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Tip Store: Babies: Furniture/Nursery Needs
A Quick Portable Baby Bath
If you are in holiday accommodation and your baby hates the shower. Take a small portable blow up paddling pool to fit in shower and voila one happy baby toddler.
Tricia Twitchett
Tricia Twitchett
Saving on Baby Things
Start accumulating reusable nappies e.g. buy 1 a week and buy a good brand, they last longer and are more absorbent than the cheaper ones. If you use disposable try the Coles comfy bots half the price of Huggies and are just as good. Cornflour for nappy rash not all the creams available. If breastfeeding buy yourself a good breast pump - Medela is great, don't bother with Avent trust me (Medela saves so much time, and get a double pump - do both boobs at same time and it's actually better cause it builds up your breast milk supply more out the more you make then hopefully you won't need to buy formula. And you can hire the top of the range Medela from the pharmacy to try before you buy post birth if that suits too.
Contributed by Kimberley Todd
Contributed by Kimberley Todd
Saving with Baby
Having a baby now doesn't need to cost much - prices gave come down so much from when I had my first to second daughter I simply cannot believe it! Most baby stuff isn't necessary anyway, a quality cot, change table and car seat. If you look up some of the parenting websites you will find lists of baby products voted most useless and waste of money. I would recommend buying a second-hand cot, (check it conforms to Australian standards for safety by measuring every part) but a new mattress, you can sell the cot for about same price once you are finished with it. For car seat - The converter seats from newborn make sense.
For feeding - breastfeeding and then home-made baby food is by far most economical. If you happen to buy some baby food if out and about buy a jar and save the jar to reuse with homemade food. Use the heavy rubber bibs with the pocket and when the clip beaks use a peg. Two bibs still going strong 5 years later:)
For nappies it depends on what your baby is like - the cheap MCNs ( I bought mine new from eBay direct from china) work fine once babies are a few months old and has the advantage of getting toilet trained earlier. Educate whoever else is changing so they don't destroy the nappies - no hot waterproof fabric softener, nappy cream etc. You can also use the MCN as a swimmer nappy. Aldi disposable nappies are great - look out for box specials. If you are dealing with 10 dirty nappies a day then I say disposable all the way:) also for toilet training use a MCN as a pull-up - don't ever waste you money on pull ups they are like $1 each! Toilet training early from 18months will save you heaps.
For bathing a smooth edged plastic tub with handles from woollies is better than a baby bath as you can carry it easily and they are only about $5.
I used to buy second-hand clothes but not anymore, times have changed, clearance from Kmart has items marked down to just 20 cents so look out each time you are shopping. With only one child using a baby carrier or hug a bub you can still get all your shopping in the trolley, this will save on multiple trips. If you don't already own a slow cooker I'd invest in one and stockpile meals in the freezer. Start planting your veggies and you can tend to the veggies when your baby is asleep or you need a break.
All baby and parenting books and magazines can be borrowed from the library so no need to buy plus they have story time which kids love. Also get kids DVDs from library. There are so many free things to do out and about with kids don't ever worry about being bored:). Don't buy toys as they get so many as gifts you end up with a house full and toddlers will play happily with kitchen items.
Contributed by Karina Hilton
For feeding - breastfeeding and then home-made baby food is by far most economical. If you happen to buy some baby food if out and about buy a jar and save the jar to reuse with homemade food. Use the heavy rubber bibs with the pocket and when the clip beaks use a peg. Two bibs still going strong 5 years later:)
For nappies it depends on what your baby is like - the cheap MCNs ( I bought mine new from eBay direct from china) work fine once babies are a few months old and has the advantage of getting toilet trained earlier. Educate whoever else is changing so they don't destroy the nappies - no hot waterproof fabric softener, nappy cream etc. You can also use the MCN as a swimmer nappy. Aldi disposable nappies are great - look out for box specials. If you are dealing with 10 dirty nappies a day then I say disposable all the way:) also for toilet training use a MCN as a pull-up - don't ever waste you money on pull ups they are like $1 each! Toilet training early from 18months will save you heaps.
For bathing a smooth edged plastic tub with handles from woollies is better than a baby bath as you can carry it easily and they are only about $5.
I used to buy second-hand clothes but not anymore, times have changed, clearance from Kmart has items marked down to just 20 cents so look out each time you are shopping. With only one child using a baby carrier or hug a bub you can still get all your shopping in the trolley, this will save on multiple trips. If you don't already own a slow cooker I'd invest in one and stockpile meals in the freezer. Start planting your veggies and you can tend to the veggies when your baby is asleep or you need a break.
