Hello Ozbargainers,
Hoping you could point me in the right direction for cheap and good quality items for a new born.
Looking for everything except for a pram and a car seat, so if you have any good recommendations that would be great.
Im guessing IKEA for the cott, target for toys, clothes, etc.
Thanks
Oneiricer
BigW and Best & Less are good for random clothes and lots of the smaller things you need. You won't need many toys for some time and are likely to get some as gifts, so no need to go overboard there.
Our cot came from Baby Co which had a good deal at the time.
Many mothers recommend investing in a feeding chair - something to consider.
Gumtree
Cheap and Good Quality are mutually exclusive when you're talking baby stuff.
If you want quality, you pay for it or buy it secondhand.
Cheap and Good Quality are mutually exclusive when you're talking baby stuff.
This generalisation is dangerous. There are lots of ridiculously overpriced baby things because of this notion.
How is it dangerous?
How is it a generalisation?
And then your final point seems like you're agreeing with me!
All Baby stuff that I've seen is expensive, even the "cheap" stuff!
The cheap stuff also invariably happens to be crap.
But the secondhand expensive stuff is generally cheaper and is generally much better than the cheap stuff.
One exception to this seems to be Car seats, where the Safe and Sound brand is "cheap" but also has a good reputation.
How is it dangerous?
Implies that all cheap items are no good, and you should pay more for things even when you don't need to.
How is it a generalisation?
Perhaps you need to look up what that word means? I can't think of any other reason why you need to ask this question, so I don't know how to start answering it.
Here are some more examples of exactly this:
All Baby stuff that I've seen is expensive, even the "cheap" stuff!
The cheap stuff also invariably happens to be crap.
But the secondhand expensive stuff is generally cheaper and is generally much better than the cheap stuff.
Note that these cases (while still generalisations (note use of the word 'generally')) are better as they add clauses such as 'that I've seen'.
But I wasn't implying that he should pay more!
I was implying that you can pay less (cheaper) and get better quality (safer) by buying Expensive Brands secondhand!
That's not a generalisation, it's a fact!
I've done it! To the point that I got Brand Name stuff (in fantastic condition) for free from a bloke at work.
I don't agree with this generalisation. I've had 4 children, and many things we purchased (which were anything but premium) lasted all 4 children.
To the OP, my suggestions are as follows:
Good tip mjwills - I use CREP to choose all my carseats. Interestingly enough one of the cheapest 4yr old boosters that you can just buy in Target (on special for $89 when it goes on sale) is the highest rating in it's category. Beating many that are double and even triple it's price! So price definitely does not indicate quality when it comes to carseats!
OP I know you have one already but on the subject of carseats, anyone considering buying one soon who has ISOFIX capabilities in their car - hold off buying one as long as possible as they've just approved ISOFIX for Australia. They are also allowing longer rear-facing seats to come on the market. So there will be a lot of new (hopefully safer and easier to install) carseats coming out soon.
http://www.choice.com.au/reviews-and-tests/babies-and-kids/t…
Big W is best, and they often have sales.
Bought a high chair at Target couple weeks ago at half price, it was about $70. Very good one, height adjustable, reclining position….
Where about do you live? I have a pile of baby girl clothes (new born) that I don't need anymore. I have no one to give them to and I can't be bother to sell them! You can take the lot.
If you decide to get new things, the cheapest I could find online for most things was http://www.babyzonedirect.com.au/ . Not much cheaper than other places though, and delivery was slow at times.
We wasted significant money on an 'affordable' pram (Maxi Cosi Milla - did not survive the first year). Did more research after that, and now have a Baby Jogger (City Select) - awesome pram if you later have a second child; these seem to be always expensive locally. Best we found for that was 'buggiesforbabies' on eBay. (With over $100 shipping from US, but still much cheaper than local.)
For consumables (nappies etc) we used http://www.gotoddler.com.au/ for awhile. Not huge dollar savings, but it was nice in the early months to have stuff like that just arrive at the door (free shipping for >$80 or something like that if I recall).
Congratulations!
Well technically you can get by with a length of material for a wrap, a few MCNs and a set of boobs. But I like having all the baby gear!
Baby Markets. They are awesome, especially for sizes 000 and 00, toys and random baby stuff that you want to have but may never use. Everyone has way too many things and don't use them much so you get a lot of new or near-new stuff for practically nothing. Queensland has the 'Baby and Kids Markets' all over the place. Also a lot of localised ones run by various groups such as The Multiple Birth Association etc.
