Where to spend the money?

You can't put a price on safety as far as we are concerned.

We bought all brand new because we didnt get anything handed down to us. We bought the best capsule and carseat as to us its the only thing worth spending decent coin on. If your finances allow buy a carseat that RF for as long as possible. We still Rf DD and shes nearly 19mths and we will till she grows out of her carseat. which will Rf till 4.

Just be careful when buying carseats/capsules when it comes to their shelf life. Not all carseats are created equal. Ask the sales people when you are looking.. The people at Baby on The Move are awesome when it comes to info. Use them to your advantage.

Hey these are just my opinions too. Everyone has different ideas as to whats best.

Clothes you can save heaps on by buying off trademe or on sale.

 

I haven't had bubs yet so can't say how many clothes he really needs, but almost all his clothes were from a second hand shop. Save mart is awesome, half the baby clothes still have the original price tags on so they're not really second hand as they've never been worn! Some of the cutest things he has were $5 from save mart, complete with original price tag

I also wouldn't buy a secondhand mattress, I know it's probably fine but I wouldn't sleep on one myself so why should I make him?

As for the pram... I'll tell you if I still adore my lower price range one when I've had bubs out for a walk in it!

We got new carseats for the kids, I didnt really feel comfortable buying second hand ones, out cots are new as well, but I would buy a second hand one if I knew it was good and sturdy.

Clothing, T & T have always served my kids well, I have T & T stuff that was Cadens that Isabella now wears now, in great condition.
I wont spend money on PP stuff new, as its over priced in my opinion, however I will buy it off TM cheap

Highchairs, cheap is good and does the same job!

We have that highchair (well like that one, don't know if it's the same brand) - so much easier than other ones we looked at with too many crevasses.

As for bells and whistles, I for one was referring to cup holders, extra arm rests etc etc NOT rear facing. Both of my kids have grown out of their carseats lengthwise before weightwise so aren't RF any more, and even my friend who has her son RF in a Brio has just changed him to FF (at 2) because he's just about at the weight and height limit. So sometimes, even buying the more expensive ones doesn't mean you're going to have more luck with it. My son at 2 could still be RF if I wanted him to be, but I was sick of the tantrums and carsickness,

emz wrote: We have that highchair (well like that one, don't know if it's the same brand) - so much easier than other ones we looked at with too many crevasses. As for bells and whistles, I for one was referring to cup holders, extra arm rests etc etc NOT rear facing. Both of my kids have grown out of their carseats lengthwise before weightwise so aren't RF any more, and even my friend who has her son RF in a Brio has just changed him to FF (at 2) because he's just about at the weight and height limit. So sometimes, even buying the more expensive ones doesn't mean you're going to have more luck with it. My son at 2 could still be RF if I wanted him to be, but I was sick of the tantrums and carsickness,

I apologise emz - I misread the intent of your post I haveto admit that I myself hadn't given much thought about carseats for DD. I visited two big 'baby stores' while looking into seats, where I dare say many parents buy their carseats from and was given advice that I later found to be a load of bollocks. They were certainly convincing and I hate to think of the many people who have bought carseats based on their advice. Thankfully I didn't buy on the spot and researched a little further.
As for the Brio, I have heard of many children who have unfortunetly outgrown the height restrictions well before the 25kg weight limit and well before reaching 4yrs old. Good thing to note though is seats can be imported and are legal to use here from Europe - NZ recognises EU safety standards and there are quite a few seats particularly from Sweden that can be imported here for around the same price as a Brio.

Ok, I'll stop my 'preaching' there

i agree with lilfatty and mamm2N about researching into carseats...

we brought a new cot years ago and it is still going strong for child no 3. i used a second hand highchair and bouncintte that i got off a friend and they were in such good condition after 2 of my kids finished with them i passed them on.

i dont think bells and whistles are important when it comes to highchairs and really liked the mocka designer one i got for eden.

pushchairs... really research them too. i brought a MB when pregnant with first and regretted it. i hd troubles with the wheels and it was so wide. then when no 2 came along i found out they dont take a toddler seat. so i didnt plan that purchase well at all.

i think lots of looking around and comparison shopping is the way to go, and spending big isnt always necessary.