All baby and parenting books and magazines can be borrowed from the library so no need to buy plus they have story time which kids love. Also get kids DVDs from library. There are so many free things to do out and about with kids don't ever worry about being bored:). Don't buy toys as they get so many as gifts you end up with a house full and toddlers will play happily with kitchen items.
Contributed by Karina Hilton
DIY Your Baby Needs
Join Pinterest, type in DIY baby and find lots of hints, patterns, recipes to make your own creams, baby wipes etc. Make at least 1 item per week before the baby arrives. PS Use cloth Nappies!! Soak in white vinegar and water in a bucket then wash in the machine and hang outside to dry. You don't need nappy san. Saves you thousands over the years.
Contributed by Julie Stroud-Watts
Contributed by Julie Stroud-Watts
Using an IPad Instead of a Baby Monitor
Approximate $ Savings: $100 +
When my toddler has a nap, I often use that time to get into my office and get my bills paid and I use a baby monitor so I can hear if she wakes up (my office is at the other end of the house to her bedroom). When I put little one to bed, I noticed the monitor was not working. I normally would have just gone to the shops when she woke and purchased a new one. But with finances stretched after the back to school expenses, this really wasn't an option right now. I wondered what to do as I really needed to get some things sorted in the office but also really needed to keep an ear on the toddler too. Light bulb moment happened when I was tidying up and went to put my daughter's IPad away in her room. I could use Skype to connect the IPad to my office computer. So I set up the IPad in my toddlers room and ventured into my office. I can now SEE my toddler sleeping and gently sooth her back to sleep if needed. This is even better than the baby monitor and it used items we already had at home. I was so pleased with myself for finding this simple and effective use of technology that saved me over $100. (This tip works for us as we have unlimited internet usage and therefore to use Skype does not cost us any additional internet charges).
Contributed by Nicky Allouche
When my toddler has a nap, I often use that time to get into my office and get my bills paid and I use a baby monitor so I can hear if she wakes up (my office is at the other end of the house to her bedroom). When I put little one to bed, I noticed the monitor was not working. I normally would have just gone to the shops when she woke and purchased a new one. But with finances stretched after the back to school expenses, this really wasn't an option right now. I wondered what to do as I really needed to get some things sorted in the office but also really needed to keep an ear on the toddler too. Light bulb moment happened when I was tidying up and went to put my daughter's IPad away in her room. I could use Skype to connect the IPad to my office computer. So I set up the IPad in my toddlers room and ventured into my office. I can now SEE my toddler sleeping and gently sooth her back to sleep if needed. This is even better than the baby monitor and it used items we already had at home. I was so pleased with myself for finding this simple and effective use of technology that saved me over $100. (This tip works for us as we have unlimited internet usage and therefore to use Skype does not cost us any additional internet charges).
Contributed by Nicky Allouche
Saving with a Baby Coming
My son and his partner are having their first baby and they have little means, so I decided that I would try to help out. I have been a member of the freecycle.org site for a number of months and I had noticed that some people put wanted ads on if they were chasing something specific. The purpose of the freecycle site is to give away any items that you no longer want. I put an ad up describing my son's situation and requesting for anyone that had old baby equipment, etc. that they no needed. I had four replies, one for a used cot mattress that was stained, which I declined, but what we ended up with was a large amount of small baby clothing, both boys and girls stuff, a large baby swing (still working), 2 modern bouncers, toys, sheets, cot quilt, unopened nappies, baby carrier, a beautiful porta cot, stroller, steriliser and a hamper. I honestly couldn't believe the generosity of these people. In addition I found a lady that was giving away a lovely old traditional cane bassinette that included a cane stand on wheels. If your willing to having second hand items then there are people out there that are willing to share with you. If I was to buy all of these items brand new it would have cost somewhere in the vicinity of $1200 - $1500. I am very pleased with myself as the only real effort was spent going to pick up the items.
Contributed by Irene Bethel
Contributed by Irene Bethel
Baby Shower Gift
A useful and practical gift to give the mother-to-be for a baby shower is a clothes basket (preferably a Classique); this also provides a handy item in which to carry the other gifts given at the party.
