Skimp vs Splurge
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Topic: Skimp vs Splurge
Posted By: minik8e
Subject: Skimp vs Splurge
Date Posted: 16 January 2009 at 7:56am
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I'm not sure if this is the right place to post this but I'm wondering - for those of you on a tight budget, what baby things did you skimp on (ie. get secondhand) and what things did you splurge? What was the reason?
We don't have a LOT of money and we want to save up as much as we can before bubs is born (I'm thinking positive that this IS a sticky bean!!), so would like to know the things that it's best to get new, and the things that we can get away with secondhand. Thank you! |
Replies:
Posted By: lilfatty
Date Posted: 16 January 2009 at 8:06am
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Golly .. just about everything of Issys is 2nd hand (and you cant tell)
In my opinion the only thing I think that HAS to be new is the capsule/carseat Others will say baby should have a new mattress, however Issys is 2nd hand and she is still thriving. ------------- Mummy to Issy (3) and Elias (18 months) I did it .. 41 kgs gone! From flab to fab in under a year  http://www.femininefitness.co.nz/category/blog - LFs weight blog
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Posted By: lilfatty
Date Posted: 16 January 2009 at 8:07am
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Oh I will say however with number two we splurged on a new pram (as the one we had didnt have the option of carrying two kidlets).
Should have just splurged on one in the first place .. when we were on two incomes (although they P&T didnt make the Vibe back then .. and I wasnt too fussed on their other prams) ------------- Mummy to Issy (3) and Elias (18 months) I did it .. 41 kgs gone! From flab to fab in under a year http://www.femininefitness.co.nz/category/blog - LFs weight blog
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Posted By: kebakat
Date Posted: 16 January 2009 at 8:09am
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We skimped on the big items and clothing.
A newborn does not need lots of cute fancy little outfits. They are a pain in the bum to change because they are all floppy and they grow so quick that you will need the next size up anyway. It's really a waste of money and places like tnt and kmart etc do have some cute stuff for much cheaper than pumpkin patch. Things like a cot you can get 2nd hand. You don't need to spend a grand on a cot. We personally got a new cot but only paid $300 for a very basic one and it's been brilliant, no issues whatsoever with it and will serve well for #2. I also got a change table for $20 on trademe. Trademe is brilliant if you look around over a period of time. I just constantly kept an eye out and it paid off. My splurge was probably cloth nappies. I don' tknow if it counts but it was a big set up cost and I got smalls and mediums at once with a few larges as well rather than waiting. |
Posted By: Glow
Date Posted: 16 January 2009 at 8:20am
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We were thew same as J, skimp on everything but the carseat ------------- Mummy of Two Boys B: 2004 K: 2007 |
Posted By: pomikiwi
Date Posted: 16 January 2009 at 8:21am
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We had a family basinette with DD which is over 40 years old, we just got new mattress, and same with the cot. It is 14 years old and we bought a new mattress. We'll be having a different basinette this time though as another family member has the one we used first time. Not sure about using the same cot, another friend has offered us her cot which is only 3 years old, so we may borrow that instead.
I got heaps of toys passed down too and clothes from my friend who's baby was onnly 10 weeks older than DD. And because DD is so much smaller than her now, we still get all the clothes which is a great saving. We also got a moutain buggy from my SIL, we did originally buy a pram, and wish i'd never bothered. ------------- http://lilypie.com">  
DD-Carys Amelia 17.03.06 |
Posted By: Snappy
Date Posted: 16 January 2009 at 8:45am
We splurged on a Safensound Carseat (Actually, my parents did  ) I got most of Jacksons clothes from the opshops. I did get him a few Pumpkin patch things online through the product code discount thingee, just so that he had a few "nice" outfits for when we went out.
We splurged on a MB, and a cot/change table set at the baby factory. But we got it all at a great rate. Im so pleased we bought it as the MB has been great for my running. I also rushed out to buy a breastpump the day I got out of hospital with Jackson. I was originally going to buy one off trademe but Mum told me to wait and see if I'd even need it. Turns out I needed it! We did sell it for more than half of what we bought it for on trademe. I didnt buy him any toys, just raided the opshops and picked up a whole heap of really good toys for 50c each. I really wish we had of slurged on some posies while we were on 2 incomes. That would have saved us so much money now that we are on one income. (I was planning on returning to work originally) We could have got a lot more things second hand, but being on two incomes we just couldnt help ourselves. Really wish we had of saved even more money for "emergencies". ------------- Mummy to two beauties... Formerly Kaiz. |
Posted By: BuzzyBee
Date Posted: 16 January 2009 at 9:18am
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Haven't bought anything second hand, just shopped around and bought up big in sales (ie. I never pay full price for any of his clothes UNLESS its the odd item that i can justify, and i DONT shop at PP- waste of money if you ask me, if your bean is anything like my boy, he grows out of his clothes within a few months)
I was lucky in that my parents bought his baby capsule, and grandparents bought us a nice new cot! I also had savings from a couple years working so I could buy what i wanted, I just don't do second hand stuff. I'm fussy. I was in a situation where I probably should have bought a lot of stuff second hand (being a single mum and all), but i got around it. Bottom line is I have amazing parents who have helped us out heaps and let me off without paying board for the first 7 months of pregnancy, so i could save $$$ to splurge on bub. Sorry not all that helpful, but i definitely recommend safe 'n sound carseats convertible from rear facing to forward facing. Even that I got on sale down from $360 to $270 and had it installed when I was just 20 weeks preg lol! I seriously never buy things full price, EVER! |
Posted By: My3Sons
Date Posted: 16 January 2009 at 9:26am
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Before you figure out what to buy, I would definetly say BORROW!!! ------------- Mum to Mr 10, Mr 6 and Mr 4 
 
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Posted By: Neeks
Date Posted: 16 January 2009 at 9:27am
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Skimp
Capsule we hired from Plunket, Stroller we got for a bargain, Bouncinette yet another bargain Clothes (some but not all) Drawers Linen (mattress protectors, sheets, blankets etc) Splurge Cot (brand new and only cost us $300) Carseat Mattress Basinette and Stand (Cariboo style) -------------  
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Posted By: minik8e
Date Posted: 16 January 2009 at 9:37am
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KM - we only have one friend who we could borrow off, and they are TTC #2 at the moment so not really practical!! We have a bassinet - DF's family one.
