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Save Money - Tips For Parents

Posted:Abigail Andrews - Saturday, May 26th, 2007

Having children doesn't have to break the bank. Here are some ways to save some money while raising your bambino's:

This is a work in progress once again so keep popping back as the list is not yet exhausted!

Don't Buy so Many Toys

Children and babies in particular, are often inundated with toys and teddies, many of which will go untouched. It's tempting to add to their collection when you see something irresistible, but try waiting a week and then deciding whether you really need it. The urge is likely to have worn off and your baby will still be as contented as before. Furthermore, if people really want to buy your baby a gift ask them to either buy something useful, like clothes, shoes, even a box of nappies, or, ask them to put some money in a bank account to build up a fantastic savings amount that your child can have when it is 18!

Toys needn't cost a fortune either, don't go silly at Christmas and birthdays, children get everything they want these day's sometimes it's good to teach children they can't have everything they want. One main present for Christmas is all most children got until recent years. Now it seems children get 4 big presents!! Alternatively, arrange toy swaps with friends, or go to parent and toddler groups so your child can play with a variety of toys.

Keep Boxes for Gifts

It's your child's birthday and once again this year you have received duplicate gifts, or an outfit doesn't fit, or your child doesn't like a toy, there is a solution, you can re-package it and make it a present for someone else when the time comes.

Yes, it sounds like your being cheap, but sometimes it isn't possible to take things back to the shop so instead of letting it go to waste at the back of a cupboard, someone else can make better use of it and love it, and you could save a few quid at the same time! :)

Free DVD's and Books

Make your own DVD's by recording your child's favorite programs. Also let them watch your own home videos, especially if it shows a memorable outing or event. Furthermore, remember the local library, a much under used service these days, where DVD's and books are free.

Cheap Presents

For Christmas, birthdays, Father's Day or Mother's Day, etc, make a home video of your little one as a present. Alternatively, put a photo, hand print, or their artwork in a frame for grandparents, they will love them.

Use the Internet

For online games which will keep them entertained for hours, visit www.bbc.co.uk/cbeebies or the website of your favourite character. Or use the google search below:

Choose Nearly New Goods

Check out www.ebay.co.uk for second-hand baby stuff, or go to your local car boot sale.

Make the most of second-hand offers from friends and relatives. Check that items are clean and in good working order, for example, that the brakes on a pushchair work efficiently. But don't use old cot mattresses - get a new one for each baby as these have been associated with cot death. Also avoid buying a second-hand infant car seat, unless you are sure it hasn't been in an accident, and it still has it's fitting instructions.

Your local branch of the National Childbirth Trust may hold regular second-hand sales. Also try your local newspaper or the baby clinic notice board.

Keep a Coupon Kitty

Keep and use all the coupons and tokens you get free from magazines, through the door, and in papers, but only if they're for items you would buy anyway or you will end up with a pile of useless coupons and in amongst them some good ones that you won't be able to find.

Watch out for False Economies

If you buy economy brands, remember they may not be as effective as more expensive ones. For example, if a cheaper nappy leaks, you'll end up with more washing to do. Another example is toilet rolls, really cheap packs are not usually as good as better brands, there is not as much on the roll and they are not as absorbent, leaving you using more sheets. Instead look for a good quality roll on offer! There are many more examples but just be aware that economy does not always save you money.

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