I HIGHLY suggest a sling. You can get one handmade and fairily cheaply from ebay. I actually have a link to someone I know who makes them. Check wisewomansling.com I used mine constantly, I didn't have a use for a swing or a stroller. I had those tiems, but I had the sling for Cameron and hardly used anything else. What a lifesaver.

__________________
~Missy~Mommy
Meghan7.Samantha6,Cameron4

Back together!! Sept 28th Boston TDCenter!! Woohooooo!

yes I just use scissors. You can't cut them all at once, you have to do a little bundle at a time, but sooooooooo worth it to me. Just like cutting the dryer sheets to me!

1. Make your own baby food (cheaper and healthier and still easy).
2. Make your own wipes (just make sure to use sturdy paper towels).
3. Use store brand diapers (I use BJ's and love them - they're the cheapest and BJ's even has $3 off coupons sometimes).
4. Breastfeed if you're able.

__________________
Stephanie
Mom to: Caleb (8-27-2003), Ian (9-28-2005), & Baby Boy #3 (EDD 11-9-2008)

I just remembered something my pedetrician told me when my youngest was a baby. Instead of using baby laundry detergent, you can use baby shampoo. I guess the baby detergent is a powdered version of baby shampoo. I have only tried this in a bind once (in the middle of a road trip diaper blowout- not a pretty sight! LOL), i just used a little squirt (it was a dress and onsie) and it cleaned it very well!

Half of the stuff advertised as essential for ababy, you dont need.
1. Cloth diaper if you can, if not use generic, thye are just as good as brand name
2. You dont need to change the diaper every two hours, change when wet.
3. Check our consignement stores, or Craiglist for stoller ect
4. babies dont need that many toys, for the first 3 months nothing really
5. Sign up to baby websites for samples and coupons
Good Luck!

__________________
We buy things we dont need,
with money we dont have,
in order to impress people
we dont like?
(Ramsey, D)

If you use cloth diapers, and when you are done with them, wash real good in bleach water, and recycle!! I use them to wash windows, dust furniture ect.... wash and reuse!

This has saved me tons in paper towels!

__________________
Sheila

It's called 1000 Best Baby Bargains. It literally contains 1000 money saving tips including all the ones that have been mentioned here. I would definitely recommend it - and not just because I wrote i! Kim

For big items I find that department stores start to clearance out last years models in things like swings, strollers, carseats, and so forth about this time of year and coming into Jan to make room for the new models coming in. I kept that in mind with both my girls and found our stroller and a swing for $20 each. The stroller I hardly use, but it's come in handy a few times. The swing was a lifesaver for me with our 2nd, as she was extremely colicky. Many times it was the only thing that worked for me.

Ashley

Jarred baby food is the BIGGEST waste of money. Babies don't need baby food. Mash up some of your food and give it to them. Avocado and bananas are great first foods. Not only is it expensive, you are feeding your baby stuff like added sugar and preservatives that they certainly don't need.

There was a scandal a few years ago that involved Beechnut. They were selling apple juice for babies that contained NO APPLE JUICE AT ALL. It was just flavored sugar water.

I never have bothered with a diaper bag. I keep a backpack in my car filled with diapers, an extra outfit. I toss a diaper and a travel pack of wipes in my purse, and bring my boobs with me.

ROFLMBO!! :D :D

__________________
~~Amanda~~ Mommy to one Little Man (3 1/2 yrs old), TTC #2

WE'RE ADOPTING!!!
http://daughterinthedistance.blogspot.com/