Having a Baby Without Breaking the Bank: List of essentials

Last time in this series we discussed how having a baby really doesn't have to cost you a fortune. If you didn't get a chance to read it yet, be sure to go here and do so. The numerous comments left on the post were incredibly insightful--you all are one great bunch of wise people!

Today I want to talk about what I see as the basic essentials one needs to have and care for a baby. Obviously, there are variety of opinions out there when it comes to "must-haves". I'm not an expert, just a mom who has raised two young vibrant little girls without spending a lot of money to do so.

First off, we must start by asking ourselves, "What does it really take to raise a baby?" I believe our society has become so materialistic and consumer driven that we hardly know how to even think in basic terms.

Aside from lots of love and nurturing, here are the essentials I believe you truly need:

--Clothes (For starting out, I think you can get by just fine with around six onesies, six sleepers, a few pair of socks, a few hats, and 4-6 blankets.)

--Bed (unless you're planning to co-sleep)

--Car seat

--Stroller

--Diapers/wipes (either cloth or disposable)

(And if you are unable to nurse--as I know happens on occasion, or if you are adopting, you would also need to add formula to this list.)

And that's about it, folks. Seriously. There are other things that are nice to have, such as a swing, a sling (or ERGO), a few nicer outfits for baby to wear out of the house, a diaper bag, and so forth. But none of those things are absolute necessities.

If you have any baby showers at all or get any gifts, you can see how easily you could accumulate the few items you really need for your baby. And that's why I recommend you don't buy anything until after your baby showers (if you will be having any). There is no point in buying a lot of items you don't truly need if you can't afford them.

That said, if you are going to be buying everything yourself, here are a few of my suggestions for how to buy the necessary items very inexpensively:

There is no need to buy name-brand, brand-new clothes for your child. If they are anything like most little children, they will likely be quickly staining them or growing out of them. So you might as well get them as inexpensively as you can! If someone offers to share their hand-me-downs, willingly accept them.

Sign up for your local Freecycle.org and watch for folks who are getting rid of baby clothes and other items in your area. You can often snag sacks of baby clothing and other baby things this way--all for free!

Freepeats.org is another online baby site which allows members to trade gently used baby and maternity items for free. Sign-up is only $1 right now, so this is definitely something to consider if there is a Freepeats group in your area.

Other great options are thrift stores and garage sales, of course. Also, check and see if there are any church rummage-type sales or consignment sales in your area. These are often goldmines! And if you start looking for items at least a six months before your baby is born, you'll likely be able to accumulate everything you need for pennies on the dollar this way.

For the record, I recommend buying your baby's bed and car seat new, just out of safety precaution. But that doesn't mean you need to spend an arm and a leg. Start looking at least a few months before your baby is born for deals at local stores and online deals. The majority of the time, by hitting an online sale and combining it with a coupon code plus cashback from eBates, you'll be able to get a pretty good deal.

Also, if you are in the market for deals on new baby items, be sure that you check out BabyCheapskate and BabyGoodBuys. Both are websites dedicated to alerting you to the best baby deals and freebies out there.

Oh and before I forget, The Natural Mommy has a great two-part series up on Reducing the Cost of Birth and Babies which I highly recommend you check out here and here. You might not agree with all her conclusions (just like you probably don't with mine!) but hopefully it will give you some more food for thought!

That about covers everything on the list of essentials except for diapers. Next week, I'll talk about saving money by cloth diapering and or stockpiling disposable diapers.

I'd love to hear your thoughts on what you think is a list of absolute necessities for having a baby. What are your best ideas for acquiring these inexpensively?

Comments

[Crystal DuBois]

Great post! I personally would also add a bath seat to my list of neccessities. Have you ever tried to bathe an infant without one? Not fun!

[Mary Jo]

Buying carseats new is really important, as they are only made to sustain a single accident. If purchased used, you have no idea what the item's history is. In Florida, the state highway safety patrol offers free carseat safety classes lasting less than an hour, and if you attend, you can purchase a really nice, brand new carseat for only $20! I just went to the class this past Tuesday. The carseat (which retails for $200!) is a convertible infant carseat, so it will work from newborn stage all the way through when the child needs a booster seat instead of a carseat.

