Look after the pennies.....Part Two!

Yesterday I blogged about how families with young babies can save money by choosing to use washable nappies. 

If you are expecting your first baby it seems like the list of 'essentials' for your new bundle of joy is endless and the costs involved can be quite daunting. However, we have a few tips that might just help you save yourself some money!

First of all, try to focus on your priorities. How you want to live with your baby, any definite positives or absolute negatives? Talk to other people who have had children, especially friends who you think are similar to you. Ask them what they have found invaluable and what they wish they had not bothered with and ask them why? Read all you can: magazine articles, books, online reviews. But, take all of this information in the context of what is important to you. There is no point in spending £200 on a car seat if you don't have a car (an extreme example, but you get the idea!)  Think about a day with your newborn baby. What might you do? For example, if you have a dog that needs walking it would be a good idea to invest in a decent baby carrier.

Once you have carefully considered all of these points, proceed with caution. Look at products that have longevity of use, check out warranty periods. Don't be put off from looking at higher price tags if you are on a budget. This might sound crazy but sometimes investing well at the beginning can save you money in the long run. For example, the Stokke Tripp Trapp chair is at the higher end of the market in terms of price for a highchair. However, it comes with a 7 year warranty and can be adapted for use from birth through to adult. If invested in from the start, this chair can save buying a combination of seating options for a baby and child as they grow!
Think about your priorities and question everything. I would say the only real essentials for a newborn baby are nappies, vests and babygrows, a car seat and a carrier that is comfortable for baby and you (try to invest in one that you can use until your child is old enough to walk a good distance, like the Manduca which is suitable from birth but can easily accommodate a 3 year old.

Obviously, there are some variables and eventualities you cannot plan for (cross these bridges as they come, do not spend money just in case something happens!)

Of course, if you are lucky enough to have friends, family, neighbours or colleagues that have children you may be able to borrow some items, don't be afraid to ask! There is also a good market for second hand baby items but don't be tempted to buy something if you have not researched it thoroughly and beware of cheap copies.

This may sound like strange advice from someone running a baby shop - surely I should be encouraging you to spend more money?! But I believe that if you live by these rules it will enable you to spend a bit more money where it does count, on quality products that you will use for years!