Sentry Page Protection

Tip Store: Babies: Freecycle, Facebook, Gumtree and Buy Swap Sell

Help Could be Just Around the Corner

 If you are on Facebook there will be at least one local Buy/Sell/Swap group on which you can post a "Want To Buy" or "Wanted Free" question. Plus there are loads of well-priced pre-loved goods listed that are still in great condition. You could also post a note on your local bulletin board or ask local store staff to keep an ear/eye out for baby bargains - they chat to local customers all the time and could connect you. Don't be shy to ask for the help you need.  
Contributed by Erica Berkovich, 22nd January 2015

Post your 'Want' list on Freecycle

If only I had joined Freecycle when I had my children. I've been a member now for over 5 years and the amount of baby stuff that gets given away for free astounds me! I've seen everything from cots, prams, baths, clothes and even excess nappies! The great thing about free cycle is that all you need to do is create a yahoo email account, check the freecycle.org website for your local group and join in the fun. It's an email based group that has simple guidelines on how to post using the subject line of an email, either 'Offer' (then Taken) or 'Wanted' (then Received). There is strictly no exchange of cash and you get to meet lovely people just like you in your community. The best thing is that you can offer your baby stuff back on Freecycle when you no longer need it therefore keeping it useful and out of landfill. Good luck! Lisa :)
Contributed by Lisa Palmer, 17th January 2015

Freecycle Your Baby Needs

Join 'Freecycle' for your area - it's amazing some of the things people offer. If it's not offered ask - someone might have items you need put away that they had forgotten about. Check Gumtree and your local charity shops. My daughter-in-law only spent about $200 before her first child by doing this and was able to get everything she needed.
Contributed by Mi Caulfield, 16th January 2015

Buy Swap and Sell

I have just recently put a vast majority of baby items on my local Buy, Swap and Sell page on FB. All of which were in great condition and I sold them to very appreciative mums to be for a fraction of the new price... there is endless items for sale on there and in good condition. Most of the time you will be given a bucket load of gifts and hand me downs from people you hardly know when bub is born. Wait until bub is born before you go buying complete wardrobes. If you have any friends with kids they may be happy to loan you baby clothes as they grow so quickly they are only in each size for a few months. Another great idea is to menu plan!!! It will help you save money with groceries and make for easy cooking when you are very sleepy and have no energy to think of something to cook for tea. If you have a look on BHG website there is some good ideas for baby change tables that you can reuse when bub is older... furniture for babies is expensive, if you can buy second hand or make yourself you will save thousands... the only thing I would recommend buying new is a car seat. Do your research, closing down sales are great!! There are some great factory outlet shops for kids on the net that have cheap bonds clothes and other expensive brand names that are cheap. In the next 6 months try and save your whole wage if you are still working, that way when bub comes it won't be a huge shock to the system when you go down to one wage and you will have a nice little slush fund to help you with any unexpected nasties. Good luck and congratulations.  
Contributed by Jessica Purchase, 15th January 2015