twenty bucks. if you're lucky you can eat out for twenty bucks. if you're really lucky, you get this changing table for twenty bucks (thanks to an incredibly awesome consignment sale). i know it's bland and boring, but for twenty bucks, i really didn't care what it looked like.
hello 2nd child syndrome... you know where everything is cheaper, used and not always the cutest. because by the time you're on your 2nd child, cuteness just doesn't matter that much anymore (i can't begin to imagine what happens when you have #3, #4, and #5... goodness gracious). for now, the budget is king. when you have a house with two cribs, and a soon-to-be double diaper budget, you make things work.
if you're a momma of multiple kiddies, how did you go cheap with your 2nd (or 3rd, 4th, 5th) child? help this momma out. i need to save however i possibly can.
54 {comments}:
Love this post! I think the changing table is super cute BTW! I have a friend/neighbor who just had her 4th baby and she had the cutest diaper shower! Everyone who came brought diapers and baby wipes! Her mom owns a beauty salon so as prizes we were able to win beauty products....the good stuff YAY!!
So I was talking to her and she said she did the same thing with her 3rd child and she didn't have to buy diapers until 2 weeks ago and her daughter will be 2!! Soooo I'm just sayin maybe ya should have a diaper shower LOL....
Oh and my bestie has 3 kids....2 girls and a boy and it is sooo funny what she told me I have to share....she said the first baby you always sanitize the pacifier and boil it when you drop it, the second child you baby wipe it off and the 3rd child um ya just lick it off and go on your merry way LOL....she's really funny
Have a Happy Thursday
Summer ;0)
I just barely didn't have to have to cribs and I only had two diaper booty's for a few months. I took darby out of her nursery slapped Carson's name on the wall and Wa-la. Both May babies and so all Darby's clothes pass down season to season...easy peasy!
Here is how I don't save money...Matching outfits!!!!
I don't see anything wrong with the changing table! I'm a Plain Jane so it suits me just fine. You can always add some bows or paint and make it even more adorable!
lol. we got rid of our changing table after amelya because we never used it. ((it was upstairs in her room, and we always just changed diapers downstairs)) so i guess you could see if there is anything you could sell to get money, to buy the things you'll 'need' for baby number two.
i've already mentioned how cloth diapering saved us a ton of money.
i also love rummage sales. we always hit up the 'nicer' neighborhood sales and i get great steals on clothes for the kids.
hmmm. i can't think of anything right now. but if i do i'll be sure to let you know!!
This is a cute changing table. Very traditional and great price!
It's not the absolute cutest BUT it IS cute & it gets the job done!! I don't have babies yet unfortunately :( but my brother and SIL are in the process of preparing for #2.
The changing table looks good to me. Mine looked similar to that and I bought some baskets to keep on the shelves. I don't know about your area, but where I live we have "used baby" stores. They have very very cute stuff or cheap. A friend of mine bought a BRAND NEW Pack and play there for $20. I sold them my changing table for $10. They have everything you can imagine and more. Also I'd check out Goodwill, craigslist or amazon.
I'd say as long as it gets the job done then you're good to go.
we had a changing table just like that w/ our first...we didn't even buy one w/ our second b/c we never used it. we also kept the crib so we didn't have to buy that, no diaper pails, consignment shops (for buying and selling)...and him having 4 older boy cousins means never really buying clothes or shoes. =)
Im thinking the same thing girl!!!!!
I got the same one for my first child! I am with Taylor...if it gets the job done...GREAT. My tricks are Once Upon A Child and Rummage Sales! People get rid of brand new stuff all the time for CHEAP...so you aren't sacrificing quality:)
Yay for baby #2! Can't wait to have my next!
Oh my goodness, I was just about to send you an email on this very subject before I saw your post...so check your inbox in bit.
The 2nd child syndrome is a sad but true phenomenon, especially when they're close together. It was for us anyway. Like you, we couldn't even re-use clothes (without psychologically damaging consequences), so that was another budget buster.
