April 2004
Money-saving strategies
A new baby can take a surprisingly big bite out of your budget. Here are some ways to save:
Take advantage of freebies and coupons. If you don't mind getting your name on mailing lists, call the toll-free customer-service lines or register at the Web sites of formula, baby-food, and disposable- diaper companies for their parenting newsletters and new-parent programs, including coupons and free samples. Even if you don't register, you may get them anyway. Somehow, when you have a new baby, word gets out.
Consider a discount club membership. At places like Costco or Sam's Club, you'll reap decent discounts on everyday items you'll soon be using a lot of such as disposable diapers, baby wipes, and laundry detergent.
Buy as baby grows. Aside from the basics, hold off on buying baby products until you're sure you'll need a particular item. The wait-and-see approach can save you money. "We've found that we don't need to buy everything," says Beth Klingner of Pleasantville, N.Y., mother of 1-year-old Ben. "Some items have been loaned to us by generous friends and other items just don't seem that necessary now that we see what our baby's needs are."
Shop around. Prices can vary from one shopping venue to another, sometimes dramatically. Megastores and discount chains such as Baby Superstore, Babies "R" Us, Buy Buy Baby, Kmart, Sears, Target, Toys "R" Us, and Wal-Mart often have the lowest prices, although not always the largest selection. For personal attention and more informed sales help, smaller stores are a better bet, although keep in mind that salespeople may have an incentive to push their most expensive wares. And beware the emotional pull of lines like "But it's for your baby" or "It's not every day that you have a baby." Unless you're on your guard, it's easy to be persuaded to unwittingly spend, spend, spend.
Watch for sales. Toys "R" Us, Babies "R" Us, and Buy Buy Baby stores, for example, routinely put out newspaper inserts with savings of up to 20 percent or more for brand-name baby items.
Go online. Web shopping can be a convenient way to find the information you need about baby products and services and to make purchases--all without having to pack up your baby and the rest of your family and troop from store to store. Many baby and parent Web sites have online stores that offer good savings, especially at sale time, and periodically throw in free shipping.
But watch your shipping costs when buying online. They can sometimes negate any savings--and then some.
Consider buying used. Baby clothes, bedding, and toys can sometimes be found in thrift stores, online, and at yard sales at a small fraction of their original retail prices. "Since babies grow so fast, I bought a lot of inexpensive baby clothes on eBay ( www.ebay.com ) and other online stores, all new or in gently used condition," says Joyce Medina of Bakersfield, Calif., mother of 7-year-old Zerick. But some items such as car seats should always be purchased new to make sure they comply with the latest safety requirements and have no hidden flaws.
Ask about return policies. A store's return policies can make the difference between being a satisfied customer and finding yourself stuck with something you don't want or can't use. So be sure to inquire. It's not unusual for a store to allow returns only 30 days after a purchase, which won't help if you're shopping well before your baby arrives.
Weigh warranties. Manufacturers and retailers will often replace returned goods that have clear design or manufacturing defects. Hold on to warranty information so you can refer to it if there's a problem. You may also find a warranty being used as a sales tool. Some less expensive but adequately firm baby mattresses, for example, offer no warranties, while top-of-the-line models may have a "lifetime guarantee." That may be protection you don't need to pay for, considering that the typical use of a baby mattress is about two years per baby.
REGISTERING
Especially if you're a first-time parent, you may receive many baby items as gifts. To take the guesswork out of giving for your friends and family, consider registering at baby specialty shops and chain stores, online or in person. If you're having a baby shower, let your shower hostess know so she can pass the information along to guests.
Signing up with a registry can help you avoid duplicate or unwanted gifts and may get you coupons and other money-saving offers. Still, be aware that the information you provide when you register may be sold to other companies for marketing purposes.
When registering, our advice is to request practical items from the New baby basics checklist. Be as specific as possible, including model numbers and colors. If you get things you didn't ask for and are not sure you'll use, don't be afraid to take them back. You can always use the store credit later, when the need for specific items arises (and it will).
