Womb to Bloom - Maternity & Beyond

As a first time mom or mom-to-be, it can be so financially stressful shopping for all the essential gear and clothing necessary for your baby. Not to mention the sticker shock of seeing the cost of a mega pack of Pampers. Of course, you want the best of everything for your precious baby. However, buying all this gear and clothing can completely drain anyone’s savings account.

I remember looking at infant outfits at a popular store and was surprised to find them more expensive than a comparable adult outfit that I really needed for my post-pregnancy figure. So what is the best way to purchase brand name baby gear and clothes when you are on a small budget?

Once I had my first baby, I went from having two incomes to one. One income has forced me to become strategic in buying the brand name gear and clothes on what I like to call my “Goodwill budget.” I have learned to shop with a handful of strategies to get the items I really need and want.

I have learned which stores are “frugal mom friendly” and “baby friendly” and keep an eye on their weekly and seasonal clearances. One of my favorite such stores is Target. They always have a clean family bathroom and changing table, which is essential for any first-time mom and baby. I can also grab a quick fountain drink or coffee, which later I justify with the great deals I find.

Target has exceptionally stocked 75% clearance racks, especially on Tuesdays since this is the day my local store officially marks down their inventory. I have picked up some great gear including my car seat, double stroller, crib sheets, layettes, sleepers and numerous nursery essentials sometimes up to 75% off their regular prices. I never purchase anything unless it is marked down considerably.

I also love to shop Old Navy and Baby Gap during their weekly and seasonal clearances. I have picked up adorable outfits that retail up to $45.00 for less than $10.00. These types of shopping strategies and finds always make for great conversation with our weekly playgroup friends.  Not to mention the fact that my baby is wearing an adorable outfit at a fraction of the retail price.

A second strategy I have relied on is simply planning. I always try to think about the upcoming change of season and keep in mind the stage my baby will be at during this change.  Will he need warmer or cooler clothes? Will I want some different indoor or outdoor gear and toys? These are just a few ideas of how I like to think ahead three to six months to get the best deal for my dollars.

This strategy also helps me to pinpoint which gear I may need or want. For example, I began watching for a baby jogger three or four months before my son could ride in it. Within three months, which was ironically at the end of summer, I was able to purchase the last baby jogger available at a local sporting good store. Since it was the end of the season, I was able to purchase the stroller for $75.00.

This was a savings of $125.00 and my son was now big enough to enjoy a ride in this particular type of stroller. We had a wonderful time walking through our neighborhood watching the fall leaves turn golden. This strategy of always thinking ahead has helped to keep our budget in check and has allowed us to have all the right gear we could possibly need to enjoy each stage and each season with all our babies.

Another strategy has simply been word of mouth. Once friends, family, and acquaintances heard I was having my first, second, and third baby, I was given a crib, bassinet, and adorable brand name outfits perfect for each of my newborns. All of these items were gently used and I was able to pass them on to my other expectant friends.

I have also found great quality gear, clothing, and toys at a mom sponsored event in my community called “Belly Buttons and Bows,” which is held quarterly at different locations. I was able to purchase very expensive items at garage sale prices. What is so exciting about this type of sale is that I am supporting another mom reselling her items that her babies have outgrown gently. This type of sale usually is advertised through most community newspapers, church bulletins, gym nurseries, and mom groups. They can be found throughout most communities and simply are a goldmine for any expectant and new mom.

Finally, there are always consignment shops. They are a bit disorganized, overcrowded, and a little over-priced at times; however, they also have seasonal clearances and great bargains. I don’t personally consign items, since I like to pass on my baby items to friends. But I do tend to find high quality name brand clothing at Goodwill prices since they are very particular about the quality of merchandise they will consign.

It just takes a little work to dig through all their options to find the right sizes and seasonal choices. I can even find my baby’s name brand diapers being sold at consignment store prices from time to time as mothers tend to overbuy and their babies tend to grow out of their diaper size too quickly. With this savings on diapers, gear and clothing, I am able to use my leftover change for a drive through coffee or fountain drink on my way home!