We love consignment! It's the only way that we can stay within our families budget and still get the gear we require. You can find a ton of sales nationwide at www.kidsconsignmentsales.com!

0  | 

I found this helpful Thank You! Your vote will be tallied soon!

This is a great article - most of my friends go way overboard on their first babies and by the second one they know they can get by easily with far less.

0  | 

I found this helpful Thank You! Your vote will be tallied soon!

For us, using the book "Baby Bargains" by Denise and Alan Fields was key. It broke everything down in terms of quality and price and what was really essential. Store baby registries make it seem like you HAVE to have x, y, and z when it really isn't true. Also visiting message boards reviewing the different baby gear and products was really helpful in finding the best products for the best prices.

3  | 

I found this helpful Thank You! Your vote will be tallied soon!

Aim for moderation is probably the best approach. With my first born I didnt want second hand (it must be PRISTINE for my angel!), but I also didn't want to spend $4000 for a crib (ok, I DID want to spend $4,000 for a crib, it was my husband that did not). In the end, I think we came away with a good mix, but the problem is, you end up wasting a ton of money for Great Stuff the kids dont play with or use. Red wagon? Got the nice one, never used. Rocking Toy with sounds? Got the nice one, never touched. Other kids go crazy over the same stuff mine ignores. With the second one, I've totally erased my snobbery of hand me downs. I will be thrilled if this one only costs me diapers!

1  | 

I found this helpful Thank You! Your vote will be tallied soon!

These are all good points. I also tell friends to remember to look for items that can grow with your baby. A crib that converts to a toddler bed, a toy that can be used at various developmental stages, etc. are all good money savers.

1  | 

I found this helpful Thank You! Your vote will be tallied soon!

Whatever you do, don't buy the $250 baby backpack for hiking unless you KNOW FOR SURE you're going to use it. My daughter outgrew our Kelty backpack before we had even gone on three or four hikes.

1  | 

I found this helpful Thank You! Your vote will be tallied soon!