Ever since I've been a mother, I've learned a way to save money. I tend to reuse everything I can (within reason) for example: the car seat, clothing, socks, extra diapers (put in a container and save back), bottles, pacifiers (as long as they're santizied and safe), and so forth. My mother also showed me how to work yard sales, getting good deals, matching ads, using coupons and rainchecks, and other ways about saving money and so forth.
Many try to make parenting sound difficult, but as for myself, I see it as a no brainer. Yes, I do make mistakes. Don't get me wrong, but when someone makes the statement about financials and affording another child, I tell them about reusing things and then I've gotten the remark, "Do you really want your children reusing everything and growing up like that?" I won't say whom made this statement, but I'll just drop it as ... it was a FAMILY member that got frustrated with me when I talked about future children. This person never liked the aspect of my first child being born.
So, anyway... what do you think about reusing things? Do you think its too cheap?
I've also gotten many remarks about cloth diapers (I don't use these personally) and the old type parenting of trying to save money and stretch the dollar.
Don't get me wrong, I sometimes splurge sometimes and buy my children an expensive toy or clothes. What parent doesn't? ::Laughs::
PS. If you ever think about it, I try to show appreciation for what people have bought me (clothes) for example; a lady on Gather bought me an outfit that is 12 months for my oldest and it says "Princess" on it. I will reuse this outfit for Halee. I don't see anything wrong with that. I just want people to know I'm thankful for what I get and I also think this is a good way to save money in the long run that you could spend on more important things for your children needing (dental, eye care, etc).
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Comments: 25
Family doesn't always give the best advice. Just because they have something to say about you doesn't mean they are right!
I am stunned that someone would say something like that. I hope you answered, "Of course!"
The only thing I would worry about is car seats, but you can check to find out of they have have been recalled before using them.
There was some manufacturer almost twenty years ago which guaranteed their swings for two kids; I can't imagine that theystill do. I agree with the rule about not buying car seats unless it is in a sealed box at a retail store.
The only things that are really safe to buy at yard sales are those items that can be sterilized in boiling water and are not made to go in an infant's mouth (i.e., nipples, pacifiers, medicine spoons/droppers/etc.)
Afterall when the clothes are washed, will it really matter who previously wore the clothes in the 1st place?
And don't worry about the comments the person made about it supposedly being bad or crazy to re-use stuff, you're not the 1st person to think of a very great idea.
I remember once a girl who was in same grade as my Sister was no longer able to fit into pairs of Jeans, my Sister was able to fit into those pairs of Jeans.
Whenever stuff comes to me in the mail in shipping packages like CDs or DVDs, I like to re-use those packages rather than tossing the packages in the trash.
With that said, go for it girl. It's silly to throw away money on things. I grew up on Goodwill and hand-me-downs and have done quite nicely thank-you. Our girls grew up on hand-me-downs and have become excellent Goodwill shoppers!
As things are going I think many people will find themselves shopping at places other than the mall and stores.
Enjoy the holidays.
Pretty much, I drew the line with stuff that was supposed to be in contact with the baby's mouth, when I was looking for things at yard sales. I didn't use any previously used pacifiers, bottle nipples, etc. I did reuse spoons when he got to that age, but even then I only used ones from my sister, that my nieces had used. I probably would reuse pacifiers and sippy cups for any future kids (that Elliott used I mean).