[Susan]

I did a Frugal Friday post on this same topic!
http://practicingthrift.blogspot.com/2009/01/preparing-for-baby-thrifty-way.html

It is crazy to me all the "must have" gadgets that have come along. You can really get by with very little, as you've pointed out. As long as your baby is fed, warm, safe, and loved, you have everything you need!

[sandy]

Must point out that those of us in winter climates also need to expect a few more things on the clothes list...a heavy cover for the car seat, MUCH heavier blankets and clothes that cover the whole body, and at least one hat. Still..that's not much

[Lucky]

The biggest way I saved money was by looking outside of the baby section. I wanted a rocking chair when I had my son but the baby gliders that they sell are so expensive! Even used on craigslist they were more than I was able to spend. I looked in regular furniture section of craigslist though and I found I great vintage rocking chair for $50. I love it and it doesn't look babyish so I can use it elsewhere in my house after I am done with it in the nursery.

[jessica]

I couldn't do without the sling I wore my daughter in. A coworker made it for me, but you can buy them or make them yourself as well.
Oh, and nursing bras! I work full time, so I needed a breast pump as well.

[maryanne]

Great list. I think I would get either a maya wrap or (assuming there was the money to buy it) an ergo carrier over a stroller if you don't plan to go on long walks with baby. For long walks, I think a stroller is a must unless you have a super strong back.

We had almost no money when my daughter was born, and the only thing we bought for her was a sling and a bed. We borrowed an infant carrier from a friend (so we knew the carrier was nearly new and had never been in an accident) and someone gave us a gently-used stroller. I got blankets, basic outfits, and diapers and wipes for the first few months as gifts at my baby shower. Friends knew we needed basics so that's what they gave, and they were much appreciated.

I agree with you on buying convertible carseats new, but I don't think there's a problem borrowing an infant carrier provided it's fairly new and you know for sure it's never been in an accident. And of course, you don't "have" to have an infant carrier provided you get a convertible seat that's suitable from birth. We lived in the middle of a city and didn't even own a car when my daughter was born, so a full-size carseat didn't make sense - but we needed an infant seat for the occasional car ride (including getting home from the hospital!)

[alyssa]

Good list! It's so true that you really don't need alot for a newborn. Personally I would say a stroller isn't a necessity, but that obviously depends on your situation. I recieved one that was bought at a garage sale for $5, but it was quite awhile before I actually started using it. I'm glad I have it, but I could get by without it.

Also, if a crib or carseat is in very good condition(and not ancient, of course!) it doesn't have to be new. Just a thought- who buys a new bed and a new carseat for every child they have? I was given a used infant carseat from a friend that has worked perfectly fine.
We did by a new crib, although I've seen plenty at nicer consignment shops. We don't have much room, so we opted for a travel crib, which has worked wonderfully. (If anyone is needing a space-saving crib, get a Graco Travel Lite-it's really nice and not too pricey. We got it at Babies r us.) Our baby is still in it at 1 year old.

One thing that I would add to the list is a baby bathtub. I know you can do without, but it really made my life much easier! Get one that can be used from day 1 to toddlerhood. You don't have to spend very much. And even if you don't get a tub, you at least need a towel and washcloth. Baby size is so much easier to work with than adult size!

Those are just a few thoughts I hope will help somebody. Just think simply and let Grandma and friends buy the toys and clothes! But if you need to buy stuff, definitely look secondhand!

[Laura]

I am a stay-at-home-mom and mom of a one and a half year old and one to be born in 5 weeks! A way that I found to save money is cloth diapers. I have used both Bum Genius and Happy Heiny. I prefer Bum Genius because I had NO leakage problems with them, but I've had several with Happy Heiny. Bum Genius does have smaller velcro tabs which make the diaper easier to get off, but with no leaks, I'll take it! My daughter hasn't figured out how to get the diapers off, but she sometimes plays with the velcro enough to get the Bum Genius diapers crooked. Each diaper is around $18 (either brand). This means that for 12 diapers you'll spend around $220. If you check around you can find websites that offer free shipping or discounted rates. The diapers are adjustable meaning that the same diaper can be used for an 8lb baby that can be used for a 25lb baby. This means that the total diaper cost is about $220 for all 2 to 3 years that you'll need them. That is a huge overall savings!! They are EASY to clean. I love them!

