5 Ways to Save Money on Baby Gear – from a Twin Mom
Let’s be real for a second. Baby gear is expensive. When you’re buying for two (or even one!) it’s totally natural to want to minimize expenses. Not only that – with double the gear, your living space can be dramatically reduced. That’s why we curated 5 ways to save money on baby gear from a real twin mom.
Whether you’re having a baby on a budget, or simply want to make sure you don’t overspend on baby gear, we’ve got you covered. These money saving tips for new parents of twins are meant to set you up for success. After having gone through 3 under 3, we’ve learned what baby gear is really helpful and what you can skip. Let’s dive in!
1. Don’t Buy Everything on the Twin Registry Checklists
When you think about it, most twin registry checklists are made by retailers (or sites who get a kickback from the retailer). Doesn’t it make sense that they would want you to buy as much as possible?
The amount they recommend can be truly overwhelming, and you honestly don’t need it all to be successful with twins. That’s why I made the Ultimate Minimalist Twin Registry Checklist. It highlights what you need – but more importantly what you can skip and what you can get by without doubling.
Regardless of which twin registry you go with, ultimately take a critical look at every twin registry checklist you see (even ours) and ask yourself if you truly need every piece. If you need more guidance, check out this list of what NOT to buy when you’re having twins.
A best practice? Buy only the bare minimum, and load the rest into your Amazon cart if you find you really wish you had it. That way, you’re not wasting money or space on things you think you need, but never actually use.
2. Don’t Double Everything
Truly, you do not need two of everything. I even created a whole post about what not to double for twins.
You’ll soon find that babies get bored of things reeeeeally quickly. The key is to have a lot of baby activities – not two of every baby activity.
Being able to rotate your twins through their activities (swing – exersaucer – floor activity center – bouncer – blocks – etc.) is way better than having just two swings and two activity centers.
Again – start minimalist, and build up after your twins arrive, if you need to.
3. Embrace Secondhand
Truly, babies use their clothing and toys for such a short amount of time. I can’t be the only mom who had articles of clothing that their twins didn’t actually ever wear??
Because of this, getting secondhand clothing and toys means you’re getting almost-new gear…in some cases, entirely new. Not only that, going second-hand is SO much better for the planet. Think of the millions of babies born each year and entire wardrobes ending up in the landfill after a few short months.
Search out second hand options; and when it comes time, pass your twin clothing off onto the next generation of twin moms to come. It’s one more way that we can support each other.
4. Invest in Long-Term Furniture
Next up on how to save money on baby gear is investing in the right pieces. When it comes to toys and clothing, going with less expensive options is usually fine, as they use the pieces for such short periods of time. When it comes to pieces that could be around for years, however? I invest.
Cribs that convert into beds, dressers that will be around for years to come, rocking chairs that fit into your decor – these are the pieces to spend money on.
Things that will be used for a mere short months? Those, I’m usually more comfortable going with the less expensive options.
5. Befriend Parents of Older Twins (and Join the Chain)
Twin parents are a special breed. They have been through the battle and made it out the other side. They get you. And, most importantly, they have the resources, knowledge, tips, and compassion that can help you through the first year with twins.
They also have the gear. I’m in a few twin groups, and moms are always offering up things their twinnies have grown out of. With two-year-old twins myself, I’m in the process of offering up some of our twin gear to the next round of new twin moms about to embark on this journey. Just yesterday I passed along our twins’ car seats and high chairs to a pregnant twin mom.
So, befriend twin parents who have been through it. And when the time comes, step up to become a mentor for those just starting out. They’ll probably be feeling just as excited, scared, overwhelmed, and thrilled as you were.
Saving Money on Twin Baby Gear
Whether you have a baby on the way and no money or simply want to save money on basic baby supplies, it’s a smart idea to be efficient – especially with twins. Saving money on baby stuff is key for all incomes, and simply sets you and your family up for success. I strongly believe it’s better to save money for baby’s future than for pieces you’ll only use a few times. Hopefully these money saving tips for new parents have helped!
Want more twin planning tips? Check out the list below! We’ve got you covered, twin mom.
Read Next:
Ultimate Minimalist Twin Registry Checklist
The Best Twin Stroller (in my opinion)
What Not to Buy when Having Twins
Twin Baby Gear Must Haves to Make Life Easier
What Not to Get Two of for Twins
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