Contributed by Beverley Robinson
Editors Note: Fill it with baby needs like burp cloths, face washers, lovely flannel bunny rugs, bonnets or helmets to keep little bald heads warm and a treat for the new Mum for an extra special gift. Cath
Contributed by Beverley Robinson
Editors Note: Fill it with baby needs like burp cloths, face washers, lovely flannel bunny rugs, bonnets or helmets to keep little bald heads warm and a treat for the new Mum for an extra special gift. Cath
Make Your Own Burp Rags
Approximate $ Savings: $20
Plus depending on how many rags you want Make burp rags (baby vomit rags) from an old towel and fabric. I am pregnant with my third child and remember that burp rags are a must when breast or bottle feeding. I took an old bath sheet and raided my sewing box for some nice backing fabric - sew the two together and top stitch around the edges, voila you have burp rags. I found that one bath sheet made 6 burp rags. Now I don't have to purchase any hand towels or use cloth nappies to substitute a burp rag. I had a lot of fun making them too.
Contributed by Christy Manuel
Plus depending on how many rags you want Make burp rags (baby vomit rags) from an old towel and fabric. I am pregnant with my third child and remember that burp rags are a must when breast or bottle feeding. I took an old bath sheet and raided my sewing box for some nice backing fabric - sew the two together and top stitch around the edges, voila you have burp rags. I found that one bath sheet made 6 burp rags. Now I don't have to purchase any hand towels or use cloth nappies to substitute a burp rag. I had a lot of fun making them too.
Contributed by Christy Manuel
Don't Pay More for Items Made Exclusively for Babies
Our heaters don't have a temperature control and I was finding it difficult to regulate the temperature in our bub's room. So I looked around for a room thermometer. Thermometers are expensive when made exclusively for babies. I found a cheaper digital thermometer for less than a third of the price at Bunnings and on eBay.
Contributed by Cynthia Tay
Contributed by Cynthia Tay
Baby the Cheapskates Way
Approximate $ Savings: $4500
We had our second baby last year and I decided to do the Cheapskates way by buying all of baby things on eBay. Clothes size 0000-00 for babies, cot, change table, high chair, etc. Bid for pick up only and near your suburb so you won't pay for postage, look for bulk deals and don't get too excited if you don't win, good deals will come, stick to the budget, and start once you know the gender of the baby. This is how I budgeted: clothes and others $150 (36 garments - bodysuits Bonds brand and other assorted clothes cost me $5 - that's how cheap you would get it on eBay)1Kapoochi nappy bag in excellent conditon,1 baby bathtub in good conditon,1 cot and bedding all in $150, highchair $20 and Babyclub rocker $25. Then I bought nappies and baby wipes as well during specials on a budget of $100. All up I spent just $500 for all the baby's needs, including 7 cans of formula (no breast milk) from Chemist Warehouse (cheaper by $4-$5 than Woollies or Coles). As soon as I got the baby bonus I put the $4500 on high interest savings.
Contributed by Jelyn, Salisbury Heights
We had our second baby last year and I decided to do the Cheapskates way by buying all of baby things on eBay. Clothes size 0000-00 for babies, cot, change table, high chair, etc. Bid for pick up only and near your suburb so you won't pay for postage, look for bulk deals and don't get too excited if you don't win, good deals will come, stick to the budget, and start once you know the gender of the baby. This is how I budgeted: clothes and others $150 (36 garments - bodysuits Bonds brand and other assorted clothes cost me $5 - that's how cheap you would get it on eBay)1Kapoochi nappy bag in excellent conditon,1 baby bathtub in good conditon,1 cot and bedding all in $150, highchair $20 and Babyclub rocker $25. Then I bought nappies and baby wipes as well during specials on a budget of $100. All up I spent just $500 for all the baby's needs, including 7 cans of formula (no breast milk) from Chemist Warehouse (cheaper by $4-$5 than Woollies or Coles). As soon as I got the baby bonus I put the $4500 on high interest savings.
Contributed by Jelyn, Salisbury Heights
Dual Purpose Change Table
Pregnant with my second son I needed furniture for his room. Instead of wasting money on a change table that will only be used for a little while, I bought a low boy which I use as a change table, its the perfect size and everything is at hand in the drawers.
