12 Tricks to Save Money on Baby Gear

Baby care in general can be very expensive. This is why, given the opportunity, new parents should capitalize on saving techniques when it comes to purchasing baby gear. Baby gear consists a variety of items including; baby diapers, baby clothing, strollers, play yards, and much more. Baby gear is any item that is used to meet all the baby's needs. Here are some key tips and tricks on how to save money on baby gear.

1. Avoid purchasing unnecessary baby gear

This includes any item that is not a must have or can be substituted by an equally good alternative. For instance a wipe warmer, a bottle sterilizer - a dishwasher can serve the same purpose. Also, a baby monitor, especially if you live in a small apartment.

2. Structure your baby clothing shopping

The first thing you should to is to stock your baby's layette. A layette is the basic necessities of the baby's wardrobe. For instance: blankets(3-4), socks(6-8 pairs), pajamas/nightgowns(6-8 pieces). The goal here is to first obtain the basics then you can add more fun stuff as you go. Also, shop in stores that offer cheaper prices for clothes for example Perfectly Preemie or Carter's.

3. Free baby stuff

Do your research and find out where you can get free, quality and reliable baby stuff. There a number of places where mothers and pregnant women can get freebies. A number of diaper brands have various programs that help save money spent on diapers. For example, the Huggies Enjoy the Ride program allows you to earn points after a purchase of their diapers, and you can later redeem the points for free items such as toys and books.

4. Choose to cloth diaper

The most reliable cloth diapers can go for as little as a dollar a piece. They have a high absorption rate and are also very durable. Cloth diapers save money because you can obtain free samples by requesting the cloth diaper company especially if you have questions about them. Free samples can also be obtained from organisations such as Giving Diapers and Giving Hope.

5. Baby formula

When it comes to baby formula, focus on the ones that a most affordable, but also offer the required quality of nutrition for your baby. In addition, some companies offer free baby formula to mothers to retain their customer loyalty. Nearby hospitals also give free baby formulas to mothers. An example of brands that offer affordable but nutritious baby formula are; Enfamil and Target Up & Up.

6. Classifieds and online swaps

You can find local swap groups on Facebook and Yahoo! These groups create avenues for moms to sell baby items that are no longer in use. Most of the time the prices offered in these groups are cheaper, and sometimes the baby items are give away items. Moms also share information with regard to coupons and other deals that you can get at local stores. An example of such websites is Craiglist's baby + kids section, where you can find toys, furniture for the baby's room and baby clothes.

7. Have a registry

For your baby shower, it is key to have a registry for your baby's gifts. This ensures that you do not end up with a number of the same items, which can be hard to dispose or trade. Instead, you only get the stuff that you really need. Amazon for example have a wide variety of baby items to select from and good shipping deals for out- of -town friends and family.

8. Hit the sales

When you shop sales or use coupons you can consistently save 20-30 percent!

9. Test drive

Always make sure that you test drive before you purchase any baby gear. Baby strollers and cribs, for example, are sensitive goods. You can always ask friends who use similar baby items for reviews. Some of the best cribs and strollers can be bought online from Amazon.

10. Make smart bargain buys by buying in bulk.

Diapers and baby formula, for example, can be bought in bulk.

11. Buy used baby items

This recommendation applies to items such as car seats, or crib.

12. Buy items that can multi-task

This includes three-in-one convertible car seats, which can be purchased from Amazon. Also breast feeding pillows that can alternatively be used to stabilize the baby when they are learning to sit. (EA)