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Frugal Family-Baby Version

Tips, Tricks and Secrets to Saving Your Family Money –Baby Bargains

We all know how expensive having a baby can be. From clothes to gear, furniture, childcare, classes, and trips to the doctor, the list seems endless. So how can we cut corners and still feel like we are providing the best for our bundle of joy? I have come up with a list of a few local bargains for you and your baby to enjoy.

  • Local Baby Classes and Programs. While there are certainly a large number of classes out there for you to select, not all of them are bargains.  Here are a few low cost programs that I personally recommend. They are all well worth the time and money.
  1. PEPS (Program for Early Parent Support). Great for first time parents and for second time parents, this support style group helps parents navigate the joys and challenges of having children with other parents with children the same age. Prices range for each type of group. For more information on PEPS go to http://www.peps.org/
  2. Shorenorth Preschool Cooperative’s Baby n’ Me Class.  This wonderful preschool class gives new parents (with babies that are 0-9 months) a chance to explore a fun environment while meeting new friends. The class consists of sharing time for parents, singing and exercises for infants, and a topical discussion led by the instructor. Please go to http://shorenorthcooppreschool.wildapricot.org/ for more information.
  3. Bringing Baby Home.  While I teach this class to adopting parents, there are also classes available to those who are pregnant. This workshop, designed by John and Julie Gottman, two of Seattle’s top relationship experts, helps couples discover how to keep their relationship in tact while adding a baby to the mix. Chalked full of information both on connecting with your new baby and for maintaining a connection with your partner, this workshop is a great gift to yourself and to your children. http://www.bbhonline.org/
  • Local Consignment Shops.  Consignment shops catering to children can be a great way to pick up clothes, gear, toys and decor for your baby. Selling your stuff there can also help you earn back some of the money you have spent. Make sure that any item you buy conforms to the newest standards (especially cribs, car seats and anything that may contain lead based paint). Some of my local favorites are City Kids Consignment in Edmonds and Childish Things in Ballard.
  • Neighborhood or Friend Hand-Me-Downs Groups.  While hand-me-downs are not always ideal (I once had a friend that gave me all the stained clothes that her consignment store would not take – hey, thanks!) they can still be a great way to save money.  It certainly feels great when you are able to pass along the items and return the favor! Form a group that allows each member to be on the giving and receiving end of the deal.
  • Kids Sales. One of the most recent trends in finding baby gear is by shopping at a large kids sale put on by a local organization or by an individual organizer.  While you can find some great bargains by going the day of the sale, you usually find the best stuff if you can find a way to join the sale.  Most groups allow you to “pre-shop” the sale if you are a part of it.  Upcoming kid sales include: The Seattle Family of Multiple Sales (held in Shoreline March 31, 2012) http://www.facebook.com/seattlemultiplessale and Jack and Jill Sale (held in Lynnwood March 31 & April 1, 2012) http://www.thejackandjillsale.com/ and Snomoms Sale (held in Edmonds April 14, 2012) http://www.snomoms.org/
  • Baby Freebies. Take advantage of all the coupons and other baby freebies you receive in the mail and at the hospital. It is tempting to dump all the stuff that comes your way instead of taking the time to sift through it all and figure out what you might actually use.
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