Contributed by Sarah, Charnwood
Contributed by Sarah, Charnwood
Sheet with a Difference
Approximate $ Savings: $10-$50 per set
Instead of spending a lot of money on bassinet sheets that will only be used for a few months, use pillow slips as a fitted sheet! my husband couldn't find the bassinet fitted sheet one day so used one of the many pillow slips we have in our linen cupboard to slip over the mattress. What a clever man! Most people have plenty of pillow slips in the cupboard that never get used, so if your baby soils them frequently, you will always have one on hand :)
Contributed by Katie, Canning Vale
Instead of spending a lot of money on bassinet sheets that will only be used for a few months, use pillow slips as a fitted sheet! my husband couldn't find the bassinet fitted sheet one day so used one of the many pillow slips we have in our linen cupboard to slip over the mattress. What a clever man! Most people have plenty of pillow slips in the cupboard that never get used, so if your baby soils them frequently, you will always have one on hand :)
Contributed by Katie, Canning Vale
Make Your Own Cot Sheets
Approximate $ Savings: $10-50
While pregnant and shopping for baby bed linen, I was surprised at how expensive it was for something so simple. The cheapest set I found was $12 but the fitted sheet in the set didn't fit the mattress well. I had the idea of making my own since I have a perfectly good dust-gathering sewing machine. I found some cute cotton fabric for $1 a metre at a Spotlight sale and bought enough to make my own set. I also purchased some fitted sheet elastic at about 60 cents a metre and measured up, designed the cuts and then sewed my own fitted sheet. I also made a flat sheet, simply by hemming the fabric to the right size. I spent $5 on fabric and $4 on the elastic. All up, the sheets cost me $9, and I still had left over fabric for another small project, I am thinking about a drawstring bag to keep some toys in.
Contributed by Sarah, Brighton
While pregnant and shopping for baby bed linen, I was surprised at how expensive it was for something so simple. The cheapest set I found was $12 but the fitted sheet in the set didn't fit the mattress well. I had the idea of making my own since I have a perfectly good dust-gathering sewing machine. I found some cute cotton fabric for $1 a metre at a Spotlight sale and bought enough to make my own set. I also purchased some fitted sheet elastic at about 60 cents a metre and measured up, designed the cuts and then sewed my own fitted sheet. I also made a flat sheet, simply by hemming the fabric to the right size. I spent $5 on fabric and $4 on the elastic. All up, the sheets cost me $9, and I still had left over fabric for another small project, I am thinking about a drawstring bag to keep some toys in.
Contributed by Sarah, Brighton
$2 Goggles Solve a Parent's Bath Time Dilemma
Approximate $ Savings: $15-$20
After trying all the no tears shampoos, I only ended up with bottles near full that the kids wouldn't use. So I tried the shower hats for kids. Once I got it home and tried it on my son, it didn't fit! Another waste of money. In a final attempt to keep my whining children happy and free from sore soapy eyes, I simply got a $2 pair of goggles from my local discount store. Problem solved! And now washing their hair is fun too!
Contributed by Anita, Bundaberg
After trying all the no tears shampoos, I only ended up with bottles near full that the kids wouldn't use. So I tried the shower hats for kids. Once I got it home and tried it on my son, it didn't fit! Another waste of money. In a final attempt to keep my whining children happy and free from sore soapy eyes, I simply got a $2 pair of goggles from my local discount store. Problem solved! And now washing their hair is fun too!
Contributed by Anita, Bundaberg
New Borns Don't Care if it's Second-hand
Approximate $ Savings: $500
Buy second hand. Baby sitting the new grandchild was made easier with the purchase of our own pram, bouncer and baby bath. To begin with we priced these items in the stores. At the least it would have cost us $500-$600. We simply refused to spend this. I went second hand hunting. We managed to get all three items for $12.99. They are all in excellent condition and with many years left of use in them. All that matters is that they are safe and clean.
Contributed by Linda, Macquarie
Buy second hand. Baby sitting the new grandchild was made easier with the purchase of our own pram, bouncer and baby bath. To begin with we priced these items in the stores. At the least it would have cost us $500-$600. We simply refused to spend this. I went second hand hunting. We managed to get all three items for $12.99. They are all in excellent condition and with many years left of use in them. All that matters is that they are safe and clean.
Contributed by Linda, Macquarie
An Unusual Toddler Bed
Approximate $ Savings: $1000
Recently our little girl has outgrown her cot. She was also enjoying sleeping in our queen sized bed, but with a second bubba on the way it was getting a little bit squishy. I had a look at children's furniture, but really couldn't make up my mind, and the beds I did like were out of our price range at the time. So we moved our spare queen sized bed that we used to use for visitors (not that often) into her room and gave that a go. It may sound funny, having an almost 2 year old in a queen sized bed but we couldn't be happier. She has plenty of room to roll around. I can jump into her bed for a nap with her when she gets fussy, sick or is teething. We didn't have to buy any extra sheets, doonas or bed accessories and she won't outgrow the bed in a hurry. It just makes you stop and think first about what you have in your home and putting it to good use, before you head down the shops.
