I’ve been cruising the forum, and great advice is scattered all over the place. So I’ve decided to create a new topic. HELPFUL HINTS. Now this can be based on anything, shopping, feeding, bathing etc. This is to help new mums and existing mums. Some things you may use, some things you may not. You use what is good for you.
So here it goes.
SHOPPING
Shopping for bub can get quite costly. So if you can save a few dollars here and there but not skimp on quality then I’m all for it.
Check out IKEA in your capital city (I believe only Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane). You can pick up some great buys. I bought my changing table and the changing mat there. The table cost $70, and the changing mat was I think about $15 (the mat is also inflatable). I also bought containers that clip onto the side of the table. One I use as a nappy bin, and the other one I use to put my wipes. That way the tray is clear for nappies and other baby stuff.
But Ikea has other great buys. They have fantastic toys at great prices, containers of all shapes and sizes to store, toys, clothes, you name it. I also picked up my baby bath for around $20. Works wonders.
BABY CLOTHES
Ei! How expensive can baby clothes be! And you have to constantly top up as they grow out of them so quickly. My bub is now & weeks and she’s already into 000!
If you in Vic, esp Melbourne go to the Snugtime, Big Softies sale. They hold a sale twice a year. You need an invitation for it, but you can register at the Snugtime website (www.snugtime.com.au) so don’t freak out. You can find their products and Myer, Target, Big W, Kmart, so they are quality items, but you can get it at half the price at the sale.
Create an account (if you haven’t already done so) with ebay. You’ll find fantastic stuff (and not just clothes), and you’ll have a ball at bidding (well I know I do). And when you have decided that you are done with having kids, you can then sell your stuff that you won’t need anymore. That way it works both ways.
Again if you are in Melbourne, check out Glenhuntly Baby Carriages. The service is fantastic, and they do deals if you buy a few things. I picked up my peg preggio pram there; it’s normally a $600 pram but got it for $480. They cater for everyone. Families that can spend whatever they want to families that are on a tight budget so don’t freak out.
NAPPIES AND CHANGING NEEDS
Whether it’s cloth or disposable you need them, and you need them regularly. So saving a few dollars here and there on nappies anyone would jump at the chance.
For those of us that are in SE QLD and Vic check out www.nappyland.com.au they also have stores if you prefer to buy it at the store. You can but huggies, baby love, snuggles in bulk and save a few quid at the same time. They sell whole other ranges of products not just nappies, but check them out the same.
Check out the chemist warehouse. Their online store is crap, so don’t even bother, they don’t have the same selection of products that they have in the store, which I think is really really really stupid. The formula I but is normally $14 at the supermarket. I can get it at the chemist warehouse for $11 a tin.
If you have The Warehouse (where everyone gets a bargain) near you, it pays to drop in and check out the baby section. Their baby wipes are fantastic (kwik brand), $2 for a packet of 80. They’re not super thick like some other leading brands out there, but they are thick and nice and soft and they do the job. They also have bottles, teats, pacifiers, toys etc at really good prices.
OTHER STUFF
I suffer from eczema, so I have to be careful with the things I use. So I tend to buy a lot of baby stuff. QV and Dermveen have great products that do help (some more than others). If you suffer really dry hands from constant washing of the hands (this doesn’t help my eczema on my hand either) invest in water free hand wash (great for the nappy bag as well). If you have a local Avon or Amway rep, consult them, and check out their range (not just the water free hand wash) while you are at it as well.
In Melbourne and the outer regions of Melbourne they have a magazine called Melbourne child. Their may be an equivalent in your capital city. If you see it, pick it up. It’s a good read with great advice.
Ok that’s my 2 cents worth. I know I long 2 cents, but if I can help someone else then it’s all worth it in the end.
*Matilda*
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