We've done pretty good, though, by:
1) Skipping the Pampers and buying Luvs. Definitely not as cushy and nice, but holds in the human wastes, which are just that. Human wastes. And at $10 less a box for the same amount at BJ's, we were all over it.
2) I don't buy any clothes for the kiddies unless I'm getting some kind of discount. I stock up at Old Navy's semi-annual baby sale and stock up when Baby Gap has their sale items the additional 40% off. It's comes out to be cheaper than Walmart or Target and your getting better quality (my opinion, of course). My best find was a beautiful winter coat at Baby Gap - $35 regular price - I got it for $6.97!!!
3) Breastfeeding!!! It's free. Nuff said.
4) Making our own baby food. How much is a jar of baby food? No thanks. One medium apple gets me about 6 servings. And it's fresh!
7) Craigslist. I've done really well buying, and selling, on craiglst. You just have to know what you're looking for and grab it when you see it.
Hey, we should do a McLinky on this subject. Mama's need tips about these sorta things!
check your local churches. we always have a big resale where you can get GREAT prices on things you may or may not need!
Consignment for used things that were in good condition. But I know that if I bought something new and took good care of it, I could get some of my money back either at consignment, craigslist or ebay! Or a yardsale even. I like the changing table you got!
So perhaps I am just bland, but I think that is an adorable changing table! I am on my first coming babe and I am already becoming the budgeting queen! However, I doubt I will ever sacrifice too much on style because you can always jazz things up w diy projects! I'm sure you have already thought of this, but garage sales are prob a major saver. I plan on hitting up the "rich" towns this spring to find some goodies:)
My 2 sisters-in-law have super big {and awesome} families and they do a lot of Craigslist and Ebay buying. If you are really handy, there is a blog that has directions for building your own furniture!!! It's called Knock Off Wood: http://knockoffwood.blogspot.com
Super cute stuff based off of Pottery Barn designs:) I have a post about it on my blog. http://firstcomeslove-then.blogspot.com/2010/02/ambition.html. Now, go get AMBITIOUS!
Oh my word... seriously... i can TOTALLy relate to this post!!! Poor Colt has pink blankies, pink boppy, pink bibs... second time around really gets the shaft:)
One of the ways that I have been able to save is using Target brand diapers. I LOVE them! I pay around $13 for a big box of them. So for two babes it really isn't to bad.
Another way (not sure if you use formula)...but Colt is now on formula and I use the Target brand...cheap cheap cheap and my pediatrician says it's just fine! I pay $11 a can for that.
As far as clothes go... I buy name brand clothes on Ebay and then resell them once my babes outgrow them. Alot of the time I can clothe my kids for....get this.... FREE!!! Gap clothes sell really well for little girls. As far as play clothes we just go to target or walmart.
Okay...that's what I've got at the moment...great post!
by the way this is Ashley...my husbands name is stuck on there for some reason:)
i loveddd reading this post...and the comments!! got so many great tips from these ladies!
ugh.... seriously..the above comment is the from the Howry family... not sure what's going on with google?
We had our first 5 babies in 4 years, and the year #4 and #5 were born, my husband's gross salary was $14,000 for the year. Yep. We've always had to budget very closely.
The biggest area that I've budgeted with all of our children ... groceries. A year ago we had 10 of our kids living at home, and I spent less than $500/month on groceries. This can be a big area of savings, if you're willing to take the time to shop carefully, cook from scratch, and give up junk food.
Blessings,
Laurel :)
Actually, I think it's cute! And for $20 it's fab!!!! Add some cute little fabric on the changing pad and cute little colorful accessories....it'll be just precious!
Everything with my second child was hand me down...only because my oldest two are only 16 months apart and everything was still in good shape! I have found that with my third I am a lot less thirty than I ever was with my first or second. If I find something cute, I buy it even if it isn't on sale. I think it may have something to do with being in a better place fincially now that we are a little older...and that this might be my last chance to buy cute baby stuff! That changing table is really cute...and such a great deal too!
