How to be a Thrifty Mum: Shop, Swap and Save!

So the first thing people often say to you when you're thinking about having a baby is "baby's are soooo expensive!" And yes, sometimes that's the case! But it doesn't always have to be. If you're a parent who takes pleasure in buying top of the line, brand new, super fashionable baby items, then good for you! Live our best life! But I am not one of those mums. And that's cool too!

I found saving money and shopping for my baby super enjoyable because I have always been a vintage shopper. Now, you may be thinking... "Meg, why would you put second hand clothes on your brand new baby? Yuck!" but really there isn't much a good soak in Napisan, a wash and air dry can't fix. I have found some of the most incredible baby outfits for one and two dollars at my local thrift stores. Even new with tag garments that have never ever been worn! And the reality is, your baby is going to puke, poop and god knows what else all over everything. So it's always best to have lots so you don't have to wash all their clothes every single day! You can also find other handy things like cheesecloth muslin wraps, quilts, blankets and even strollers and other items. Obviously if you purchase something like a stroller second hand, it's always best to get it checked over by a professional to make sure the breaks are working and it's safe for your baby. But honestly, I got a Bugaboo Cameleon on facebook market place, which usually retail for about $1100+, for only $50 and a $30 break repair. I just washed all the soft parts and it was good as new!

You will find that the outfits you are mostly putting your newborn in will be a simple onsie with hand mittens and a zip. I can't stress enough, STOCK UP ON THESE! Why? Press studs are fiddly and when your baby is really small they get cold and confused and cry when they are being changed. So, if you can just lay them down on a garment and pretty much just zip them into it, happy baby happy Mum. Babies aren't huge fans of having things pulled over their heads, hence the zip. And having the built in mittens means at night time or nap time you can tuck those little paws away so they can't scratch their faces in their sleep. Bonds is great fro this and you can always find them at op-shops or outlet stores. The bonds outlet always has crazy deals and I try to rationalise my consumerism by convincing myself I'm saving those clothes from landfill. Another great brand is Boody, they make baby clothes out of bamboo. They are silky soft AND soft on your wallet. Also much better for the environment than cotton.

I mentioned before muslin wraps, I really can't stress enough how handy these are. I have a very pukey baby and I use at least three of these a day. They are amazing to drape over your shoulder as a burp cloth, or to wipe away and liquid that happens to be oozing out of your baby. One night I even ran out of breast pads, folded one of these bad boys up and stuffed it in my shirt to catch the milk that leaks out...don't get me started on this milk leaking situation.
I was given a stack of these wraps, I'm talking like 30+ of them, and I thought there was no way I would ever use them. But honestly I think all of them have been washed at least three times already. So if you can get them for a dollar each from a thrift store or buy a stack on ebay or facebook market place, do it, you're doing yourself a huge favour.

The only thing I would say you must never skimp on is the car seat. That's a life or death situation you don't want to mess with. However you can find very well priced and effective car seats if you have a good look around. I purchased my carseat from Target. I think I paid about $170 for it and it's incredible. The brand is Mothers choice. I highly recommend it.

Using reusable nappies is also a great way to save money. I still haven't transitioned Olive to cloth nappies yet, but over the summer we are going to do it more. Disposable nappies can cost $30 a box and it can be quite a strain because they do go through them very quickly. Reusable nappies you only have to buy once and they can be washed and used again countless times! Unlike the old reusables that you used to have to fasten with a pin and fiddle around with, modern cloth nappies have snaps and inserts and all sorts of good stuff that makes them very easy to use and wash. Another great thing about them is that most will grow with your baby, so when they get bigger you con simple just adjust them and they will still fit! The brand I enjoy is Greenkids, they are relatively in expensive and have very sweet designs. 

Another way of keeping costs down is to chat to your friends and neighbours about what you need. Often if they have kids they are desperate to get rid of the stuff they have grown out of or no longer use. For example I got a change table from a neighbour, simply for walking by while pregnant. You can also join community facebook groups in your area like "buy nothing" or barter pages. This is a great way to find things you need for next to nothing and meet other mums in your area! I myself am hosting a baby jumble swap in a couple of weeks for just this purpose!

And lastly, wait for the baby shower, because your friends and family are probably super excited to give you gifts for your tiny baby! I was so overwhelmed in the best way by my baby shower. I had no idea that my baby would be so anticipated and loved. I also found it handy to make a simple gift registry, not so much to say "get me these things" but just as a gentle suggestion for what my baby still needed so nothing was wasted. For example, I asked that if possible, people could bring gender neutral gifts and natural products.

Buying second hand as much as you can and using reusable products where you can is super beneficial for the environment. You're saving those items from going into landfill and if you pass them on to your friends, they are too. If for no other reason, this is a great reason to be thrifty!

In this photo Olive is wearing a hand made Beanie from her Noni, a cardigan that her Gammy made me when I was a baby, a dress that was thrifted from a market and gifted to Olive form her Aunty Emma, knitted bloomers from a thrift store and socks from a chemist. Easy! All up this outfit probably cost under $10, but it's full of sentiment and love.