[Money Saving Madness]

One thing I honestly couldn't live without was my Boppy pillow! I could nurse my babes and type on the computer at the same time! Plus, it just makes the nursing experience more comfortable, and with other toddler's in the house, I could read a book, basically do anything with my hands free!

[Tovah Certain]

Just a note about clothes.... I have been able to buy our little girls ALL name brand clothing from the time they were an infant and sell it each season on e-bay. It is time consuming, but I make back all if not more of what I put out. So sometimes quality yields a better return than buying cheap.

[n]

I would add a couple small cotton blankets to your list...so many babies love being swaddled and those "just the right size" ones seem to help a lot!

I would actually remove stroller from that list, at least in the beginning. You can take baby in and out of stores/church, etc in the carseat for the first few months instead of a stroller, (or just carry them!) and you can borrow strollers so maybe places for free/cheap now if you really needed one. I had strollers for all my children, and personally, I never thought I got my money out of them.

[Tiffany]

I love these posts!! I'm not expecting but I always pass along these bits of advice to new soon to be moms. When I had my son I picked up clothes at yard sales and registered for the things that make life easier or non necessities. My mom bought the crib, mother in law bought the stroller/carseat and the rest of the family bought the things that are nice to have like bouncer, baby tub, etc.

My advice is always be on the look out for baby stuff in the paper, yardsales and those places remember baby stuff is never used for long so it's usually in great condition and mom's are likely to give new moms a good deal.

[Kristine]

I would double the sleep 'n plays. My son spit up insane amounts. Some days we'd go through 3-4 outfits for both of us!

I also think a swing, bouncy chair, or big physio ball can go a long way towards soothing a fussy baby. It IS possible to rock a carseat in desperation, or buy a swing frame to place a carseat into to serve double duty. They don't have to be bought new, items like this seem to be rather plentiful on Craigslist, borrowed from a friend or family member for a 'test drive' so to speak, or purchased from a consignment sale.

[Dana]

Oooo! I have good advice on this one! (I never have good advice for you frugal gals - y'all know all the tricks!)

Check with your auto insurance company before buying a car seat. Farm Bureau, for example, will ship a car seat to you for $25, up to three per member, or a booster seat for $15!

The car seats are reversable, meaning you can take your little one home in them facing backwards and then turn it around on their birthday! They will last until he/she is ready for the booster!

Other companies may have this promotion as well, so check with your agent!

[Jolene]

A few months ago, we wanted to buy our 5 month old baby an exersaucer, but I didn't want to buy it brand new because I wasn't sure if he would even like it and I didn't want to pay full price. So we ended up buying him an exersaucer for $10 on Craigslist. It was in very good condition! So I'd recommend buying baby gear that you will only use for a short time on Craiglist. You might not find what you want listed right away, but if you're patient, you can find some great deals.

[temel]

The health departments in some states offer infant convertable car seats for free or very cheap. So check it out in your area. They have had a progam in Utah in the past. Sometimes you have to take a car seat safety class to get them. I would recommend doing this anyways, especially if you are a first time parent. The laws and installation process can be a bit confusing sometimes.

[Wendy]

I have a hand-me-down "circle". I am fortunate that I have friends that also have little boys, so we circle the hand-me-downs. I give my 11 year old's to the 8 year old, his go the the 3 and 5 year olds and the 3 and 5 years come to me for my 1 year old. We have all been able to scale back the amount of clothes shopping we have to do. I also visit the local consignment store for clothes and toys.