Garage sales, consignment shops...friends. It just doesn't matter as much after the first:0
Good running into you last night! You have such white teeth by the way!:) I tried to save some money on eliza's bedding/curtain by sewing it myself. It was a big undertaking and I am no experienced seamstress but it was def. cheaper than ordering from PBkids. I also bought lamps, picture frames, and stuff from garage sale and spray painted them to match and that worked well. I also the pictures over her crib. I had to get crafty but I was determined that she would have a special and cute room of her own...even on a budget.
sorry...I just read my post and I have a ton of typos!!! oops!
:( i wish i was a mama and i could give you all the juicy tidbits of info. but i am not.
thank goodness however, that there are so many blogging mommies to help you out! i know when it comes that time for me, i will be calling you..
heehee
xo
P.S. i totally love that little table...and i think you should paint it like a turquoise or lime green high gloss and put some fun contact paper on the shelves (like a pretty plaid or stripes or zig-zag pattern. i think it would be really fun, in fact...i wish i was there to do it for you! xo
Oooh, I agree with ashlina--it would look so cute painted a bright color (but in all seriousness pregnant women with babies don't really have time to be painting!)
I have three cribs in my house right now and they are all being used! Thank God for wonderful friends who passed down their baby stuff to me! I took a lot of stuff to consignment and traded for things I needed. I love thrift store furniture finds and sale racks at old navy!
Just popped onto your lovely blog. Like it! Off to read some of your past posts ... Have a happy day!
second child syndrome. haha. too funny. i guess thats what happened to me.. my sister got all the new things and i got the garage sale items! ha. i turned out okay...
I like it and that is an awesome price!
great question!!
recycle kids clothes is #1 esp if you have the same sex kids..i usually kept a good handful of pieces in boxes since i knew we would have more kids
i also nurse my babies until they quit which saves on formula..bottles etc
never turn down ur nose at stuff ur friends are giving away!!!
ok my advice bites....lol
LOVE this post and the changing table is super sute!!! LOVE it!!Awesome price as well!
i love your new changing table! I love that it's white and classic looking along with $20! Way to go!! Hope you are having a great week!
Carissa,
You are one of most loyal readers... thank you! I love reading your comments. :)
Seriously, the changing table is great!! My poor daughter is the first baby and her changing table is my old dresser from childhood. We do the best we can, right? You could always add some paint or decals. They have those removable decals that are all the rage right now. I did pink and brown circles all over the bathroom and they worked great!!
I commend you for being a great shopper!!
LOL, I'm still working on getting the first child here, but I'll let you know how second child goes in a few years!
Thanks for stopping by, your comment was so sweet, it totally made my entire day!
Following you too! :)
WOW!! You got a lot of wonderful tips.
I am laughing with the Second Child Syndrome ; ) My sister would probably love it.
I think that changing table looks fabulous and the $20 price tag just makes it that much better! Cute changing pad in a fun color to make it match her room:-) I am always shopping at goodwill or resale shops...I even did that with my first. I am such a bargain shopper! If you are willing to search, you can find tons of name brand stuff that looks brand new! Clearance and coupons are my other best friends:-p
I don't think the changing table looks that bad. If you want, you could paint it. :)
Xoxo.
See if you have friends you might can swap clothes with, especially if you think two will be it for you and you can barter Hunters' clothes!. Our boys #2-4 all have hand me downs. Drew, #4, usually only gets new clothes for special occasions (holidays). And you can really rack up on the sales racks at Target and Old Navy.
Can't wait to see pictures of Sage's nursery!
i'm not a momma but i don't think there is anything wrong with a great deal!! :)
What a great find! This is how bad I am..I saw a very cute changing table at our local flea market...cheap, cheap. The deal was so good I was tempted to store it in the basement until we actually do have a kiddo. That's kinda sad isn't it? Thankfully I passed it up and it isn't cluttering our basement. :)
The changing table will be fine. You just figure out, whatever works: works. We have two boys, so handme downs have worked for clothes and toys. But even with my oldest, I don't feel so bad about accepting hand me downs from friends. (Before, no way.) Now, whatever works: works.
