If you bought it all new the costs can run into the '000s and that's before you start on the "added extras". So is it even possible to save money when you're expecting a baby? Perhaps not, but you don't have to spend a fortune - especially if you're willing to use hand-me-downs - and you're being sustainable to boot.
So here are some of the ways that we managed to save:
1. Friends, Family & Work Colleagues
It's amazing what people are willing to give you if you just ask. Most people we found were happy just to have someone take things off their hands. Sure, you may have to spend some time sorting through what's worth keeping but it's definitely worth it. And it's a bit like Christmas as you never know what you'll get.
If you're too shy to ask directly, try putting a comment up on your Facebook page - which is what hubby did.
2. Freecycle http://www.freecycle.org/group/AU/
Freecycle is all about re-using and saving stuff from landfill and membership is free and works off the principle one man's trash is another man's treasure. Rather than putting it out for hard waste or throwing it away people offer up their unwanted on a forum and if you're interested in it you let them know (generally stating when you can pick it up) and if you're successful they'll get back to you. No money exchanges hands, you just need to work out between the giver and givee when it a good time to pick up the goods.
I've found that baby stuff goes pretty quickly but we've managed to get baby's clothes, a portacot, disposable nappies
3. eBay/Gumtree
It goes without saying that you can get a bargain on eBay but you definitely have to do your research and don't get too carried away. Keep an eye out for items that are "local pickup" as they're likely to go for less than those that are willing to post.
We found that prams (depending on the brand) were still quite pricey but you can still save a couple of hundred dollars buying second hand on eBay. And from the advice that we've gotten from friends, you can sometimes go through quite a few before finding one that's right for you.
4. Buy, Swap and Sell
Whether it's a traditional Buy, Swap and Sell market or an on-line forum these are another great way to pick up items on the cheap. Remember if it's an online forum to take into account postage costs.
Some groups that I have found useful are:
- Buy & Sell Used Baby Items: https://www.facebook.com/groups/105562106145337/
- Buy & Sell Your MCNs: https://www.facebook.com/groups/buysellmcn/
- MCN (Modern Cloth Nappies) Buy, Swap, Sell 2: https://www.facebook.com/groups/164454720284471/
5. Make your own
If you're a bit crafty then making your own is a great way to save some money (provided you don't get too carried away with all the lovely fabrics out there) and get a real sense of achievement too. If you're willing to to re-use things that you have around you (like old towels, blankets, sheets etc) then you'll save even more.
I have to admit that I find it difficult re-using items even if I don't need them anymore. I'd rather give it away than cut into something...don't ask me why. But the urge to save some money is slowly taking over (more to come on that - see my Mountain Buggy liner post).
Other options for sourcing fabric are:
- Op Shops
- Freecycle
- Buying co-operatives (The Fluffy Place https://www.facebook.com/groups/261282983922631/)
- Purchasing remnants
- Burp cloths
- Bibs
- Baby blankets
- Flat nappies or pre-fold nappies
- Cloth wipes
- Breast pads
- Modern cloth nappy
- Pram liner
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