Contributed by Belinda, Traralgon
Recently our little girl has outgrown her cot. She was also enjoying sleeping in our queen sized bed, but with a second bubba on the way it was getting a little bit squishy. I had a look at children's furniture, but really couldn't make up my mind, and the beds I did like were out of our price range at the time. So we moved our spare queen sized bed that we used to use for visitors (not that often) into her room and gave that a go. It may sound funny, having an almost 2 year old in a queen sized bed but we couldn't be happier. She has plenty of room to roll around. I can jump into her bed for a nap with her when she gets fussy, sick or is teething. We didn't have to buy any extra sheets, doonas or bed accessories and she won't outgrow the bed in a hurry. It just makes you stop and think first about what you have in your home and putting it to good use, before you head down the shops.
Contributed by Belinda, Traralgon
New Baby Cost: a Big Fat $0
Approximate $ Savings: Up to $6,000 in the first year
I am a mother of one, and when I fell pregnant I was told that having a child would be a very expensive exercise. Australians are blessed to be receiving the baby bonus that helps with the set up costs, but it never comes before the baby is born, and most mothers will get everything before the baby is due. I wasn't interested in spending thousands of dollars on new flash items because the truth is the baby won't care because he or she won't know what they are wearing or sleeping in, its more for the mother's satisfaction. My Mums group organized a number of swap meets where I picked up a cot, change table and clothes for FREE. Ebay is another great place to pick up some good bargains, and the good old family and friends bought heaps of things to help out. Yes, having a baby can be expensive, but if you implement some alternative ideas, it can save you money if you are short from week to week. I chose to put my baby in cloth nappies, there is a great company called Eenee Designs who have ready made cloth nappies www.eenee.com.au, and a great store run by a mother of three who sold me the material inserts from www.naturesbiobabies.com.au. The set up cost for this can by quite expensive but in the long term it saves buying nappies every week. By having cloth, I never buy disposables even when I go out because the absorbency is great. In case a whoopsy does happen I just put the wet or soiled items into a scented bag and take home, saving me $30 a week. Also, I breastfeed, it saves me time and money, and it allows time with my child. This saves me about $20-30 a week as well. Disposable wipes can add up over the weeks as well, so I use cloth wipes, not only are there no chemicals, but it also saves about $10 a week. Breast pads are another that can add up if you are breastfeeding, a packet can cost $10.50 and sometimes don't even last a week. By using cloth pads, I save myself $10.50 a week. If you don't mind washing, then this could be a great thing, and for those that think it's way too much washing, there is such a thing as reusing to minimize the loads (that's if they aren't too dirty). Having implemented these few ideas for raising my child in the first year, my financial records have indicated that I have a profit of $2,000 from the baby bonus. To ensure that I was saving more money, when I did receive the baby bonus I chose to spend every single penny on my GE Creditline debt, that saved me another $100 per month. If you have no debt, or have the ability to, put the money into a high interest savings account and earn interest for your child. If you are short from week to week at times, doing these few ideas could help have a child for $0.
Contributed by Carly, Norman Gardens
I am a mother of one, and when I fell pregnant I was told that having a child would be a very expensive exercise. Australians are blessed to be receiving the baby bonus that helps with the set up costs, but it never comes before the baby is born, and most mothers will get everything before the baby is due. I wasn't interested in spending thousands of dollars on new flash items because the truth is the baby won't care because he or she won't know what they are wearing or sleeping in, its more for the mother's satisfaction. My Mums group organized a number of swap meets where I picked up a cot, change table and clothes for FREE. Ebay is another great place to pick up some good bargains, and the good old family and friends bought heaps of things to help out. Yes, having a baby can be expensive, but if you implement some alternative ideas, it can save you money if you are short from week to week. I chose to put my baby in cloth nappies, there is a great company called Eenee Designs who have ready made cloth nappies www.eenee.com.au, and a great store run by a mother of three who sold me the material inserts from www.naturesbiobabies.com.au. The set up cost for this can by quite expensive but in the long term it saves buying nappies every week. By having cloth, I never buy disposables even when I go out because the absorbency is great. In case a whoopsy does happen I just put the wet or soiled items into a scented bag and take home, saving me $30 a week. Also, I breastfeed, it saves me time and money, and it allows time with my child. This saves me about $20-30 a week as well. Disposable wipes can add up over the weeks as well, so I use cloth wipes, not only are there no chemicals, but it also saves about $10 a week. Breast pads are another that can add up if you are breastfeeding, a packet can cost $10.50 and sometimes don't even last a week. By using cloth pads, I save myself $10.50 a week. If you don't mind washing, then this could be a great thing, and for those that think it's way too much washing, there is such a thing as reusing to minimize the loads (that's if they aren't too dirty). Having implemented these few ideas for raising my child in the first year, my financial records have indicated that I have a profit of $2,000 from the baby bonus. To ensure that I was saving more money, when I did receive the baby bonus I chose to spend every single penny on my GE Creditline debt, that saved me another $100 per month. If you have no debt, or have the ability to, put the money into a high interest savings account and earn interest for your child. If you are short from week to week at times, doing these few ideas could help have a child for $0.