A new baby can take a surprisingly big bite out of your budget. Here are some ways to save:
Take advantage of freebies and coupons. If you don't mind getting your name on mailing lists, call the toll-free customer-service lines or register at the Web sites of formula, baby-food, and disposable- diaper companies for their parenting newsletters and new-parent programs, including coupons and free samples. Even if you don't register, you may get them anyway. Somehow, when you have a new baby, word gets out.
Consider a discount club membership. At places like Costco or Sam's Club, you'll reap decent discounts on everyday items you'll soon be using a lot of such as disposable diapers, baby wipes, and laundry detergent.
Buy as baby grows. Aside from the basics, hold off on buying baby products until you're sure you'll need a particular item. The wait-and-see approach can save you money. "We've found that we don't need to buy everything," says Beth Klingner of Pleasantville, N.Y., mother of 1-year-old Ben. "Some items have been loaned to us by generous friends and other items just don't seem that necessary now that we see what our baby's needs are."
Shop around. Prices can vary from one shopping venue to another, sometimes dramatically. Megastores and discount chains such as Baby Superstore, Babies "R" Us, Buy Buy Baby, Kmart, Sears, Target, Toys "R" Us, and Wal-Mart often have the lowest prices, although not always the largest selection. For personal attention and more informed sales help, smaller stores are a better bet, although keep in mind that salespeople may have an incentive to push their most expensive wares. And beware the emotional pull of lines like "But it's for your baby" or "It's not every day that you have a baby." Unless you're on your guard, it's easy to be persuaded to unwittingly spend, spend, spend.
Watch for sales. Toys "R" Us, Babies "R" Us, and Buy Buy Baby stores, for example, routinely put out newspaper inserts with savings of up to 20 percent or more for brand-name baby items.
Go online. Web shopping can be a convenient way to find the information you need about baby products and services and to make purchases--all without having to pack up your baby and the rest of your family and troop from store to store. Many baby and parent Web sites have online stores that offer good savings, especially at sale time, and periodically throw in free shipping.
But watch your shipping costs when buying online. They can sometimes negate any savings--and then some.
Consider buying used. Baby clothes, bedding, and toys can sometimes be found in thrift stores, online, and at yard sales at a small fraction of their original retail prices. "Since babies grow so fast, I bought a lot of inexpensive baby clothes on eBay ( www.ebay.com ) and other online stores, all new or in gently used condition," says Joyce Medina of Bakersfield, Calif., mother of 7-year-old Zerick. But some items such as car seats should always be purchased new to make sure they comply with the latest safety requirements and have no hidden flaws.
Ask about return policies. A store's return policies can make the difference between being a satisfied customer and finding yourself stuck with something you don't want or can't use. So be sure to inquire. It's not unusual for a store to allow returns only 30 days after a purchase, which won't help if you're shopping well before your baby arrives.
Weigh warranties. Manufacturers and retailers will often replace returned goods that have clear design or manufacturing defects. Hold on to warranty information so you can refer to it if there's a problem. You may also find a warranty being used as a sales tool. Some less expensive but adequately firm baby mattresses, for example, offer no warranties, while top-of-the-line models may have a "lifetime guarantee." That may be protection you don't need to pay for, considering that the typical use of a baby mattress is about two years per baby.
REGISTERING
Especially if you're a first-time parent, you may receive many baby items as gifts. To take the guesswork out of giving for your friends and family, consider registering at baby specialty shops and chain stores, online or in person. If you're having a baby shower, let your shower hostess know so she can pass the information along to guests.
Signing up with a registry can help you avoid duplicate or unwanted gifts and may get you coupons and other money-saving offers. Still, be aware that the information you provide when you register may be sold to other companies for marketing purposes.
When registering, our advice is to request practical items from the New baby basics checklist. Be as specific as possible, including model numbers and colors. If you get things you didn't ask for and are not sure you'll use, don't be afraid to take them back. You can always use the store credit later, when the need for specific items arises (and it will).