Will definitely get a brand new carseat. I work across the street from T&T so that's all good  Mind you, JK, Baby Factory and Pumpkin Patch are all just up the road too LOL I'm more likely to buy any PP stuff from TM though, and just for special occasions kind of thing. I'm more of a "practical" clothes kind of girl, than fancy cute...but that's just me. There will be some cute fancy stuff, but it will be the rarity, not the norm!!
I will definitely be keeping an eye on TM for a lot of things - I'm happy with a 2nd hand cot, but might get a new mattress, depending on what the existing one is like I think.... Thanks heaps...I'm going to keep reading opinions and make a list LOL Oh...and I have around 100 flat nappies (the old style white ones) thanks to MIL who kept them - woohoo!! |
Posted By: minik8e
Date Posted: 16 January 2009 at 9:40am
| Oh, and we have a set of drawers which I want to sand down and paint in more "baby friendly" colours as well. I was thinking of getting DF or my dad to build a change table with shelves and I could buy a change mat to go on the top. Would this work?? |
Posted By: sally belly
Date Posted: 16 January 2009 at 9:41am
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We bought our cot, change table & basinette off trademe. The cot was about $250 I think & we've been really happy with it. We did buy a new mattress for it though.
The change table ended up being free because a small piece broke off it when it was being disassembled so the man said we could take it for firewood. DH mended it with some glue. We bought a new high chair, stroller, bouncer & car seat. But in hindsight, everything really can be bought secondhand. Like some of the others, I would always buy a new carseat & mattress though – but that’s just me
You can buy drawers secondhand & sand them back & paint them. That can be a nice little project when you’re waiting for bubs to arrive. -------------    
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Posted By: lilfatty
Date Posted: 16 January 2009 at 9:42am
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One thing (in defense of PP)
I tend to dress Issy in it .. because the clothes seem to last longer than clothes from T&T and other such stores.... Baby Factory stuff (the Tangerine range) seems to wear pretty well too .. but her T&T stuff is terrible! TM is great for PP gear .. and we have an outlet store out our way .. so I might have to say I splurge on her clothes too
Actually I spend waaaay more on her clothes than I do on my own! ------------- Mummy to Issy (3) and Elias (18 months) I did it .. 41 kgs gone! From flab to fab in under a year http://www.femininefitness.co.nz/category/blog - LFs weight blog
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Posted By: sally belly
Date Posted: 16 January 2009 at 9:44am
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If your DF is a bit of a handy man, then I think that would def work. I know you can buy the change pads on their own for the top of the table.
I have found the shelves of the table really useful for storing "stuff". -------------
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Posted By: lizzle
Date Posted: 16 January 2009 at 9:44am
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We spent very little money actually - Mum and Nana however, mnust have spent a fortune.
cot - second hand - trademe - $50 bouncinet - trademe - $20 stroller - $70 brand new - farmers - salesgirl put through the wrong price. clothes - we barely bought any - Nana and Mum went nuts. I had to buy brandnew prem gear for Taine though cause he was tiny. Bought them when he was born though. Highchair - trademe - $30 Fireguard - trademe carseat - brand new - Dad We bought.....um.....lots of toys, shoes...thats about it. We scrimped on most things, and Mum and Nana filled in the rest. i love my family |
Posted By: sally belly
Date Posted: 16 January 2009 at 9:46am
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I agree J, on PP. I have bought things from their outlet stores or online & it has sometimes been cheaper than other stores. The quality is def better. Liam has some PP stuff that he has been wearing for aggges. I find the sizing really good. The resale value is a bonus too.
(I once bought a top from T&T & I couldn't even get it over Liam's head  ).
