I disagree on the diaper thing. Quality diapers, at least with my son, prevented a lot of messes. We tried several times to switch, and ended up with **** everywhere.
Baby Planning
- Thread starter simply1
- Start date
Agree. the better ones cost more but you will use fewer. Also have to watch out for rashes with some of the cheaper ones. We had the best luck with Pampers and Huggies but be careful of even named brand diapers from Walmart. To make them cheaper, they make them less absorbant.
We've never had a (properly installed) Costco one leak. We tried Pampers a couple of times, but had leaks with those.
Rumor has it that the Costco ones are just rebranded Huggies Supremes.
For our first two kids, we bought nothing but Pampers Swaddlers & Cruisers. While I do stand by those diapers as preventing some messes, the cost/benefit wasn't great enough to continue using them. We've found that Wal-Mart diapers work fine for us, but Target wipes are much better than Wal-Mart wipes. Not sure what everyone else's thoughts are on that...
Of course this is all non-scientific research with a sample focus group of 1. :smile:
Of course this is all non-scientific research with a sample focus group of 1. :smile:
Having four kids myself, the best advice I can give you is, cut back in other areas, shop at Aldi's, coupons at hy-vee, whatever formula works, get on their website and they will send out coupons, garage sales for shoes, sometimes you can find clothes that aren't worn out, but usually you can find decent inexpensive clothes at Wal-mart and Target. As far as doctor bills go, it's all about luck, but change your air filter every month and for god's sake, avoid children's play areas at the mall when school is in session, there are more sick kids playing in there than you could possibly imagine!
Here's the best advice I can give you. Listen to other advice but take it for what it is worth. No one has all of the answers and there usually isn't a best answer. Just figure out what is best for you and go with it.
Some things that other people swear by won't work for you. Other things that they hated, you'll love. Unfortunately, a lot of baby items are trial and error. You have to keep trying different things until you figure out what works for you. After probably $30 and umpteen million different pacifiers, we figured out neither of our children liked them.
I know quite a few people who use cloth diapers, and they love them. While they might be cheaper in the long run (water/washing aside) the cost to buy all the diapers (soakers, prefolds, inserts, covers, etc....) can be very expensive in the beginning.
Garage sales, consignment stores, etc.. are great places to buy gently used items - especially the big things like exersaucers, bouncy seats, etc... Just check and make sure nothing you buy has been recalled.
As far as car seats go, I'll echo buying one infant carseat and having two bases for it if you have two vehicles. Also realize that car seats expire after approximately 5-6 years (the plastic starts to break down and is no longer as effective in an automobile accident). So that is one thing I would definitely buy new.
In the end, it is up to you to make the decision you feel is best for your child. Make it and own it. If your wife cannot breast feed or chooses not to, that's okay. If you decided to buy the premade baby food instead of making your own, that's okay too. If you decide that your baby will only wear Huggies Supreme or whatever kind of diapers, that's okay. Just stand by your decision, no matter what anyone else says.
I know quite a few people who use cloth diapers, and they love them. While they might be cheaper in the long run (water/washing aside) the cost to buy all the diapers (soakers, prefolds, inserts, covers, etc....) can be very expensive in the beginning.
Garage sales, consignment stores, etc.. are great places to buy gently used items - especially the big things like exersaucers, bouncy seats, etc... Just check and make sure nothing you buy has been recalled.
As far as car seats go, I'll echo buying one infant carseat and having two bases for it if you have two vehicles. Also realize that car seats expire after approximately 5-6 years (the plastic starts to break down and is no longer as effective in an automobile accident). So that is one thing I would definitely buy new.
In the end, it is up to you to make the decision you feel is best for your child. Make it and own it. If your wife cannot breast feed or chooses not to, that's okay. If you decided to buy the premade baby food instead of making your own, that's okay too. If you decide that your baby will only wear Huggies Supreme or whatever kind of diapers, that's okay. Just stand by your decision, no matter what anyone else says.
Walmart brand wipes are cheap, but horrible. Takes a lot of digging to get one up and that is not a good thing when you have a squirmy 1-year-old with **** everywhere.
I'd get familar with your health insurance, what's covered, co-pay, etc...with both our kids we were visiting the dr. plenty during the first 2 years with ear infections, high fevers, etc.....
We never did buy many toys. Between birthdays and Christmas they were spoiled enough by grandparents and other family.
We were able to get a lot of hand-me-down clothes from relatives. We never did do the garage sale thing much but my wife is an very good bargain shopper and always seemed to find decent deals at Old Navy and Kohls.
We never did buy many toys. Between birthdays and Christmas they were spoiled enough by grandparents and other family.
We were able to get a lot of hand-me-down clothes from relatives. We never did do the garage sale thing much but my wife is an very good bargain shopper and always seemed to find decent deals at Old Navy and Kohls.
I think it might have something to do with the shape of their behinds, because only Pampers would work for us. We bought the super duper Huggies once, and everything went right down his leg.
Yeah, they told us in "baby school" that every baby is different and different brands fit different babies differently.
It's all about finding what works for you!