[Courtney]

I think your list is spot-on except for the stroller. For me, I'd swap the carrier for the stroller. I have three (Moby, Babyhawk, and Ergo), but for a newborn a Moby Wrap is plenty. With a newborn, I put it on in the AM and don't take it off until baby is in bed for the night, just popping him in and out as needed. It can get about 12 hours of use a day, whereas a stroller would get none! Think about it: you do need somewhere to "put" a baby when she/he isn't sleeping. They can't spend hours and hours in bed awake or in the stroller (not good for their heads or their cognitive development!) A carrier is perfect: a baby can nurse, be quietly alert, or sleep while being in her favorite place (close to you!) but you can still tend to older children and get things done around the house.

A stroller can be handy for an older baby/toddler, though, for sure! Or a carrier and a stroller: carry the baby in the wrap and your stuff in the stroller. If you lived in an area where you could walk to grocery stores then I'd definitely have a stroller too!

I have a 2.5 yo and a 6 mo. old and haven't needed a stroller once for the baby stage of either boy.

[Rhonda]

When my boys were babies we lived out of town from both sets of relatives, all of whom wished to gift us with clothes for the boys at birthdays and holidays. We suggested that husband's relatives buy Size ___ (current size..or one size up) and my relatives to purchase Size ___ (next size up..or two). We didn't purchase clothing (except underwear and shoes) for our boys until they were 7yo and 5yo.

[Kim]

Any hints on where to get an affordable (cheap but nice!) crib mattress?

[robin]

Very close to your list. We do not buy a crib or bed tho.
Outfits-some onesies and footed sleepers
Some receiving blankets
A soft fleece blanket
Plenty of diapers & wipes
Some unscented gentle baby wash stuff.

I also like to have:
A long piece of cloth to wrap baby onto me
A stroller (fold-up but tall enough that I don't have to bend over-this was the only pricey thing I bought and was WAY worth it)
A swing for first few months (borrowed)

[Courtney Jamison]

I totally agree! New moms who spend $800 on crib bedding are out of their minds. Although my husband makes more we set our budget at poverty level and save the rest (we take no government assistance). Just think of all the interest that $800 will make between now and retirement!

[Amanda]

As a new mommy of a 3 month old baby I have found that a "first aid" kit made up of infant tylenol, gas drops, a thermometer, desitin, baby band aids and motrin has been of great need at my house!

[Megan]

I was just going to throw out there a little tip about formula. When you can't (or prefer not to) breastfeed, formula is your only option - and a VERY expensive one. Please don't overlook your local WIC offices. They are able to help immensely with formula costs, and I believe they also help with cereal, milk, cheese, etc. Even if you are breastfeeding, WIC will supply breastpumps and nutritional vouchers as well. Almost every town/county has a WIC office, so it should be fairly easy to find one!

[Finance Girl]

I am one of those people that has postponed children for financial reasons. However, my reasons are not really related to the cost of diapers and baby "stuff" - after reading this blog and others, I'm confident those things can be acquired inexpensively. Luckily, I also have good insurance, so that is not a problem.
My main issue is DAYCARE! I would bet that the cost of daycare is the main reason many women delay pregnancy. I realize many women choose to stay home, and I respect that, but I don't plan to. I earn half our household's income, and we're still working on debt/savings, so working makes sense for me financially as well. Does anyone have any suggestions about saving money on daycare? I'm hoping my mom might be able to help, but I lack the flexibility to only work on certain days, etc. Thanks!

[Jennifer]

Check out consignment type stores. You can also find all sorts of items there as well. I will say that I did buy name brand clothing at the consignment stores with tags still on for a small fraction of what they would be in the actual name brand store. Then when my kids outgrew them I sold them on ebay and made back my money PLUS some! :) So don't discount getting name brand clothing if you can get a deal b/c it's great stuff to ebay. Also I would have to say I'd go with 14 onesies/sleepers instead of 6 of each. I know that some days the little one will spit up far more and then you'd be out of luck with outfits. Plus again if getting at a consignment store you'd make out for sure. Also another great place to get baby type clothing is Kohl's when they have their sales. I bought 5 outfits for our soon to be nephew there and paid a little more then $12. And these weren't just plain ole' onesies either. LOL It just takes a little looking and not going all at once. But if you do have baby showers, rest assured you will get clothing! LOL Lots of clothing, I'm sure. LOL Oh and I would say a diaper type bag is most useful..........could be a tote or something, but you will need some type of bag. Especially with church, grocery shopping, etc. :) Oh and my daughter loved her swing so much. So that would be a 'must have' for us. :) Grandma & Papa got her a set that matched.......car seat/stroller combo, swing, and play pen thingy.

