Frugal Living Tips for New Dads

With a recession in full swing, and the possibility of more to come, new dads have to figure out how to cut costs even with a baby on the way. Here are a few frugal living tips:

1. Don’t fall for the temptation to buy every electronic gizmo that might help you take care of your baby. Human beings for millions of years have done without the latest gadgets and done just fine. Babies need food, changing, love, and attention. You’ll get far more value out of just “spending time” with your baby, rather than spending money on videos and stimulating electronic toys.
2. Make a list of all the items you’ll need for your nursery. Talk to other parents and show them this list to find out what was really necessary, in what turned out to be a waste of money. The results may surprise you.
3. Make sure friends and family are aware that you are neither too modest or too proud to take hand-me-downs. Almost everyone shares slightly used clothing, baby paraphernalia, and lots of baby books with parents who are just a few months behind on the baby curve. Make sure that friends with kids just a few months older than yours know that you love to get their hand-me-downs.
4. Shop eBay and other used sites for discount items. You’ll be shocked at a price of baby merchandise at the store, but used prices might be significantly less expensive.
   Start buying things for baby as early as possible. If you arm yourself with your trusted list, you can take advantage of sales on specific items. Watch for grocery store sales on diapers and formula and stock up even before the baby arrives.
5. Trying to check your brand-consciousness when you shop. Your baby is truly one person in your life who won’t care what logo he wears on his polo shirt.
6. Into your friends that you’d really like a baby shower. Baby showers are great for getting things that you might not buy it for yourself, and also things that other parents know you will need to have.
7. Don’t forget the library for parenting books. There are also local community “toy libraries” where you can check out toys for short periods of time.

Never forget that babies and kids need your time and love are more than they do cool toys and accessories.