Just my 2 cents worth...  -------------
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Posted By: minik8e
Date Posted: 16 January 2009 at 9:54am
I do love some of the PP clothes, but just can't justify the cost - that's more than I spend on my own clothes!! I'm not liekly to buy many clothes anyway, as MIL and GIL (Grandma in law) will likely go nuts - it's the first grandchild and first great-grandchild on DF's side!!! So any PP clothes I get will likely be from TM - the only outlet store we have here is Bendon 
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Posted By: Mum2ET
Date Posted: 16 January 2009 at 10:09am
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cot we got new (converts into a first bed, so we figured it would last a while and we can use it for a 2nd).
capsule- 2nd hand off a friend, so I knew it's history carseat she is in now- new pram/buggy- parents brought the buggy as a present and we splashed out on the carrycot for it (MB) clothes- I tend to go slightly overboard with Ella. But I love PP stuff as it does last for ages and i love the adjustable waists on the pants. For PP I would definitely check out the outlet store online- sometimes it can be cheaper than buying off trade me (in product review thread is the link for the codes). never bothered with a changetable and haven't regretted it, baby bath 2nd hand, and most of Ella big toys were either gifts or 2nd hand. ------------- Mum to Ella (5) and Tom (2) |
Posted By: fire_engine
Date Posted: 16 January 2009 at 10:19am
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We skimped on pretty much everything - Daniel is a TM baby. We made our change table and it's been a lifesaver for my back. The only things we bought new were a highchair and a nappy bag. My reasoning was I will be using this nappy bag for 5 years + so it's worth getting one that I really like! ------------- Mum to two wee boys |
Posted By: emz
Date Posted: 16 January 2009 at 10:46am
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I got the change table, nappy bag, bouncer, drawers (which I sanded back and painted), bookcase, bassinet 2nd hand. We also bought a bulk lot of clothes that Jack is still wearing (was $200 which kitted him out from about 4ish months till now).
We bought a cot new ($300 on sale), capsule, carseat, pram (though wish I'd bought a double buggy to start with as now we have to buy again), high chair (gift), playmat (gift - but would have bought 2nd hand), nappies, portacot. Everything we got was on sale, and the only reason we bought new was because it was either a) around about the same price to buy new as it was to buy 2nd hand (Chch is strange like that) or b) because Mum and Dad gave us some money to buy the cot and pram etc. We did buy a new mattress too as it will go through 2 babies and my mum was pretty adamant on paying for new over and above what we were going to pay for 2nd hand. Don't buy lots of toys - you get them as gifts. Especially rattles - we have millions and Jack didn't like rattles. And bassinet sheets are a waste of money - just fold over cot sheets. Don't buy polarfleece throws - everyone seems to give those as presents for some reason, especially when you can't put them on the bed anyway! I wish I had scrimped more so we had more money down the track, but as Mum and Dad had given us some money for that purpose it was all too easy to have a wee splurge
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Posted By: kebakat
Date Posted: 16 January 2009 at 11:26am
| I find it interesting that you girls think PP lasts longer than tnt by far cause I don't find that at all. Daniels tnt clothes last just as long as the couple of PP things he's got. A couple of buttons have fallen off his PP pants and a top and his tnt pants which he crawled around in for months (late walker) don't even have wear patches in the knees which I fully expected them to have |
Posted By: BuzzyBee
Date Posted: 16 January 2009 at 11:28am
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Oh yeah I agree with Emz, toys are easy to get carried away with and not necessary at all. We have far too many, I regret buying a lot of them too as he's just not interested, all 2 second wonders.
And in regards to the PP clothing, I can understand how the quality is much better than a lot of the clothes out there (teeny weeny from farmers is shocking, domes falling off left right and centre after only one wash!!! Or T & T the clothes stretch to high buggery) But I too agree with Kate in that I can't justify spending that kinda money (even when the items are on sale) and Lucas has always been a bigger baby in that he was only in his 0000's and 000's for a matter of weeks, totally skipped 00's and by the time he was 6-7 months already in size 1's. He doesn't stay in a size long enough to go spending that kinda $$$ on clothes (IMO). I have found Warehouse & Kmart clothes invaluable, cheap and they outlast a lot of the other brands from BF, T & T, Farmers etc. We have one pair of PP shorts that a friend gave Lucas for his Bday and I think they're fab, but I saw the price tag ...I wouldn't have spent that much for them! 
PS. Julia no wonder little miss Isabella always looks so flash and gorgy, I must admit she always looks so well dressed in cute lil ensembles! ETA: Obviously as the kiddies get older they do end up staying in a size for longer, but here we are already going into 3's and shopping in kids sections (usually moreso for tops). A couple tops mum has bought from a nice botique shop in papakura have been size 5!!!!! (sizing really varies from place to place ). Definitely pays to shop around.
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Posted By: minik8e
Date Posted: 16 January 2009 at 11:43am
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Gah, I just typed out a whole post and then lost it.
Is merino wool ok for babies? My MIL is a prolific knitter, so I was thinking of getting some wool and getting her to knit a blanket and some jerseys. Bookcases and things like that, I can get Dad to make - he is a carpenter. DF could do it as well, but he's good at procrastination LOL |
Posted By: kebakat
Date Posted: 16 January 2009 at 11:57am
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Merino wool is great for babies, nice n warm and breathes really well The blanket is a great idea!