[Stephanie H.]

A great way to get those big ticket items is to ask parents/grandparents to pool money to buy them or instead of having people bring gifts to a baby shower have them bring gift cards/money to help with those purchases.

After having 3 (with #4 on the way)- I've found that a TON of moms are looking to pass on their baby's clothes- so even with your first- you could do a disposables shower so you can get a bunch of diapers, wipes, baby soap, bibs and such. This will save you SO MUCH MORE than getting a ton of clothes that you could get from someone free or from garage sales for nickels and dimes-- and they're still very cute!

[Melissa]

Wow, I just started a series on my blog on this same topic! I only have 2 posts in the series, but the first is on how I saved by having a "diaper shower" instead of a typical baby shower
http://savingcentswithsense.blogspot.com/2009/02/good-cents-for-moms-saving-with-baby.html
The 2nd post is about how I have been saving through making my own baby food
http://savingcentswithsense.blogspot.com/2009/02/good-cents-for-moms-saving-with-baby_05.html
Great post! Thanks!

[Mrs. Mordecai]

I remember being so overwhelmed about buying all the equipment we needed when my son came. The first helpful thing I did was stop reading those silly baby magazines and websites. Who cares if they're free? They agonize over every little unimportant detail as if life depended on it, and they definitely increased my stress level.

Then one day I realized that if my son came tomorrow, we would be fine. The only thing we really needed was a stroller, diapers, and clothes. Babies can sleep anywhere. You can carry them; they don't have to ride in a stroller. Etc. Now, I did end up buying several things I didn't need, such as a stroller and playyard, but once I realized that they weren't necessary, life got easier.

[Amy]

I agree with the commenter who mentioned daycare. That is the #1 reason we haven't started a family yet. The "stuff" I could afford. It's the daycare that's the dealbreaker (and we certainly can't afford to have one of us not working).

[Kathryn]

I'm pregnant with #2 and I agree with your accessment. Babies just want to be fed and held, and all the cute clothes and accessories are mainly for mommy's benefit and take up a ton of space.
We yard-saled for the items we did not have given to us. Most items were almost new and usually less than 50 cents for clothing. Family "sponsored" a car seat, and a stroller as baby gifts. This time around, its a girl instead of a boy, so we went thru the boxes of boy clothes and picked out all the gender-neutral items to reuse. We are adding a few girl items from the thrift store and we will be good to go.
I also loved my Boppy pillow, the baby tub and a low dresser that I threw a towel on for a changing table, but thats mainly because I have a bad back and all of that was super helpful. But again, I got all of it at yard sales.
I picked up clothes that were in bigger sizes even though I didn't need them right at the moment--basic, good-condition, classic clothing will never look out of date, even if gotten a couple of years ahead.

[Julie]

I couldn't agree with you more, Crystal! One of the great joys of new babies is just how simple they are. Most of my favorite gear came to me free as gifts or hand-me-downs and now I look back to all the "research" I did on baby gear before my first came along as a big waste. I love going to group consignment sales for great deals too. Many big churches host sales in the spring and fall and they are open to the public.

[Bucky]

One of the best (and most odd at the time) things that I got when I adopted my infant son was a big stack of cheapo white wash cloths. They sell them for a $1 for a stack of 10 at WalMart. A friend gave me sixty. The really cheapo thin ones. White.

BEST BABY GIFT EVER!.

They are great for wiping up anything and everything. Soft. Absorbent. Toss in the wash with some bleach. Keep stacks of them in every room. And if you are out and about and need to toss one, no problem.

Ultimately, better and better for the environment. And did I mention cheap?

[bezzie]

There are oodles of comments as I post this--but craigslist is a goldmine of cheap baby goods!

I scored a portable swing from an auntie who was moving and who's nephew had outgrown it--so she only used it when he visited. I bought it before I knew we were having a boy, but I was OK with a girl swinging in a blue plaid swing. Only cost me $10!

