeding will appreciate a quality breast pump. Organic products such as bedding are more expensive, but they are a priority for some parents. If you plan to walk a lot with your baby, it might be worth investing in a more expensive stroller.

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Avoid Name Brands

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Credit: Juice Images/Veer

Babies don't know the difference between a designer label and a bargain brand. "Why buy a $30 shirt that your infant will outgrow in two weeks?" Angie says. There's a lot of hype about the best baby products or things you can't live without, but Angie says in most cases it's not worth spending more on high-end products.

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Make Smart Bargain Buys

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Credit: iStock/Jupiter Images

Save big on baby items by clipping coupons, waiting for sales, and buying in bulk. "You can cut the cost of baby consumables by up to 50 percent by using store-brand diapers, formula, shampoo, diaper cream, baby food, medications, whenever you can," Angie says.

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Cut Costs in the Nursery

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Credit: BananaStock/ Jupiter

Angie doesn't recommend spending a lot of money on pricey baby furniture and bedding. "All you really need is basic bedding, a waterproof mattress cover, and crib sheets," she says. "Try to use what you already have in other rooms of the house. Make it cute, but don't go crazy." Your child will only be a baby for a year and you want to be able to live with your choices as they grow up.

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Buying Products As A New Mom

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You Must Have a Registry

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Credit: Juice/ Veer

Let friends and family shower you with gifts for your new baby. Make sure you get the things you want and need by creating a registry. Babies "R" Us, Target, and Amazon all have a comprehensive selection of baby items and good shipping deals for out-of-towners.

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Test-Drive Before You Buy

UppaBaby VISTA stroller
Credit: Kaysh Shinn

Before shelling out for big-ticket items try them out. Push a stroller around the store, or visit friends who have a product you're interested in and see how it works. This is an especially good idea for items such as strollers or cribs that you will be using for a long time.

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More Baby Saving Tips

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Credit: Fancy Photography/Veer

Check out more tips for saving money on baby items at Angie Wynne's Web site: babycheapskate.com. Find the latest sales, coupons, reviews, buying guides, and more.

  • Check out Baby Cheapskate

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    1 of 16 5 Ways to Save Money
    2 of 16 Baby Savings
    3 of 16 Start Planning Before Baby's Arrival
    4 of 16 Research Before You Buy
    5 of 16 Buy Used
    6 of 16 Meet the Travel System
    7 of 16 Stick to Essentials
    8 of 16 Hit the Sales
    9 of 16 Know When to Splurge
    10 of 16 Avoid Name Brands
    11 of 16 Make Smart Bargain Buys
    12 of 16 Cut Costs in the Nursery
    13 of 16 Buying Products As A New Mom
    14 of 16 You Must Have a Registry
    15 of 16 Test-Drive Before You Buy
    16 of 16 More Baby Saving Tips

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