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Posted By: lizzle
Date Posted: 16 January 2009 at 12:16pm
| Ooh, we did splurge on PP jeans and found them fabulous - adjustable waists rock. Jake wore a pair of denim shorts - size 1 - until he was three. taine is still wearing them now and shows no signs of being btoo big - AND they still look good. |
Posted By: lilfatty
Date Posted: 16 January 2009 at 12:34pm
Merino rocks! Actually I must confess .. Im going to splurge on loads of merino stuff for womble (especially since it will be a winter baby) Issy had an amazing merino wrap/blankie given to her and she is now using it in her cot. merino .. clothes, blankies, anything actually lol
------------- Mummy to Issy (3) and Elias (18 months) I did it .. 41 kgs gone! From flab to fab in under a year http://www.femininefitness.co.nz/category/blog - LFs weight blog
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minik8e wrote:Posted By: sadie
Date Posted: 16 January 2009 at 12:40pm
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Definitely splurge on safety items, ie capsule and carseat. We have the Safe & Sound Royales (one in each car), and they are fantastic. Will last until DS is at least 4 I think.
We also splurged on a decent quality buggy (P&T). Converts to a double, so no need to buy a new one when #2 makes an appearance. Also great quality, especially compared to a friends cheap one which started falling apart after just a few months of use. Cot and basinette we got from Trademe. We did buy a new dresser and wardrobe from Freedom for his room, but thats only because we had zero furniture in there, and his room is a funny shape, so after eons of hunting for secondhand, we ended up buying new. Agree with others - don't waste money on toys. They really don't need much at all, and you will find that people are so generous. I think JK and PP sell outlet clothing online so that may be worth checking out. I love the JK stuff and buy a fair amount of it. PP I'm not overly fussed by, only because I find the boy clothes very samey. I have got some great trousers and shorts from there though that have lasted for months. Love the adjustable waists. I tend to stock up for upcoming sizes and seasons whenever stores have sales. Love the tangerine range at the Baby Factory. Have never bought anything from T&T so can't comment, and I find Cotton on Kids to be appalling quality, and will stretch out of shape after just one wear. Best bargain discovery are the Kiwibaby stores. I believe they ship throughout NZ free???? Don't quote me on that, but worth a look. Very similar range to BF and BabyCity, but miles cheaper. www.kiwibaby.com |
Posted By: Daizy
Date Posted: 16 January 2009 at 12:49pm
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I have to admit I buy a lot of Pumpkin Patch clothes although I never would pay full price. Luckly we have an outlet store up the road and TM is always good for that. I can usually sell them again on TM and make some money back. For my girls who dont really grow too fast having clothes that last are important (and I dont really like the clothes from farmers
With Keira people were so generous and leant us almost everything. By the time it got to Maddi people just assumed we already had everything so got given nothing. I spent most of my pregnancy hunting down good bargains, we got a lot of things new at really cheap prices, high chair, pram, mattresses (we built our own bed) etc. On Tradme me I managed to get a cheap moses basket, wraps, slings, safe-t-sleep all in excellent condition. I would try skimp on what ever I could.
I think I may be the only horrible mother that brought a second hand capsule from TM
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I only paid $40 and it was in excellent condition only used a few times. I trusted the seller and we have never had any problems with it.Posted By: lilfatty
Date Posted: 16 January 2009 at 12:51pm
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Oh and seeing Daizy post has reminded me ..
SPLURGE on a good camera!  ------------- Mummy to Issy (3) and Elias (18 months) I did it .. 41 kgs gone! From flab to fab in under a year http://www.femininefitness.co.nz/category/blog - LFs weight blog
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Posted By: Daizy
Date Posted: 16 January 2009 at 12:59pm
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Tehe. Yeah I guess I should add a camera to my splurges. But it was definately worth it
Another thing I wished I had splurged on first time around was a decent puschair. I now have 5 and they are all just ok. Just think what I could have got if I put all the money into one great one. I think if I were to start over I would borrow less the first time and buy more so at least I get decent use from it all. *edited to fix alignment* -------------
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Posted By: lilfatty
Date Posted: 16 January 2009 at 1:12pm
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Why dont you just sell the five you have and buy one good one?
We sold Issys pram to help fund our new one ------------- Mummy to Issy (3) and Elias (18 months) I did it .. 41 kgs gone! From flab to fab in under a year http://www.femininefitness.co.nz/category/blog - LFs weight blog
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Posted By: Daizy
Date Posted: 16 January 2009 at 1:14pm
I have thought about selling them,Keiras ones are pretty old and grotty now so I doubt I would get much. They all kind of come in handy at different times, I just dont know which ones to sell -------------
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Posted By: Snappy
Date Posted: 16 January 2009 at 1:16pm
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Ooooh and I forgot to add I splurged on a Merino Go-go bag. Its the BEST!
With the PP clothes, I find if you buy from the online outlet store at a discounted price, and then re-sell them on trademe, you do get value for money. For example I got a pair of jeans for $11.99 down from $24.99, and I sold them on trademe for $9.00.
------------- Mummy to two beauties... Formerly Kaiz. |
Posted By: lilfatty
Date Posted: 16 January 2009 at 1:29pm
Argh another thing I agree with! Maybe I didnt skimp as much as I thought I did
Although you can get them in two pack deals for a reasonable price and looking at TM when you go to onsell them they keep their value quite well. ------------- Mummy to Issy (3) and Elias (18 months) I did it .. 41 kgs gone! From flab to fab in under a year http://www.femininefitness.co.nz/category/blog - LFs weight blog
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Posted By: minik8e
Date Posted: 16 January 2009 at 1:48pm
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What is a Go-Go bag???