We also only bought a porta-crib. Cost less than $150 and you can use them up until the baby weighs 35-40 lbs. which is about the age we transition to a big-kid bed anyway.

This kid around we also did not buy a stroller. My mom saved the Snuggli she used to carry ME around in 30 years ago and so we use that. I was gifted an umbrella stroller (which is all I would have bought anyway) so that by the time he outgrows the Snuggli, we can use the umbrella stroller.

Great post!!

[Robin]

Ask, ask, ask. Tell everyone you know especially those with children, that you need baby clothes. I haven't bought one thing (thanks be to God) and I have 3 kids, 3yr, 2yr and 1yr.
I also pass on whatever I can't use. I have borrowed swings, and thanks to Grandparents they have given us all the carseats and double strollers. For my 3rd I had a cloth diaper money shower. I bought some bumgenius and it worked fine. You can sell them when you are done for about 80% of the original cost at www.diaperswappers.net . For my 2nd child I had a paper diaper shower and we didn't buy diapers for the first 3 and half months! Don't be overwhelmed, it will be fine, you can buy as you go, you don't have to be stocked perfectly when the baby comes home! And definately do not read those free magazines or go by what those "baby registry" tell you. Save money, breastfeed if you can. And if you read moneysavingmom long enough you might figure out how to be able to go down to one income:)

[Julie]

Start shopping the diaper and wipe sales at WAGs and CVS as soon as possible. Check your grocery store clearance as well. I found a pack of Pampers Newborn diaper for $1.

It is also possible to make your own wipes.

Here are the details:

1. Cut the roll of paper towels in half with a knife and remove the inner cardboard core.
2. Mix liquid ingredients in container.
3. Place the paper towels in the container with the cut side facing downward.
4. Secure lid tightly and allow to sit until all liquid is absorbed into the paper towels.
5. Turn the container upside-down and allow to sit for 10 minutes.
6. Open container and 'start' the roll by pulling a towel from the inside of the roll.
7. Wipes are now ready to use.

[Laura]

Your list is great. The only things I would add are the essential baby toiletries (diaper cream, baby wash), 6-12 cloth diapers to use as burp clothes, and some sort of baby carrier. I didn't use the stroller until my babies were 2-3 months old, but I used a baby carrier from day 1. To save even more money, skip the infant car seat/stroller system. Buy and infant-to-toddler convertible seat and a well-made umbrella-type stroller. These are far more useful!

[Kathleen]

I would add a humidifier to your list. I know that all climates don't require them but for my little ones, they are a necessity in our house. I am so glad a relative thought of this for us.
For clothes and other gear items, craigslist and Once Upon a Child are FABULOUS!!! I have actually gotten brand new clothes (w/ the tags still on them) for dirt cheap. When you are done with your things, you can resell to buy the next set of kids things you need.

[Marie]

This is a great wealth of information. My husband and I are not yet pregnant, but are working on this as I type...well, not literally, but you get the point.

I have been stressed out the "cost" of having a baby and this has actually made me relax a little bit. I have started to think about stuff that I can do now and work into our budget now to get ready for a baby versus try to get everything at once and literally break the bank!

I appreciate your comments on keeping it simple in regards to purchases because I totally know that gifts will be coming out of my ears when baby comes. But I also like the idea of getting things "stockpiled" that I will need, like diapers, burp cloths, onesies, socks, etc. And regardless of sex, they always sell those things in white, yellow and green!

Question: what is the "best" diaper to buy? I'm not into name brands, but more into affordable. And if I can start buying and storing diapers when I see them on sale, that would be great.

[AlmostMom]

I agree with the comments about daycare. Crystal - I know it's not your specialty, but do you have any advice for those of us to have to work?

[Lynne]

If you're using formula, then you must have bottles, nipples, etc. as well.

Another money saver, many fire departments give away free car seats. Check your local department. Ours gave us a free booster seat. We didn't need it right after baby's birth, but we use it now and it was brand new!

[Susan]

Thanks for posting this. My step dd is expecting her first and I am trying to help her out with things by shopping the consignment sales and alsp stocking up on diapers when I find them on sale. After all this will be my first grandchild.