High chair from Ikea. Forget everywhere else - everyone just ends up with the Ikea one and says they'd wish they'd bought it in the first place. Read the parenting forums and you'll see it over and over again.
Bassinet/Basket. Some people argue these are unnecessary. I LOVED my basket as it makes newborn more portable, you can take their bed wherever you want and sleep them right next to you in your room easily. I bought a basket from Big W which was great but only lasts the first 11 weeks or so. Bassinets are supposed to last up to 6 months. If I have another kid I'll buy one off Gumtree that's barely been used, there are millions of them on there at any point.
Cot from Ebay/Gumtree. Go for an expensive one second hand. I got a Sunbury Australian made one for $250 when they were retailing for about $650. Her kid never slept in it. Neither did mine first time round. Second kid is getting plenty of use though!
Carrier. Google 'How to make a Moby wrap'. Go buy your material from Spotlight on special and it will cost you about $35 for two carriers. Better than ANY other carrier. Bjorn hurts my back, Moby doesn't. Got to offical Moby website to get their big pdf telling you how to use a Moby. Easier than it looks.
Nappy Bag. Just get a normal bag, especially if you are breastfeeding (no need for insulated bottle holders etc). My OiOi annoys the crap out of me as I can't shove it under my pram (too structured and bulky). Ironic as with baby no. 1 all I ever wanted was an OiOi…now with baby no. 2 I just use a big handbag and my OiOi sits in the baby room gathering dust.
Big W sells an AWESOME fold-up nappy change-mat for $8 or so. It is black and will store a couple of nappies and wipes on a fold out change-mat. Better quality than a lot of the $40 ones you get in baby shops. I just chuck that in my bag with a change of clothes and spit cloth.
Target has the best wraps in my opinion - 3 pack for $14 of extra large muslins. Far better quality and size than Big W's or Kmart's offerings.
Cot sheets from Big W or Target (on sale - I got lovely ones online the other week for $8).
Target sales, Best and Less and Big W are best places to get new clothes. Kmart has the odd gem but is usually too wide a fit. Coles/Woolies have nice bib packs.
I wouldn't buy too much (just a few favourites) as you'd be amazed at how much you'll get given and how little time you have to use it!
oh yeah…Congratulations :)
Bassinets are supposed to last up to 6 months.
larger ones up to 9mths :)
http://www.babycarriages.com.au/seed-organic-cradle-p-280.ht…
Cot from Ebay/Gumtree. Go for an expensive one second hand. I got a Sunbury Australian made one for $250 when they were retailing for about $650. Her kid never slept in it. Neither did mine first time round.
so instead of a cot they slept in a bed as babies?
Carrier. Google 'How to make a Moby wrap'. Go buy your material from Spotlight on special and it will cost you about $35 for two carriers. Better than ANY other carrier.
for safety, a carrier such as babybjorn or ergo is better
http://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/111250#comment-1518137
Bjorn hurts my back, Moby doesn't.
was it a model without lumbar support, such as the original or air?
larger ones up to 9mths :)
well there you go…I'd be a little concerned about safety though…my kids were pulling themselves to standing position at 7mths.
so instead of a cot they slept in a bed as babies?
yep - baby-enforced co-sleeping.
for safety, a carrier such as babybjorn or ergo is better
Uhh…no safety issues with a Moby…they are tied in nice and snug, legs bundled into the correct position for a newborn and their faces are uncovered. In fact I would say my newborn felt more secure in the Moby than Bjorn, especially when asleep.
was it a model without lumbar support, such as the original or air?
No idea. Blue one. Have also tried a white one with more bits round the back (but only once when I borrowed it to have a feel of what it was like) but still wasn't my cup of tea.
Network with your nearest Playgroup when the baby arrives - it's basically a swap meet (baby items, not babies).There's items of baby stuff at our Playgroup that have been floating back and forth for generations.
In the meantime get plenty of sleep.
You will probably want a brand new car seat - I wouldn't trust that a second hand one hasn't been in a crash or dropped.
Do be aware that a baby is an individual, and will sometimes just not like a certain brand / model of product.. For example, my oldest one, when weaned at 14 months old, would simply only drink milk from a particular style of sippy cup, and only if it were purple or red. When those cups wore out, we got some new ones in a different colour… As a result, I drove across Sydney visiting whatever BigW I could find to see if I could fine a purple or red one.