We already have two digital cameras and a video camera (well, one camera and the video camera belong to DF's parents, but they seem to live at our house for some reason), plus SIL has a wicked camera too.... Ok, so the merino wool is a goer!! My mum knits too, so between the two mothers we should be sussed for knitted stuff LOL Re. the pram...I think it depends what kind of deal I can get on TM as to whether we buy new or 2nd hand. We need something sturdy that can handle being on grass/off road (i.e. at speedway). I have seen some people there who have had prams that can't handle the grass being on an angle and that have tipped over which was really kind of scary.
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Posted By: lilfatty
Date Posted: 16 January 2009 at 1:54pm
Its a sleeping bag for babies .. it means they cant kick the blankets off .. or pull blankets over their head etc etc. Issy loves hers! Although even her summer weight one is too hot for her to be in at the moment. 
There not cheap though .. but you can get imitation ones off TM ------------- Mummy to Issy (3) and Elias (18 months) I did it .. 41 kgs gone! From flab to fab in under a year http://www.femininefitness.co.nz/category/blog - LFs weight blog
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Posted By: pomikiwi
Date Posted: 16 January 2009 at 1:56pm
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Someone mentioned about borrowing from friends if possible, I have a friend who bought EVERYTHING brand new (mainly on sale or specials) and she doesn't like lending anything out incase it gets ruined. And she has heaps of stuff and really nice PP or JK clothes. A good friend of hers asked if she could borrow something (can't remember what) and she said no!!!!!!! I personally think this is really selfish. I'm due for number 2 next month and half my baby stuff is still being 'loved' by other babies, but I know i'll get it back soon. I'd rather toys, clothes, bouncers etc get all the use they can as they only get played with or worn for such a short time.
I must admit I love PP and JK's, but only buy on sale or online, To me the quality is way better. I find most Farmers or T&T stuff abit too old looking for toddlers IYKWIM? It's like teenage cothes for toddlers or babies, YUK! ------------- http://lilypie.com">
DD-Carys Amelia 17.03.06 |
Posted By: caliandjack
Date Posted: 16 January 2009 at 2:07pm
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Have you thought about getting stuff you might need 6-12 months down the track, when you are on maternity leave and only one income. Its easy to splurge on newborn stuff when you've still got two incomes, I'm more worried about what happens when ppl and al runs out. ------------- http://lilypie.com" rel="nofollow">   [/url] Angel June 2012 |
Posted By: lisa85
Date Posted: 16 January 2009 at 2:14pm
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We brought soooo much stuff that never even got used!!! Its crazy with your first baby its so easy to get suckered into buying the most rediculous things
I was lucky my 3 sisters all had 2 kids each under the ages of 7 so I got EVERYTHING free one of my sisters had twins that are 2 years older than my girls so sent 2 jolly jumpers 2 excersausers 2 feeding chairs it was great! We also use my sisters cots and mattresses people say to buy new ones but the girls have been fine I think if the come from an animal and smoke free home and have had only one previous user than theres no problem. We did buy a new pram and new carseats but we hired capsules for the first 3 months. Luckily the ones we got from plunket were brand new never used. -------------  
TTC #3 since Jan 2010 - PCOS MC April 2010 |
Posted By: BuzzyBee
Date Posted: 16 January 2009 at 2:18pm
Heh, I must be selfish then . I don't personally have any family or friends that I'd trust enough to hand them over to, and be able to guarantee i'd get them back.
I agree about the clothes for toddlers looking older though, it gets worse once your kid goes into size 3's (technically childrens section) I personally think little boys clothes are UGLY! I'm not into camo prints or skulls, what happened to the good old days where boys worse dungarees and nice little t-shirt and short sets? My brother is about 6 years younger than me, and his clothes back in the day were gorgeous! Boy how things have changed! Even girls get dressed older these days, mini skirts and what not. So much pressure for our wee ones to grow up faster and look older iykwim! I've never understood the hype about JK clothes though, I've been in the Manukau and Botany stores a couple times and never seen anything 'cute' or practical, very plain and boring (and overpriced in the normal JK stores, haven't been to an outlet one if there is such a thing?!). Each to their own though when it comes to these kind of things. Very easy to get carried away with anything baby related. Daizy I too have the same thing with Prams, we are now onto numbers 3 & 4 . First Steelcraft 3 wheeler was too bulky for my car, so i sold it and lost about $150 after only using it once and having a mental breakdown in a carpark when it wouldn't bloody fit in the car and my wee boy (2 months) was screaming his head off ...then a cheaper 4 wheel mothers choice stroller which it's wheels started buckling and it'd go to tip, then another 3 wheel stroller (which again is too bulky for my car  ) but we use that for walks around the block, or down to town when im feeling brave! And then last but certainly not least, the best pram I've owned and it was only $89 at BF, a childcare umbrella stroller - it's been a lifesaver and soooo good for storage! Tiny yet super sturdy. it!