Contributed by Carly, Norman Gardens
Baby Safety Gate
Approximate $ Savings: approx $20-$120
We have an 18 month old who has just realised that playing in the kitchen cupboards is a lot of fun. We have just moved into a new house and decided it was time to buy a safety gate for the kitchen. The size of the gate needed was larger than normal and when we went to price one found that we would be paying anywhere from $100-$150 for a gate to fit the space. That was just way out of our budget until my partner came up with a brilliant idea which has saved us a lot of money. We went to BIGW and purchased a $10.50 roller blind which my partner turned on its side and cut it to fit under our kitchen bench. He then attached it to the wall with a few screws. We have attached it to the other wall using plastic safety clips which were bought for about $5 for a pack of 3. So all up our gate cost us around $20 with everything which is a bargain and it works well. Now we can keep our daughter from hurting herself in the kitchen at a fraction of what we would have paid.
Contributed by Stacey, Mango Hill
We have an 18 month old who has just realised that playing in the kitchen cupboards is a lot of fun. We have just moved into a new house and decided it was time to buy a safety gate for the kitchen. The size of the gate needed was larger than normal and when we went to price one found that we would be paying anywhere from $100-$150 for a gate to fit the space. That was just way out of our budget until my partner came up with a brilliant idea which has saved us a lot of money. We went to BIGW and purchased a $10.50 roller blind which my partner turned on its side and cut it to fit under our kitchen bench. He then attached it to the wall with a few screws. We have attached it to the other wall using plastic safety clips which were bought for about $5 for a pack of 3. So all up our gate cost us around $20 with everything which is a bargain and it works well. Now we can keep our daughter from hurting herself in the kitchen at a fraction of what we would have paid.
Contributed by Stacey, Mango Hill
Toddler Beds
Approximate $ Savings: $200
In the process of looking for toddler beds for my twin girls and was not happy at paying nearly $200 each for them. I decided to make my own toddler beds by cutting the legs off the cots and taking one of the sides off. They now have access to getting in and out of bed and they love it.
Contributed by Faithe, Penrith
In the process of looking for toddler beds for my twin girls and was not happy at paying nearly $200 each for them. I decided to make my own toddler beds by cutting the legs off the cots and taking one of the sides off. They now have access to getting in and out of bed and they love it.
Contributed by Faithe, Penrith
Toddler Barrier for Less
Approximate $ Savings: $180
If you need to install a barrier of some kind to keep your toddler out of an area of the house, buy a second hand cot and use it to custom make a barrier to suit your needs. We have an open plan home and we needed a barrier that was quite wide. We priced a ready made barrier and it was going to cost us around $200-300 to get one wide enough. I went to my local op shop and they sold me an old cot for $20 and my husband made up a barrier with it. It fits the space and it saved us at least $180!!!
Contributed by Michelle, Wangaratta
If you need to install a barrier of some kind to keep your toddler out of an area of the house, buy a second hand cot and use it to custom make a barrier to suit your needs. We have an open plan home and we needed a barrier that was quite wide. We priced a ready made barrier and it was going to cost us around $200-300 to get one wide enough. I went to my local op shop and they sold me an old cot for $20 and my husband made up a barrier with it. It fits the space and it saved us at least $180!!!
Contributed by Michelle, Wangaratta
A Washing Basket for Baby
Approximate $ Savings: $40
Instead of paying $40 or more for one of the baby bath seats, I used my plastic laundry basket to sit my baby in. This also helped by keeping their toys in close reach so they didn't float away! A cheap and easy alternative!