Drink cups, bottles, blankies, dummies, clothing, potties, etc… You can save a fortune by buying second hand stuff, but your kid will only drive you to madness when they refuse to crap in a potty because it's the wrong colour… Or the wrong shape. Or has the wrong cartoon character on it… And by the time you find the right one, you've lost all your savings :)
Prince William is that you?
I wonder….
thank you all for your responses, it is very, very appreciated. Our baby isn't due until mid January so i've got plenty of time to start collecting things. I figured if i waited until December all the bargains may be gone and it also gives me time to research as well.
At least now i know which items should be brought second hand/first hand, thank you all very much!!
p.s. my baby (if it is a boy) will NOT be called George!!!
Don't buy anything.
Have a look at this link:
http://www.anythingbaby.com.au/html/s01_home/home.asp
It's better to hire and it is cheapest in the long run.
Not at those prices!
$190 for 6 month hire of a cot… Ours cost less than $400 and will be used for at least 2 years.
Not to mention the savings for multiple children.
Unless you plan to have alot of babies.
We only paid $200 and are very happy with the cot.
If you buy good quality second hand, and look after it, there is almost no depreciation.
I actually made a profit off my Maxi Cosi car seat.
Please dont name your baby because George is a terrible name!
My middle name is George.
That's kind of mean to say that the baby can't have a name.
:P
Just watch 1200 or so episodes of Peppa Pig and it will grow on you…
If you are going to get a feeding pillow - get a boomerang shaped pillow from Target. $20 for the pillow, $10 for the case. $30 all up. Cheaper than the >$70 versions at the baby stores.
Don't rush into buying 0000 sized baby clothes. They grow out of them really fast. Ok to start with 000, unless your baby is born prematurely, then that's a different kettle of fish altogether. Then, you buy the smaller sized baby clothes.
I purchased my Cot and Change table off gumtree for $180. It is a big sturdy sleigh style. Over $1000 had I bought it new.
Cot mattress's are about $70 anywhere, so at about that price just pic whatever up
Don't get bonds wondersuits… Just buy the Target $6 ripp off ones. Seriously, my Bonds suits are falling apart, and he is only nearly 5 months old. He has stayed in each size for less then 2 months, and they are all falling to pieces.
The size 000 and 00 I was putting them in the dryer (you are not meant to), so I didn't do that with my 0's, and they are still falling to pieces!
So save your money and just get the Target ones.
You can get sized ones also, which tend to fit better, but that is more expensive.
You can buy them online, or pick some up at Babyco for $9 a nappy to start you off.
I started off with two, and got confident and used more.
My poor baby had 9 weeks of ultra bad nappy rash due to the Johnson and Johnson wipes. So bad he blistered and was bleeding no matter how much cream I put on.
As soon as I started using just plain water and a face washer, it cleared right up and never had a problem since!
Amazon UK and America have had some great bargains for me (medela breast pump for $106 delivered and AC powered baby swing for $160)
Swaddles! Have a few Love to Dream swaddles or anything with Velcro or a zip. Try stop using them after 8 weeks, but as a new born they are invaluable.
Get a proper baby carrier that promotes good hip placement such as an Ergo or Manducca. DO NOT get a baby bjorn. This sort carries the weight on your shoulders and dangles your baby by their crotch.
The Ergo or Manducca (or a woven wrap) sits their knees above their bums, 'froggy' style which is perfect for growing babies.
The Ergo and Manducca can be used up to 20kg, so for the $130 price tag, you get alot of use out of them.
I can do my shopping easily by myself as I don't have a pram to worry about.
Lots more stuff, but it might be a bit overwhelming for you.
My greatest piece of advice is, if your not sure, don't buy anything.
There are so many things I am regretting buying. But you just don't know til you know… If you are going to splurg on buying stuff for bubs, do it for size 00 or 0 clothing. Bubs should be in that size longer then most other sizes.
Get a proper baby carrier that promotes good hip placement such as an Ergo or Manducca. DO NOT get a baby bjorn. This sort carries the weight on your shoulders and dangles your baby by their crotch.
sorry but as per http://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/110205#comment-1497190, baby bjorn carriers such as the air have lumbar support so weight is distributed onto your hips if used properly and do not have babies dangling by their crotch
The Ergo and Manducca can be used up to 20kg, so for the $130 price tag, you get alot of use out of them.
i doubt if anyone actually carries a 20kg baby with them :)
If you have a child with a disability there is a pretty high chance of you having to carry 20kg.
surely a stroller would be better? :)
If the baby is not sitting in an M shape (froggy style) then the carrier is not good for their hips.
Brands aside. That is the way you want your baby to be seated.
