Many parents spend what should be a joyful time – pregnancy - worrying about how they’re going to buy all the gear babies need in time for the little one’s arrival. Are there any ways to get the items you need for the new arrival without spending a lot of money? Absolutely. Here are some of the things to keep in mind that will not only save you money but also be kinder on the environment.

Reassess
The first step is to reassess what you will really need once baby arrives. If this isn’t your first child, you probably have a lot of stuff left over from a previous baby that you could use, assuming you saved things.

If this is your first child, understand that much of the baby stuff that is being marketed as essential is not truly needed in the first place, and is even designed to keep you away from your baby. For example, it is not necessary to create and furnish a nursery at all. Babies and even toddlers couldn’t care less if they had fancy bedding with matching décor. All they want is your time and presence, food and warm clothing. Your baby will likely be happiest if he or she sleeps near you. Bassinettes are generally far cheaper than cribs. Or you can skip the whole thing and let baby sleep with you.

Babies can also play with ordinary household items with your supervision and often prefer these things over the fanciest store bought toys! Wooden spoons, plastic food containers, items from nature and other easily obtainable items stimulate your baby’s creativity and cost nothing because you already own them. Challenge yourself to create a “treasure box” of safe, everyday items you find around your home that your baby could play with. When you do buy toys, focus on high quality, classic items like wooden blocks. These will last for multiple children and experts believe that open ended toys are better for your child’s brain development than fancy flashy battery operated ones. 

Multi Task
Buy baby gear items that serve multiple purposes. A baby sling is the perfect example of this. A baby sling can make a baby swing and exercauser unnecessary. A sling can even stand in for a stroller. Slings are highly portable and can be used to feed a baby discreetly in public, comfort them when they’re upset, and gentle them to sleep. Your baby will thrive developmentally and cry less if she or he is “worn” close to your body. Baby slings can be made cheaply or bought inexpensively.

Obtain Used
As long as you are careful not to purchase items that have been recalled, buying used is an excellent option to help you save money. High quality clothing, cloth diapers, toys, books, furniture and much more is available at yard sales, consignment shops, thrift stores, online auctions and even places like Craigslist and Freecycle. Buying used is also kinder on the environment since it is a practice of reusing, and used items generally have no packaging attached. 

Ask
If your friends or relatives throw you a baby shower, tell people what you really need. Don’t be afraid to ask for practical gifts like cloth diapers, plenty of stylist yet unfussy everyday t shirts and pants for your young baby, and other necessary items. You could also ask friends and loved ones to buy you things like a baby food grinder so you can make your own baby food once baby is eating solids, which also saves you money. And what new mom wouldn’t appreciate a book full of coupons for free babysitting?

Getting what you need for baby without going broke just involves a little forethought and creativity. Be open minded and keep “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle” firmly in mind too.

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Entertainment can get costly for families and the travel required for many is not so green. If it just isn’t practical for your lifestyle or budget to make frequent trips to the movies, to the zoo, or too local museums it may be time to take another look at low impact, cheap entertainment ideas for the whole family. Spending time together and having fun are the most important objectives right? Neither objective requires a lot of money thankfully.

Family Game Night – You most likely have some good old fashioned board games lying around so why not get them out and start a family game night each week. If you don’t have any games you can buy one or two for $20 or less and they will provide fun for months to come. For younger kids you might try Disney Monopoly, Candyland, Life, or Operation. Older kids would like Sudoku, Risk, Trivial Pursuit, and Clue. There are many interactive DVD games that are fun for the whole family where you are quizzed on movie clips or famous faces and quotes. There are even dancing games that can provide fun and exercise.

A House of Cards – Card games are another great way to pass the time. Older kids would love to learn and play Poker, Hearts, and Gin Rummy. You can even invite extended family members or friend over for a monthly cards night. Younger kids can play Go Fish and War.

Movie Night – There is no need to go to the movies and pay $50+ for admission. Rent a movie from a local store or Netflix and have a movie night. Make some healthy snacks, prop up some comfy pillows and bean bags, and snuggle up together to watch a movie. Talk about it afterwards to get some good discussion going.

Get outdoors – Local parks are great sources of free fun. Why not make it a day trip for the whole family. Select a hiking trail that is comfortable for all and pack a lunch to eat midway. Make sure to stop several times to explore nature and maybe snap a picture or two for the family album. It you are near a park that has many different trails make it a goal to conquer all of them.

Reading Time – Kids love to be read to so why not make it a family event. Pick a book that everyone will like perhaps Little House on the Prairie, Harry Potter, Lemony Snicket, or Eragon and start reading. You can cover one to chapters a week and perhaps have an older child or one of the adults take a few notes to review before each session. This is a great way to instill a love of books and reading and instigate great conversations.

Put On A Show – Set up a puppet show using a door jam, an adjustable shower rod, and a blanket and then let the show begin! You can even re-enact the story from your weekly reading.

Another idea for younger kids is to set up a Blue Clues adventure by creating and cutting out blue paw prints and hiding them on “clues”. Give them a notebook to write all the clues down and then help them solve the mystery. This is a fun way to have children guess what you will make for dinner or what book you will read them.

As you can see, family fun doesn’t have to be expensive if you get creative.