[lele]

Once a year on Black Friday, Babies R' Us has a case of their brand of diapers for $10, they have done this for the last few years and will hopefully continue to do so.( I have never found a good bargain otherwise at Babier R' Us .) A case lasts me almost a month. Their quality is better then Parents Choice, I would compare it to CVS store brand. I buy enough for the year. I estimate on size and they will except refunds for the exact same product in a larger size if you don't calculate properly. You can diaper a baby for $120 a year or $2.50 a week, if you pre plan. I have never had them question me for buying so many cases either.

[Karen]

Use money you get or gift cards at showers to buy diapers. We did this and did not have to buy diapers for 6 months! I agree to borrow whatever you can. We have borrowed many items. My best friend gave us a crib she bought new that her son only used once!

[Heart Reflections Live]

As one of those Mums who hasn't been able to nurse, I would really recommend Glass baby bottles with latex teats. We have identical twin boys-2 months old- and this is our first experience using glass. I did a study on toxic plastics while pregnant, and was horrified, though my 2 older daughters survived the really cheap plastic ones.
Besides the toxic issues, I believe the really cheap plastic ones are false economy as they corrode and corrupt and need replacing quite quickly. In Australia one glass baby bottle is $5 AUD. We bought 6 for our twins- this was sufficient- and believe it or not they are actually CHEAPER than the "Safe" plastic bottles that come with their own sterilizers, or sterilize in the microwave. And hubby and I have both dropped or knocked them over- once on my Mum's tiled floor and they've survived!
My other money-saving essential is the humble terry-toweling nappy square, folded thick in the middle(Scottish fold?) We got given 2 new packs for the twins, and the ones used by my daughters make great burp cloths, or are wonderful for wiping up messes. We buy generic nappy liners (incidentally, the wee ones can be washed, but I'm too busy to be THAT frugal!) and both plastic and wraparound pilchers or covers. We line dry the nappies unless it's raining or we run out.
We buy disposibles for night-time and going out.
Claire

[Mrs. Jo]

I found that a bouncy chair was an amazing help with all 3 of my babies. They loved to sit in it and sometimes it was the only way I got a shower or got to go potty. You can usually find these for under $5 at a yard sale or borrow one from a friend. My kids have also enjoyed the exersaucer, which we got from my aunt for free!

I recommend having a bulb syringe for snotty noses (and don't buy those worthless ones with a plug on the top).

Also, when they get to the grabbing/playing stage, it's nice to have an assortment of rattles, crinkly/crackly books, soft blocks, etc.

It's true that the vast majority of things we are told we "need" are just unneccesary junk when it comes to babies and toddlers.

[Pamela]

When my third child was born, we were broke. Our heater didn't even work. I only spent $60.00 out of pocket for brand new cloth diapers. Everything else was loaned or given to us. He was my happiest, most sweetest baby. We relied on God to provide for this child, and He did so much more than I ever hoped for.

I still remember running the washer at night with his little diapers in it and hanging them up out side in the early morning before it got hot out. By noon they were wonderfully clean and dry, smelling like fresh air. Oh those were the days.

Today, he is 15 - a sophomore in high school and a great kid.

[Keren]

I totally agree. We made it though our daughter's first year (just turned 1) with these things and just a few additional things (given a Baby Bjorn, borrowed an old high chair, exersaucer; given a craigslist changing table, but didn't use for the first few months). We didn't even pay for any of her disposable diapers or wipes(!)--stocked up well before she was born with coupons. Of course, she has a few toys and books, too; and is a very happy baby!

The 2 things I would have loved to have had are a swing and a rocker/glider, though; but hopefully we'll be able to if God blesses us with more children.

[Suzanne]

Great list! I would caution anyone using a borrowed or hand-me-down crib to be sure to inspect it very carefully. We had a hand-me-down crib that literally fell apart as soon as our daughter could pull herself up on the rails. It met all the safety standards, but apparently could not withstand 3 children in a row! :)
I'm definitely not suggesting someone buy a $500 crib, but be careful if it came out of someone's attic!