And toddlers can weigh 20kgs. And you can carry a toddler on your back in the Manducca very comfortably. So yes. People do carry 20kg's around.
In regards to the stroller comment, if you are on your own, and have to do shopping, it is much easier to use a carrier then it is to have a pram/stroller and try get the weekly groceries or whatever else.
In busy places, it can be easier to use a carrier.
I only use my stroller/pram if I will be sitting down to eat at a restaurant or if we are walking around a park or something.
Otherwise I use the carrier.
Where did you get the ergo for $130 from?
Scoopon have recurring deals on Avent feeding bottles, I paid $15 delivered for the starter set which is $50 in Big W and Target, keep an eye out!
Another vote for Ebay / Gumtree for a second hand cot. We paid about $100 for ours (stained pine wooden cot, in great condition), and then bought a brand new mattress during a sale from babies 'r us (the babies section in toys 'r us) for about $80.
Definitely check out the baby markets. I went today and bought a bunch of good quality clothes, toys, mobile, etc. for very cheap prices. Most clothing is average $1-$2 each. You can buy prams, cots, car seats, etc. too.
Gumtree for plastic toys.
We go onto gumtree evrry now and then and check outthe baby stuff.
Usually selling cheap or bulk items and are well known brands that do conform to aus strandards.
Ebay for some small items.
Not the best place but for the special items from bboutique shops defietly the go.
Just dont get scammdd into bidding too high and do research on full price of items aswell.
Every time I pickup I inspect and if good then buy. I then take it home and clean it well thats why I only go the plastic toys. Never buy sponged toys.
I made a list of everything I needed (down to more pegs) and make an effort to check the department stores, chemists, supermarkets every time I pass them or are grocery shopping. I found if you start shopping early pretty much everything will go on sale by the time you need it, if you are worried about shopping too early keep the receipts.
If you are not fussy about colours you can get good bargains (for example on the weekend grey satin edged blankets were $8 and the pink were $15 and a few weeks ago I got green cot sheet sets for $5 where as the pink or blue ones were $25). I also check target online big w online as well as the store as sometimes the prices are better (for example BigW nappy buckets are $5 online atm and they scanned at $12 instore)
I picked up a few onsies at BigW’s 50% off sale on the weekend but most of the things have come from target, their quality seems better. (I have even been able to get the 10 pack of face washers and wondersuit ripoffs mentioned earlier in this thread on sale) I have only purchased basic clothes as people seems to love buying the cute stuff so I figure I will be given these (if not can always buy when needed). I have been able to pick up swaddle wraps at 70% off (again in yellow or silver - the pink and blue were still full price), I found this cheaper than buying a length of material suggested above.
Target also had prefold starter sets down from $130 to $30 so I picked up some of these, at that price it is worth a go. (if anyone knows a cheap brand of MCN’s that work please post). Huggies purchased when on sale at the supermarket and the wipes at the chemist.
For the big items, I have been buying off friends (or being given stuff from very generous friends) or gumtree. I have bought brand name items at a fraction of the price so I get a quality product and it bub decides to chew on the cot I will not be too precious about it. I wasn’t going to buy a change table or cradle but I got them for a decent price off gumtree so if I decide I don’t really need them I can always sell them again for what I paid.
Thanks ozbargain I got a free ticket to the baby expo next weekend where I can get them to properly fit a second hand baby seat a friend generously gave me.
Things I have found difficult to get are maternity clothing (I always look at the clearance rack but it is usually size 20 stuff) and the stuff I got from Asos and marks and spencers online needed alterations and I am still on the look out for a cheap feeding chair that I can cover.
Target normally have baby sales twice a year, the last one was jan/feb so we should be due for one soon. If you are after a new cot (I bought second hard) target normally reduce them by 50% during the sale and I think they are better than the Ikea ones of the same price.
If you are going to buy equipment new, I suggest finding what you want in a baby bunting store, search for the cheapest price online (Aussie websites) and they'll price match for you.
take a trip to usa
so cheap, u'll save on a pram, clothes and everything else!
fly Hawaiian airlines, get 2 lugguages at 32 kilo's each
Lol, I like this idea :D
I think things in ozbargain are really cheap, and many online stores locates here not for earning much more profits but to sell something with even no profits, they aim to make their brand more famous, maybe gain more traffic( If that is really a good bargain) everybody can compare prices here, I think ozbargain is a good place for all the australians, maybe some us buyers come here too. Good place
aldi
http://www.twinkletots.com.au
http://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/110205
http://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/73388