Saving money on baby stuff

I was thinking today about all the money we spend on baby things. Especially those things we just throw away... literally money in the garbage... how does that make you feel? So, I thought I would share just a little about what I know about store brands of baby items and maybe save you a few bucks too.

When Elijah (#1) was born, we went through several different diapers trying to find just one that he wouldn't pee out. It turned out that the cheapest brand Walmart had to offer was the only type that worked out for us. They were called Drypers at the time but have since changed to Parent's Choice. I swear by them and when people ask, that's the brand I refer them to. Also, the Target brand are great and run just about the same price as Parent's Choice.

A friend of mine recently read about a study out of England about disposable vs. cloth diapers and the cost effective-ness and eco-friendliness of each. Turns out, after washing and wearing and washing some more, cloth diapers really aren't more environmentally friendly than disposable diapers. In comes my cost effective analysis... I DON'T HAVE THE TIME TO WASH DIAPERS!! I would prefer to throw the poop in the garbage and be done with it. Actually, I've pretty much convinced this same friend who is pro-cloth that disposable is totally worth the saved time should she have a third child.

Now, on to formula. I've breastfed and formula fed all my children in different combinations. I don't really care how many studies have been done on breast vs. formula feeding. In the end, you have to do what's right for you and your child. When Gideon (#2) was born, I was not a friendly person and I hated breastfeeding. I felt badly about that until I realized that I was a happier person after I had cut him off. I was able to breastfeed Noah (#3) exclusively for 6 mo. and it was a great experience. He is now on formula and I love it!

Here's my analysis of formulas... the store brands are just as good as the name brands that cost at least 3X more. I got a huge can of Parent's Choice formula for $2 less than a smaller can of Similac. Parent's Choice formula is quite similar to Similac. Noah didn't have any troubles taking the cheaper formula and we've even used it in conjunction with Similac. If I remember correctly, the Target brand is similar to Similac also.

The same holds true for baby wipes. The expensive ones aren't better than the store ones so save yourself the money! I've actually gone to making my own wipes out of paper towels and I enjoy them so much more. I encourage you to look up on-line how to make your own wipes. Its worth your time and money!

With the older two, we used the Playtex Nurser bottles with the disposable liners. They're great. I have no qualms with them... except when I think about how much money we spent on the liners. Noah is using the store brand reusable bottles and likes them just fine. I feel so much better about the cheaper option that I don't have to keep buying liners for!

We have a Diaper Genie. I've decided to quit buying the acutal liners for it and just use a good old garbage bag. If you can get a diaper pail that uses a garbage bag, you will save so much money. I don't even want to think about how much we've spent on the special liners in the 4+ years we've been in diapers.

I'm also making our own baby food for Noah. The price of the jarred baby foods has gone up so much since even Gideon was a baby and I just can't justify forking out that kind of dough. I buy fresh produce on sale or from the freezer and prepare, puree and freeze. It makes me feel good that I'm not wasting money on the special foods and I feel even better that I know exactly what's being put in my baby's mouth.

Now I'll get on my soap box for just a minute. STOP BUYING NAME BRAND CLOTHING FOR YOUR BABY!!! Let's think about it... they outgrow everything within 2 months time. Baby doesn't know or care what clothes he's wearing. The selections at Walmart and Target are getting better all the time. Chances are, you have a friend or two who bought clothes brand new and are just sitting around in a box. Don't be afraid to borrow clothes or outright ask for them. If you do choose to buy brand new clothes in a department or specialty store, don't let them sit around after Baby has outgrown them. There are lots of families out there who would be grateful for the help.

If anyone out there has any great baby money saving tips, shout out!!