Having twins during unexpected unemployment is really hard financially. So, I thought I would share a few ways that we save money on baby stuff.
-COUPONS! I subscribed to the Sunday paper and to All You magazine, which has coupons inside. I also let our family know that we would happily take any unused coupons they have. Additionally, I trade coupons on craigslist and with friends.
-I never buy diapers, wipes, formula, or baby food without a coupon. I did some major price comparison research, found the cheapest place to get what we use and then wait for that store to have a sale. During the sale I use the coupons we have, and when you add the discount from the sale and coupons sometimes I save up to 50%. DH is always amazed at how we can spend $50 and save $60 on the same order.
-For formula I also use rebate checks that the manufacturer sends. I signed up for our brand, and all the others. I then trade the brands we don't use for the ones we do with people online or off craigslist. I also had my mom and MIL sign up so that they can give me the checks. We can't use generic brands of formula b/c of specific formula needs, but I hear if you can use them they are a great deal.
-Clothes. We have not purchased more than 2 or 3 pieces of clothes new. No need to, we have a great family that has handed-down so many cute clothes I don't quite know what to do with all of it. We also know a few MoMs (moms of multiples) who have given us some boy/girl twins clothes (matchy!). If you don't have family, or are in need of specific items, there are great deals on craigslist, consignment stores and over the summer -rummage sales!
-Same as above for play items, other than what was gifted to us, we have nothing new. When E&H were getting ready to move up to an exersaucer and jumperoo I just emailed all of our friends and family with small kids and asked to borrow them. A colleague of mine with twins offered to give us theirs. We happily accepted.
Have some good money saving tips for me?? I'd happily take them:) We have looked into cloth diapering, which we still plan to do, and making our own baby food...though sometimes I do choose time over saving money:)
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Homemade baby food is easy and fast! Make a whole batch of veggies and freeze them in ice cube trays. Pop out and store in a freezer bag for cheap veggies with no additives. Also, I've heard rumor that Target honors expired formula checks....I haven't tried it, but it might be worth checkout out :)
Also, Mom2Mom sales are great! We have them in Michigan, I'm pretty sure they're in other places too.
not sure if you've seen baby cheapskate (http://www.babycheapskate.com/a) :) i check there all the time. every sunday they list diaper and formula and baby food deals of the week.
Freezer meals!! Buy in bulk and make big meals, freeze the rest. It hardly takes any additional time! Also Super Walmart accepts competitor coupons I believe.
I know you are in WI- Madison has a GREAT twin resale (rummage sale) 2x a year- great for toys, twin supplies, as well as clothes. I went last April and plan on going to the one in August.
I also keep track of several deal websites for deals and freebies(like dealwisemommy, dealseekingmom, etc.) and find out about a lot of good deals- I especially like the photo deals they list.
You can coupon stack at Target- use one Target coupon and one manufacturer's coupon at the same time for one product.
The formula check coupons are a big business on ebay- I had a bunch of Enfamil ones, which I don't use and got more than 50% of the value in $.
Many companies give great stuff to moms of multiples too! Some you need to send copies of birth certs, some just sent stuff after sending a letter stating that we just had twins- I got coupons for free diapers for pampers, two free toys from one company, two free sleepers with bibs from Little Me, high value coupons from Gerber, free diapers from 7th Generation, etc. Depending on what brand of formula you use, you can get a case of free formula too. We got a case of Enfamil's Gentlease free just after calling the customer service and then sending in birth certs. We would ask our pedi for samples every time we went in, too.
Just found your blog, I am enjoying reading it! I've added you! I just had a baby girl in April. Your babies are adorable!
http://pinkcamogirl.blogspot.com/
Hello! I just stumbled across ur blog and beautiful babes! Unfortunately I do not have any money saving ideas, but I am def going to check out some of ur suggestions on here.
To the person who posted about the companies who give free samples to multiples which companies were u talking about?!
I did make my own baby food and we are on a HUGE budget! It was far more cost efficient to make it and freeze it in ice cube trays! We didn't even buy any additional tools to make it we just used things we already have at home! Food processor, blender, and pots and pans :)
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