Kate when buying a pram, make sure it will fit EASILY into the boot of your car, if you can try and test with an assembled one, some of them fold up really funny and can end up being quite bulky and heavy! I learnt that lesson the hard way. |
Posted By: sally belly
Date Posted: 16 January 2009 at 2:25pm
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I've never understood the fascination with go-go bags. They are SO expensive. I know they're made from merino but still
Just my thoughts
I hear ya on the skulls etc Buzzy. I sometimes wonder if I'm fussy or something (!) because I can never really seem to find anything I like for Liam. Plainer is better but is doesn't seem to exist. -------------
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Posted By: KiwiL
Date Posted: 16 January 2009 at 2:27pm
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Oh, I must confess that DH and I splurged on most things! Jackson was a much anticipated baby after two losses and a whole host of other problems. We were both on high incomes and don't have any debt.
However, everything we bought we got during sales. I did also get stuff off Trade Me - his swing, his bouncinette, play gym, cot mobile and some other stuff. We also bought a lot of quality brands because the resale will be very good. We figure we could go second hand now, or go new now and sell later and still end up in roughly the same financial position. The only thing we didn't do much splurging on was clothes. Lots of cheap basics from Farmers, Kmart and TradeMe while he is little. Paid off too - he spills so much that it is not worth putting him in anything fancy! We fully acknowledge that he's a very spoiled baby. Hopefully he is not a bomber and everything is in good condition to sell after number 2! As for the items that we couldn't have lived without: * Change table (DH has a bad back) * Hammock (he loves it and settled so well) * Merino wrap - he lived swaddled in it when he was wee * Good quality, lightweight pram that is not huge * Electric breast pump - I did (and still do) way more expressing than I ever thought |
Posted By: minik8e
Date Posted: 16 January 2009 at 2:52pm
Ok, yes I'm doing it everywhere but woohoo my HCG levels have more than doubled in 2 days!! From 94 at 13DPO to 262 at 15DPO (today) which, for me, is fantastic - I have never had a level higher than 44 before!!!! I have to start taking progesterone pessaries though 
Re. fitting the pram in - it doesn't matter with that, as we have a huge 4WD so any pram will fit (thankfully). I just want to know it's sturdy really. One of our friends lent out her change table to one of our other friends last year - when they started TTC #2, she got it back from them (eventually) - covered in dust and cat fur and cat urine. Let's just say she wasn't happy. For clothes, I imagine we will got lots of hand me downs if it's a boy - our friends children are 2 two year olds and a 1 year old (this is the one that borrowed the change table) and they're all boys so yeah. I can't do any work, I am soooo happy and pre-occupied LOL |
Posted By: BuzzyBee
Date Posted: 16 January 2009 at 3:07pm
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Yay that's awesome news Kate, I'm so happy for you guys! Like to hear updates as well.
And lucky you have a 4WD, wish I had of gone with a station wagon instead of a sedan/hatch.... |
Posted By: sweetpea
Date Posted: 16 January 2009 at 3:13pm
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As some of the others have said essentially newborns don't actually need that much. I have heard of a lot of people who just put them in nighties for the first 3 months or so. i would dedfinatley buy the things that will get alot of use new.
Hmm i have a hatchback so what prams are easy to fit in these mine is a daewoo lanos just as a matter of interest. |
Posted By: minik8e
Date Posted: 16 January 2009 at 3:17pm
| Steph - I would LOVE a station wagon instead of a 4WD LOL DF needs the 4WD to tow the trailer to speedway though. 4WDs are difficult to get into some spaces - I have a sedan as well, but it's our small "runaround" car. |
Posted By: IVFGirl1111
Date Posted: 16 January 2009 at 3:47pm
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Whoop whoop Kates having a baby and its going to be a sticky!
I think this calls for an Ohbaby party!  ------------- TTC 6 years IVF it is IVF/ICSI round one 10 eggs, 8 mature, 3 fertilised BFN IVF/ICSI #2 = 22 eggs! 20 mature, 15 fertilised, 1 fresh transfer and 2 frosties BFN 2 Frosties still in freezer thank god |
Posted By: minik8e
Date Posted: 16 January 2009 at 4:27pm
| LOL ta Dal! |
Posted By: Cassie
Date Posted: 16 January 2009 at 4:35pm
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grats Kate!! keeping my fingers crossed that everything goes beautifully for you guys!! ------------- ~Cassie~   
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Posted By: Snappy
Date Posted: 16 January 2009 at 4:47pm
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Ohhh yes, buy big sizes! I bought a whole lot of 6-12 month clothing off the pumpkin patch outlet store (Third time Ive mentioned this today ) But anyway, wish I had of bought a lot more!
I had given away all Janaya's things when she was a baby to my best friends sister. I never got any of it back, and my best friend hinted at me to lend her some of jacksons clothes and Ive just told her Ive sold it all on trademe. Her sister gave her all of MY STUFF!!!!  Grrrr....
------------- Mummy to two beauties... Formerly Kaiz. |
Posted By: busymum
Date Posted: 16 January 2009 at 7:35pm
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Skimp
Capsule - only had one for one baby, it was given to us. Bouncinette and baby bath - bought s/hand from OB Clothes - given s/h Drawers - bought from s/h shop Linen - given to us s/h Cot - got my little brother's one (15mos between him and DD1) Cot mattress - seemed okay to me so I didn't buy another Bassinette - had one given (otherwise we wouldn't have bothered) Breast pump - skipped this altogether. I rarely express and when I do, I just do it by hand. Change table - was given one but since moving house it doesn't really fit in, so I don't bother with one at all Toys - some s/h and the rest I just bought for her bday/Christmas pressies as time went on. Splurge These are all the items we got new, but now that I think about it, all of them were bought for us (some for Christmas): Stroller Carseat Baby frontpack Baby/nappy bag Bought heaps of nappies (sposies - was converted to MCN nearly 3 yrs later) ------------- |
Posted By: emz
Date Posted: 16 January 2009 at 11:01pm
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Yay Kate! I've been thinking about you heaps, keeping my fingers crossed for you and yay good levels!
