How many times have you heard someone say that babies are expensive? It can sure seem that way, and unless you make some deliberate choices about thrift, it may end up being true. If you look at the “average baby cost” charts, and start adding up all the “essentials,” you may get sticker shock. nike internationalist soldes But guess what? You don’t even need a lot of those “necessities.” Besides, you never know what your needs will be; it’s impossible to anticipate everything. There are plenty of things you think you’ll need that you don’t (and, admittedly, the reverse can happen too). nike air max 90 femme The good news is, babies do not have to be exorbitantly expensive. Here are some tips on how to go thrifty when buying for your baby. Let’s start with pre-birth purchases. 1. soldes nike air max 2018 The Perfect Nursery Many new moms have the idea that they must have the perfect nursery with all the accessories – crib, changing table, sheet sets, perfect wall color with stenciled border, rocking chair… First, the crib. While many parents won’t admit it unless they find out you’re doing the same, most of them don’t even use the crib for the first months. nike air presto femme bordeaux Do your research on co-sleeping, and you may be pleasantly surprised at the fact that many parents successfully raise babies without cribs. Look into cheaper alternatives, or use a hand-me-down crib (as long as it passes current safety codes). nike mercurial Next, the changing table. This is another item you can skip altogether. Couches, beds, rugs, and even tabletops make fine changing areas. It’s up to you as to the nursery decorating (or if you even choose to have a nursery at all, given your “baby” will soon be a child who wants to redecorate the whole thing). But thrifty options are to paint the room yourself and go with used furniture (such as a thrift-store or borrowed rocking chair). 2. Diapers Despite what seems like a large initial cost, it’s been shown over and over that cloth diapers save tons of money. The savings is even greater if you have more than one child; the diapers can be reused each time. Even if you factor in the cost of washing and drying, you’re still saving a bundle. Disposable diapers cost $1500 to $2000 from birth to potty training, per baby. Cloth diapers cost about $100 to $200 for a dozen, and it’s a one-time purchase. 3. Food Breastfeeding is clearly the thrifty choice in newborn feeding. The cost of bottles and formula can be absolutely astronomical. In addition, breastfed babies have fewer illnesses, thereby offsetting the cost of doctor visits, missed work, medications, and other inconveniences. When baby begins eating solids, you can save a great deal by making your own baby food. nike internationalist There are entire books and websites on this topic; it’s not nearly as difficult as you might think, and you’ll spend a lot less that way than paying for dozens of individual jars. 4. Clothes Yard sales, second-hand stores, consignment sales, and other moms are the best resources for baby clothes. You may not have to pay anything for them if you find another mom who is willing to pass them along. These are just a few tips for going thrifty when buying for your baby.