8 Ways Parents Can Cut Their Shopping Budget

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Spend what you can to get and good travel system or stroller (whichever you situation demands). This will come in handy and will be able to grow with the baby. If you're into exercising but can't do the gym thing, for whatever reason, get a BOB revolution. It's good for running and for running errands (good storage too). Budgeting isn't easy but with a few smart choices it can be less painful.
Garry Edwards
Publisher, www.EveryDayStrollers.com

Garry Edwards 6:34PM June 04, 2010

My oldest is five, and I have two year old twins. I agree with most of the article, especially the part about car seats--we spend a LOT of time in the car, and it's just not worth it to me to risk my child's safety to save money. I uninstall our car seats and give them a thorough inspection (including anything adjustable that needs to be addressed because the child has grown) every 2-3 months, and replace them every 2 years. The crib I have handed down, our high chairs don't seem to last long enough to pass down, but car seats are the one item I will not compromise on.

Mom of WV 11:26AM May 27, 2010

Overall, a good summary. I'd just offer that while car seat material does break down over time (much like bike helmet material) and become inherently less safe, I wouldn't categorically say that used cribs and high chairs shouldn't be passed down. Cribs or high chairs from quality producers with few moving parts, like the best stationary cribs or even old fashioned wooden high chairs, aren't going to become materially more dangerous because of "changing standards." It doesn't make sense (particularly when it comes to conservation or eco-sensibility) to categorically assign a timeline, i.e. more than two years old, to those items.

GaGaGear of OR 10:52PM May 26, 2010

My children are now 19 months, and I concur with the advice provided. Many new moms are inundated with new cool gadgets that sound useful for are not practical. I also noticed that once my children arrived their things started taking over the house. My solution is to mainly buy items that are needs not necessarily wants. http://cleverlychanging.com

Elle of DC 10:26PM May 26, 2010