How Do I Prepare For My New Baby On A Budget?

Baby care products make up a $74 billion industry in the US, and it’s estimated the average new parent will spend tens of thousands of dollars in the first year alone. If you’re not careful, preparing for your new baby can quickly bust your budget.

The industry heavily markets “must have” products you and your baby can’t live without. And the number of products you “have to have” as parents continues to grow each year.

But smart moms and dads can drastically cut the amount they spend on Baby by borrowing or shopping second-hand for many items they’ll only end up using for a little while.

What baby items can you get the most bang from your baby buck by borrowing or buying second-hand? When does it pay to purchase new items for your baby?

Here’s a list to consider of what to buy, borrow, and steal (uh, pay for legally at a consignment store!) for your baby.

Baby Items to Buy New

There are certain items you’ll need for a new baby that make sense to buy new.

While it’s not necessary to buy the most expensive designer option, rest assured there are plenty of tempting choices out there. So buyer beware. Shop around to find a reasonably-priced version of the following items. Or put them on your baby registry…