I don't see the fascination with Go-Go bags either, not if you're on a budget. We bought a similar type thing from a sale for $10 for over Jack's first winter, but other than about 2 months, we've never bothered and never needed to. I've never had to worry about blankets over the head (its a natural reflex for babies to push blankets away anyway) and just make the bed in a way that there's no danger of suffocation when they're little. Also in the winter I just checked on Jack if I woke up cold to make sure he was fine. Kids need to harden up
You do find a lot of stuff is just keeping up with the Joneses IYKWIM. If I hadn't been on here, I wouldn't have bought a few things I thought I *needed* because everyone else had them. In reality, Jack's best clothes have been from the Warehouse as they fit better over cloth bums (I used to buy all the $1 pants on the clearance racks) and his favourite toys are ice cream containers, formula tins and home made musical instruments. So the best advice is don't buy into all the crap they try to sell you - I did find on OB's top 100 list things I'd either never even heard of or could never afford
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Posted By: Bobbie
Date Posted: 16 January 2009 at 11:07pm
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Kate that's awesome news.
I lived on TM before Rowan was born. The cot (and matress) were off there and we got a real bargain. You will be gifted soooo much stuff you wouldn't believe. And people are amazingly generous. The only things we splurged on really were cloth nappies and some gogo sleeping bags and a tommy tippee monitor. My mum got us the pram and my SIL got us the car seat. One really good tip - buy a year in advance when the sales happen. I stocked up at T&T last year and although Rowan fit some stuff from 9mths and won't be in some stuff for another month, I ended up with 2 bags of clothes for $40 and I don't care if they get stained when they cost $2-$4 an item -------------  
 
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Posted By: SMoody
Date Posted: 17 January 2009 at 12:56am
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I got everything new but that is because we were in SA and that is how it is done.
I refuse to buy anything second hand if I dont know for a fact it has been from a smoke free house. However I dont buy a lot of stuff people consider to be necessary for a baby. And I am another selfish one that dont borrow stuff out. Did with my basinette mattrass and now it looks like I wont even get it back at the moment. ------------- http://lilypie.com"> 
http://lilypie.com"> 
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Posted By: Maya
Date Posted: 17 January 2009 at 1:24am
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My kids are pretty spoilt too. Partly coz being in the pregnancy/parenting industry I see a lot of things I don't need but have to have anyway coz I am a total consumer.
All of Maya's baby clothes etc. came from the Warehouse/KMart etc. but I will admit to becoming a bit of a snob since then, I find that it's better to spend a wee bit more to get better quality. Not so much with newborns, but definitely with toddlers coz their clothing takes a beating. Also, having 4 girls means I can justify spending more money on clothes for the older ones knowing that the younger ones will get use out of it. I don't hand down as much as I thought I would tho, and all of my newborns have had new clothes coz I'd already given all my newborn stuff away by the time I got pregnant with the gremlins and again with lil miss. I've also found that things I found most useful with the gremlins I haven't used nearly as much with lil miss, and that I've used things with her I never used with them. Eg. they spent a lot of time in their Fisher Price rockers coz I fed them in them, lil miss hardly ever went in it. I use the Moby heaps with lil miss but rarely used the sling I had for the gremlins. ------------- Maya Grace (28/02/03)
 (02/01/06)
The Gremlins:Sienna Marie & Mercedes Kailah (14/10/06)
Lil miss:Chiara Louise Chloe (09/07/08)
Her ladyship:Rosalia Sophie Anais (18/06/12)
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Posted By: peanut butter
Date Posted: 17 January 2009 at 8:08am
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Firstly congrats! How exciting!!!!
I havent read all the posts but I think I am the same as the others. the only things I HAD to have new were a mattress and carseat.
Off TM I bought a cot (touchwood for $300), cariboo basinett ($80), change table ($50...and they gave me a massive bag of clothes too).
I was given most clothes...but couldnt resist buying some. PP online outlet store is the way to go if you do want PP. Otherwise I found warehouse excellent for body suits...cant get enough of them. BF good when in sale and T&T great but we dont have it here.
My other advice would be to set up a bank account now and transfer some money in each week. We transfer $30 a fortnight in to one and that is to cover kiddie expensese. Then you can wait till after bubs has born and you have received presents from people you never expected to and worked out what you like and dont like and go shopping there. Shops are still open after baby arrives and internet shopping makes little parcels arrive on your doorstep....vey nice cure for baby blues. |
Posted By: minik8e
Date Posted: 17 January 2009 at 8:38am
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For a cot, the innersprung mattress is the way to go isn't it? Also, are all bassinet mattresses the same size??