Contributed by Fran, Arundel
Instead of paying $40 or more for one of the baby bath seats, I used my plastic laundry basket to sit my baby in. This also helped by keeping their toys in close reach so they didn't float away! A cheap and easy alternative!
Contributed by Fran, Arundel
Baby on a Budget
I have had two delightfully happy children, who have not suffered in the least from not having brand new of everything. When they were babies I would wash them in the laundry tub and when they got older I washed them in the shower recess, quick, easy and no need for baby bathtub. For cot sheets I folded double bed sheets in half and used them. That way I didn't have to buy cot sheets and then bigger sheets for their beds. When asked by relatives and friends what I needed for the new baby I let them know I didn't have much if they knew of anyone with second hand baby furniture and clothes. I was given almost everything I needed. Most people just wanted to get rid of their stuff. Great saving for us .
Contributed by Chandell, Aloomba
Contributed by Chandell, Aloomba
Versatile Change Table Set Up
Approximate $ Savings: $100.00 Instead of purchasing an expensive baby change table that can only be used for a few years, I purchased a large chest of drawers that were waist height. I then bought a cheap nappy change pad to go on top. I used one of the drawers for creams, powders, nappies etc and used the other drawers for clothes. The baby shops charge a lot of money for a change table that you have to get rid of, but the chest of drawers can be used for a lifetime. My sons will probably take theirs with them when they move out! It's saves a lot of money and has a very practical long term use.
Contributed by Belinda, Blacktown
Contributed by Belinda, Blacktown
Half Price Baby Needs Online
Approximate $ Savings: $1000
I saved around $1000 + when shopping for all the equipment needed for my new baby by shopping on eBay. You can purchase NEW items from brand name shops for around half price. We bought our Love and Care wooden cot and matching change table off eBay for under $700 which was actually from a baby shop near home (Werribee, VIC). If we had bought straight off the shop floor it would have been TWICE the price.
Contributed by Nikki, Point Cook
I saved around $1000 + when shopping for all the equipment needed for my new baby by shopping on eBay. You can purchase NEW items from brand name shops for around half price. We bought our Love and Care wooden cot and matching change table off eBay for under $700 which was actually from a baby shop near home (Werribee, VIC). If we had bought straight off the shop floor it would have been TWICE the price.
Contributed by Nikki, Point Cook
Baby Gear Swap Meets
Approximate $ Savings: $1000pa
A group of friends and I have gotten together and all share/hand down baby clothes/toys furniture etc. babies grow so fast and need so much for such a short amount of time!!! I hand on most of my bub gear to the next in line and then get it back when I need it! It works best for clothes as they go through them so quickly!!!
Contributed by Jacky, Joondalup
A group of friends and I have gotten together and all share/hand down baby clothes/toys furniture etc. babies grow so fast and need so much for such a short amount of time!!! I hand on most of my bub gear to the next in line and then get it back when I need it! It works best for clothes as they go through them so quickly!!!
Contributed by Jacky, Joondalup
Everything You Need for Bub in One Place
I found a place in Lilydale, Victoria, called Nappy Mart. It's fantastic!! They have everything you need, from all the brand name nappies to formula, bottles, breast pumps, dummies, skincare - everything. I bought up for our soon to be born and saved heaps! I checked prices with other stores first and Nappy Mart was by far the cheapest. I recommend it to anyone with a baby.
Contributed by Elene, Coldstream
Contributed by Elene, Coldstream
Stockpiling While Pregnant
When expecting my first baby my partner and I were both working full. Knowing that we would only be living on one wage when the baby arrived I started to add extra products that I would need once the baby came e.g. nappies and wipes, washing power, cleaning products, baby food tins. I would even through in a couple of singlets or jump suits from Coles. This ended up saving us heaps when the baby arrived as my shopping bill went back to normal and I didn't need to buy any extra items for our little addition for the first year.
Contributed by Sharon, Barragup
Contributed by Sharon, Barragup
Savings on Children’s Booster Seats
Approximate Savings: $100 - $150
When my daughter was eighteen months old she had discovered that she could climb out of her highchair. I thought I'd try sitting her actually at the table with us, hoping that by getting her a bit more involved in dinner that she would forget about trying to get away. I started looking around for the type of highchair that you can strap to a normal dining chair so that toddlers can sit at the table, I was horrified to find that they were in the vicinity of $100-$150. So I started hunting around at second-hand stores and I came across a car-booster seat, the ones that older children use to sit in the car. It fits perfectly on a dining chair. If I needed to I could also put a strap on it, but bub is so happy sitting at the "big" table now that she doesn't even try to get away! It cost me $3 from the second-hand store and she will be able to use it in the car when she's older.
