Need advice re kid stuff

[Vishenka69]

Our current plan is to get big ticket items (furniture, stroller, carseat, etc.) either during Black Friday or post-Xmas sales. But since I never shopped for these items before I have no idea if there are any specials on them during that time. So will our plan work or should we just get whatever whenever?

[SuzySunshine]

I have never shopped for that kind of stuff on Black Friday but have found that most baby equipment doesn't usually go on sale during traditional sale times like that.

Here are a few sites you might want to keep an eye on:
http://babycheapskate.blogspot.com/

http://kids.woot.com/ (had a great carseat for sale last week)

[GrayMatterWife]

I don't know if anyone else would agree, but my advice would be to shop online as much as possible and buy as little as possible in "stuff" (that is, the non-necessities). Wait until the babe's been here a couple of weeks, and you'll have a better feel for whether you really want/need that gigantic plastic tub-thing-a-ma-gig or that particular swing or whatever. With the first, you really do end up with WAY too much stuff.

You might try Craigslist for used high-quality strollers (can really save a buck) and those front-mounted baby carrier things (Baby Borns...I hated them but a lot of women swear by them).

But, I try to keep it to the basics: addition to the crib, buy diapers, bottles, formula (even if you don't intend to breastfeed--just in case you have issues), newborn onesies, a couple of flatsheets for the crib, a waterproof crib mattress cover, butt paste, baby shampoo, wipes, a carseat, and a stroller. That's what you need. Everything else, you can fudge, until you know if you really need/want it. You don't need the high chair yet, etc.

If you want a recommendation for the WORLD'S BEST GLIDER/SOOTHER TABLETOP SEAT, let me know. It was SO AWESOME. I'd buy it ahead of time, in a heartbeat, to be ready to deposit baby into.

[Vishenka69]

We definitely want to keep all the "stuff" to a bare minimum. Just wanted to know if it's worth waiting for those sale times or even wasting time looking for baby related items on Black Friday. If I see a crib I like next week, should I just get it now or will it go on sale after Xmas? I'm used to all the other things being cheaper during that time of the year, just don't know if it applies to baby stuff.

[Deebs]

Start keeping an eye out now. They don't go on sale at typical times. Abigail, what is the glider thingy???

It doesn't really apply to baby stuff. I will suggest using ebates, though. One Step Ahead, BabiesRUs, and a few others are on there, and you can get a decent rebate.

[GrayMatterWife]

Abigail, what is the glider thingy???

The Fisher Price Soothing Motions Glider. Unfortunately, it's about $80. I got mine on amazon.com, though so shipping was free and no taxes. But it was the best $80 I spent related to DD. She LOVED LOVED LOVED it and I used it for the first four or five months. The side-to-side sliding motion just put her OUT.

Vishenka: I'm sorry. I guess I missed the real point of your question. Not so much about when to buy, but when to look for sales. I can't say that I remember any particular "season" being better. Baby stuff doesn't really tend to go on seasonal sales, I don't think.

[alison]

Our daughter HATES the vibration function on her rocker. She goes ballistic every time we turn it on. Had I known she wouldn't like it, I could have saved some money. I wish that I had waited until she was born to buy it!

I hate that our home has been overtaken by baby stuff.

We live in an area with a mild climate, so all M wears during the day is a side snap t-shirt and a diaper. If we are feeling extra fancy, I might put a pair of pants on her.

Fun times! Enjoy shopping!!! That's a big part of the fun!

[Pollyanna]

We definitely want to keep all the "stuff" to a bare minimum. Just wanted to know if it's worth waiting for those sale times or even wasting time looking for baby related items on Black Friday. If I see a crib I like next week, should I just get it now or will it go on sale after Xmas? I'm used to all the other things being cheaper during that time of the year, just don't know if it applies to baby stuff.

Black Friday means nothing in the world of baby stuff. You won't find any sales are clearance deals, people need baby stuff year round so the main reason that stuff goes on sale is if they are phasing out a particular pattern or are changing a design. Like the Graco Snugride infant car seat can range in price from 79.98 to 139.99. Same seat, but the pattern and material used on the seat is different. If you are looking for good prices check out Walmart.com. They have a TON of options for bedding and some of it is really nice for less than half the price of other retailers. If you are looking for a quality crib at a good price check out this option from Target (http://www.target.com/Canton-Convert...28&pf_rd_t=201) My mom has this one at her house, it is beautiful and so stable. It seems more like an $800 crib than $249. Bottom line, if you find something you like and it's within your budget then go for it and have a blast.

[Pollyanna]

Our daughter HATES the vibration function on her rocker. She goes ballistic every time we turn it on. Had I known she wouldn't like it, I could have saved some money. I wish that I had waited until she was born to buy it!

None of our kiddos liked the vibrating seats either, just made them cry.

[SoonerTexan]

Actually, a friend of mine who had her baby in April got a 50% off rocking chair set on Black Friday. I guess the deals are just far and few between. I think it was Babies R US

[Meenah]

I'm so freakin old I remember putting the carseat on top of the dryer!!!!!!!!! Worked like a charm. I actually remember sitting on the laundry room floor and dozing!

[MrsK]

I'm so freakin old I remember putting the carseat on top of the dryer!!!!!!!!! Worked like a charm. I actually remember sitting on the laundry room floor and dozing!

Oh, I used to do this when I was babysitting. Before the vibrating baby seats and before I could take the baby for a ride in the car when he was fussy.

[Cumberland]

I wouldnt buy any big ticket items til after your shower. You will probably be shocked by how much stuff you get for a first baby.

[DCJenn]

Buy the Baby Bargains book, read it and then figure out your shopping strategy.

For example, the safest crib available when we were buying was recommended through the book and was less than $200. It was basic, it was white but it did the job.

I wasn't really into buying a ton of stuff because I knew this was it and it didn't need to last beyone the use of one small Russian boy.

Jenn