I like the bank account idea My exam bonuses from my study will go straight into a savings account for bubs, plus I think I'll put the money we are using for the wedding to put into that account as well after the wedding (which is in 7 weeks, so not that far away).
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Posted By: Snappy
Date Posted: 17 January 2009 at 8:43am
Yup, innersprung is the way to go. Much more expensive though! I think ours was $159
The basinette mattresses can vary, some are rectangular and some ovalish (not a word I know) ------------- Mummy to two beauties... Formerly Kaiz. |
Posted By: minik8e
Date Posted: 17 January 2009 at 9:47am
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Right, I have made a list!!!
Splurge Cot and bassinet mattress Carseat/capsule Linen (3 sets at least) Skimp Bassinet (because it's free) Cot Pram Change table and mat Clothes Drawers They're the bigger items really. We ideally would LIKE to use MCNs, but it all depends on what happens with childcare. And from what I've read - the ones on TM are quite good anyway, as secondhand?? I can't remember if I asked - do we NEED a portacot? And what about a baby bath, if we have a full-size bath in our bathroom? MIL will knit some merino blankets for us, I want to get a Swanndri buggy blanket (because really, what's Kiwiana without Swanndri and I can use my Flybuys to get it), I have the old style cloth nappies that I can use for wraps (I think???) and to put down under baby's head for spills, and as burp cloths....
Then there's all the little things...disposable nappies for the first few "tar nappy" weeks (can you tell I've been reading a lot!!), nipple cream and nipple shields (I am planning on bfing, or bottle feeding expressed milk), an expresser and bottles...and the million dollar question - can you ever have too many bibs??? |
Posted By: Spirals
Date Posted: 17 January 2009 at 9:57am
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We have bought everything new - but all on special. I'm also not one for paying full price for anything. There's always a sale on somewhere if you look around
We've only bought about 3-4 items of clothing as we've been gifted loads already - even had a couple of parcels arrive from family in the UK - very happy with those clothes as they are fantastic quality. Personally - I would never buy a 2nd hand mattress or car seat, apart from that I'd have no hesitation in buying pre-loved stuff. Only exception is I've been given a car-seat for when bubs is older and out of the capsule - by a friend who bought it over from the uk. I've known the friend for years and know the full history so am happy to use this car seat. |
Posted By: Bobbie
Date Posted: 17 January 2009 at 10:15am
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With bibs for the little baby I'd be inclined to get some muslins or flat nappies instead and use those for spills.
For a child on solids - no you can never have enough bibs
We were gifted an old portacot and it does come in handy sometimes but my friends let me use theirs when we're at their places and I've lent mine around my coffee group so I would say you can probably get by without one and just borrow one as you need it. -------------
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Posted By: SuperDaddy
Date Posted: 17 January 2009 at 10:54am
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Oh and get decent bibs!
Sillybillyz make awesome bibs .. they last forever too. -------------  
 
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Posted By: kebakat
Date Posted: 17 January 2009 at 11:01am
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We have 2 portacots technically lol... one stays at the in laws and one at my parents. Really handy to have but not essential ... but both we got for next to nothing.
As for bibs, don't get the little ones. Get the nice long ones, the little ones are annoying. We got given loads and never use them because the food misses them totally. |
Posted By: Mum2ET
Date Posted: 17 January 2009 at 11:14am
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we got a cheap portacot in the sales and it has been really useful- we keep it at my parents and Ella ends up using quite a bit. ------------- Mum to Ella (5) and Tom (2) |
Posted By: CuriousG
Date Posted: 17 January 2009 at 11:16am
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For DD we got almost everything new. But for number 2, when they appear, the majority of it will be 2nd hand except a pram because I can not stand our old one! ------------- http://lilypie.com"> 
http://lilypie.com"> 
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Posted By: miss
Date Posted: 17 January 2009 at 1:58pm
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Cot was new - but was a gift.
Car seat and portacot was new. (Portacot was hugely on sale and similar to the second hand ones I had been looking at in price). for baby stuff that was about it, everyhting else borrowed or TM'd. We didn't use bibs till solids (6 months) as she wasn't a drooly baby and was a chucker, so only muslins/flats were helpful catching that. Have to say that we were given a few packs of the tie up at the neck packs of bibs fromt he supermarket (5 for a couple of bucks or something) along with a range of others and they have been more than adequate. Plastic backed, just not huge. Cheap as chips though. -------------  
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Posted By: Chickoin
Date Posted: 17 January 2009 at 2:21pm
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cot- 2nd hand $200, with a matress which we are using, great condition.
Bassinette- family one Pram- new, only $85, super basic mothers choice one, does the trick. clothes- I bought a couple of onsies but we were given the rest. Toys- all gifts Nappies- I made pocket nappies with Greenbean DIY kits and stuff them with the old square nappies, they work very well. Change table- 2nd hand $20 Breast pump- I got a manual one off TM in great condition for $15 Steriliser- A gift from my sister Car capsule- Hired from Baby on the Move. We use muslims all the time during feeding (even breast feeding can be messy lol) and we use the old square nappies a lot, yay for MILs for keeping all that stuff! I was surprised at how much clothes we were given. I am glad I didn't buy much at all because Jody got so many cute outfits from friends/family when she was born and she's growing so fast she hasn't even worn some of them. -------------   
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