Contributed by Jamie, Petrie
When my daughter was eighteen months old she had discovered that she could climb out of her highchair. I thought I'd try sitting her actually at the table with us, hoping that by getting her a bit more involved in dinner that she would forget about trying to get away. I started looking around for the type of highchair that you can strap to a normal dining chair so that toddlers can sit at the table, I was horrified to find that they were in the vicinity of $100-$150. So I started hunting around at second-hand stores and I came across a car-booster seat, the ones that older children use to sit in the car. It fits perfectly on a dining chair. If I needed to I could also put a strap on it, but bub is so happy sitting at the "big" table now that she doesn't even try to get away! It cost me $3 from the second-hand store and she will be able to use it in the car when she's older.
Contributed by Jamie, Petrie
Shower Curtain Mattress Protector
When a child is toilet training instead a of buying expensive waterproof mattress covers (about $50.00) simply buy a shower curtain from the Bargain shop for $2.00. You can either sew elastic to the corners or use large nappy pins to secure it to each corner. Place a sheet over the top. No more wet mattresses.
Contributed by Sharon, Horsfield Bay
Contributed by Sharon, Horsfield Bay
Re-cycling Towels into Burp Rags for Baby
To use old bath towels or hand towels for burp rags simply cut them to the size you want and run them through the overlocker or use hemming tape for the side. You can get at least 8 rags out of one bath towel and you never run out.
Contributed by Jacqueline, Phoenix
Contributed by Jacqueline, Phoenix
Cot Sheets
Due for our baby to be born in September and having the clean and sort everything out bug, I recently cleaned out my linen cupboard after noticing that some of our queen size fitted sheets were becoming a little thin. The top sheets were still like new so what I did was transformed them into cot sheets within an hour on the sewing machine. I managed to get a top and bottom sheet out of one queen flat sheet and because they were really good sheets to begin with they look fantastic! I was so proud of myself because even though I did buy a beautiful new cot set, I really knew I would need several sets to get us through and now we do, saving about $100!
Contributed by Petrina, Atwell
Contributed by Petrina, Atwell
Don't Buy Anything New
Don't buy anything new! We have been buried in stuff that people have given to us - especially clothes. Our pram came from the op shop for $10.00 - a friend found a baby sling at another op shop for $2.00 (a sling is much easier and more fun than a pram in shopping centres). Op shops and Salvation Army stores are great - they have cots, beds, cupboards, clothes, prams etc. for next to nothing. We got two car seats through LETS for LETS points - no money involved, just a bit of time doing things for other people.
Contributed by Gerard, Hurstbridge
Contributed by Gerard, Hurstbridge
What Not to Buy
I know when you walk into a big, glamorous baby store the sales assistants do a great job in sucking you in, but I can definitely tell you what not to buy. Don't bother buying 1) A nappy bin - baby's nappies won't smell in the first 3 months and even after that you'll find yourself throwing them directly into one of your outdoor bins. 2) A nursing pillow. If you are intent on breast-feeding ANY regular pillow will do the trick. Most things you can buy second hand, like a mobile for the cot, a bouncer, toys, books, clothes, high chairs, prams, monitors, bath, bath chair. If you decide to buy either a second hand cot or bassinet you need to make sure that it is in pristine condition and that you buy the mattress new? Things like that you should really try not to skimp out on, especially with the risk of cot death. Anyway hope I have helped. Good luck P.S I found Kmart to be great for most baby needs.
Contributed by Eleni, Greenwich
Contributed by Eleni, Greenwich
Only a Few Essentials You Will Need
You'll find that there really are only a few essentials you will need and they are: a cot, a pram, a change table, a high chair and a baby bath. We bought a new cot when we were expecting our first child and it is now being used for our third child. But you can buy second-hand cots at garage sales or from the Trading Post (just make sure the distance between the rails isn't too large to fit a baby's head so it conforms to safety standards). We bought a pram at a garage sale for $20 and a change table for $10. Our baby bath my husband found on the nature strip outside a house, which had been put out for rubbish collection. Another good idea is to ask for items you need as baby shower gifts. Maybe a group of friends could get together and buy a large gift such as a high chair.
Contributed by Catherine, ACT
Contributed by Catherine, ACT