5 words.
They. Will. Never. EVER. Know.
Really, they won't remember those things. Can you remeber your changing table? I can't. And ever if the "cheap" things get caught on camera or pictures...not matter what price, they'll look old and cheap to them when they are older right?
I'm still guilty of being guilty of cheaping out on my son...but I know he won't remember! At least he's not wearing pink...wait, I DID swaddle him in pink-SHHHH
That is A-MA-ZING find for 20 bucks!! It could have been bright orange and still worth it (paint is so easy). Anyway, I love a good find- baby or not so cute.
Dude I went cheap for my first! I can only imagine what the 2nd will get. Paint paint and paint! It works wonders. Happy FF!
I had that changing table with my FIRST - because it was free. I guess my second will get changed on the floor...if they're lucky. :)
Happy Friday Follow! I came across your blog from One2Try. Hope you get a chance to stop by my blog for a little visit! I promise you will find a sweet little girl over there...hehe.
The Amazing Life of Z. Camille
Enjoy your weekend!
Oh, and I got my table for $15 at a consignment shop! I heart those shops!
Eliminate the unneccessary. For my first I had it all - including a crib she never ended up sleeping in. So for my third and fourth (a divorce had me giving all of my baby stuff away after #2) I didn't buy one. Just a play pen. Ditto for changing table. I would LOVE a show of hands for peeps who actually use these to change their baby's . Mine got changed wherever we were. I had piles of daipers and box of wipes in the parlor, in my room, in a diaper bag.
And get products that multitask- carseat/stroller and the new swing/vibrating chair are good expmples. NEVER buy a car seat second hand. I think it's against the law anyways, but it's very unsafe because of ever changing standards , plus one a seat has been in a crash you are not supposed to use it again....
Breastfeed of course.
Check out your local WIC program- you'd be surprised how high their income guidelines are to qualify- even if, especially if you are nursing but if not , can you say FREE formula and cereal?!!!
Sign up at all baby supplier websites- get your due date on mailing lists- you'll get tons of coupons and free products in the mail!!
Borrow what you can- especially if kids outgrow it fast.
Don't waste your money on baby SHOES - unneccessary expense, and even though they are cute- baby's are actually developmentally better off in socks or barefoot.
Become best friends with your local library- they have books, baby times programs and DVD's for your older and baby!! And other moms to spend time with!!!
Once on table food- your baby can eat what you eat- just mash before really seasoning.
carissa,
i dont want to overwhelm you with ideas (i know what a nesting mommy is like!!) but here's what i learned for #2...
for a start, i didnt know what i was having, but since i ended up with two boys it was easier to cheap out.
at first i felt bad that cole had to wear gavin's things (poor cole), but i realized that the stuff i put gavin in was WAAAY too trendy for comfort. i'm all about comfort for cole now.
onesies, soft organic cotton outfits, unionsuits...!
i havent really blogged about cole's room, but i purchased reinvented ALL of his bedroom furniture.
gavin busted his crib at 15 months and i was FORCED to put him in a big boy bed. somehow i dodged the two crib dilemma that others have suffered thru!!!
all the decor in coles room is either handmade or thrift store.
i read another persons comment about cloth diapers. i think i picked up on the fact that you didnt use them for hunter, but i went ahead and tried them out with cole.
it was an extremely $$$$$$ experiment, basically because if you dont like them, your baby doesnt like them, or some other reason, you can't return them. resale for my beautiful hemp/bamboo all-in-ones used for ONE MONTH has been non-existent.
so, thats what i have gone thru...
hope that helps?
much love!
michelle...xoxo
i meant to write i "purchased thrift and reinvented all of cole's nursery furniture"
xoxo
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That's my baby bed pattern from 25 years ago, Jenny Lind. I have the bed and the changer. Love it, to me just screams baby! Mine is white, I have seen them repainted in colors, one black looked pretty good. We had twins first, so we saved every way we could. They shared a bed for the first 4 months.
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