guest post by Laura McCarthy, Babywearing Guru
Who knew having a tiny baby involves so much stuff?
I attended a baby shower this past weekend and even having two young kids myself, was surprised by the amount of gadgets and gizmos the new family received for their soon-to-arrive baby. The mom and dad-to-be had to enlist extra vehicles to take home the larger gifts, and were scratching their heads about where to put everything in their modestly-sized home. Space is a premium for many of us city dwellers, and it can be a challenge to find the room for all those baby items we accumulate.
Don’t think I’m naive. Babywearing isn’t always a practical, money saving choice either! You might have heard stories about high priced, hard-to-find, baby carriers out there. Some folks amass a large “stash” of fancy carriers, which takes a lot of their time, energy and money. Hearing stories like these, it can be easy to write off babywearing as just another expensive fad.
With a little knowledge and planning one can save money by substituting baby carriers for other baby transportation devices.
Here is side by side comparison, using a thrifty, yet practical babywearing model, and a more mainstream baby gear list. (A car seat and a simple bed for baby like a co-sleeper are considered freebies because most people will use those things regardless of practicing babywearing or not.)
Both lists include items to be used from birth to toddlerhood.
Mainstream Gear shopping list– mid priced items from Target
- Stroller – $159.99
- Swing – $139.99
- Bouncer seat – $49.99
- Exersaucer/jumper – $89.99
- Baby gym -$39.99
- Walker – $ 49.99
- Shopping cart cover – $24.99
- Toddler harness – $14.99
- Sound machine – $24.99
Grand total: $594.91
Thrifty Babywearer shopping list– price list from Amazon
- Maya wrap ring sling- $75
- Chimparoo woven wrap – $94
- Ergo baby soft structured carrier – $114
Grand total: $283
Shopping using the Thrifty Babywearer list will save you over $300. Surprised? If you can believe it, there is even more good news about babywearing and your budget. All of the carriers listed above have excellent resale value, due to being highly durable and long lasting. In the current market one could expect to get at least $150 selling the above three items, bringing your cost savings total even higher.
Babies can be mysterious creatures, but when it comes right down to it, we know that they need to be fed, loved and held close. It is very easy to get overwhelmed by baby items and parenting choices. The great news is that you don’t have to pick just one list or style; you can mix and match to put together your own system of baby care. Choose wisely from the Gear list, and try an item from the Babywearing list, and see how you feel. Chances are you will savor all of those precious baby cuddles and avoid the frustration of pushing a stroller with one hand and holding your baby on the other arm. Enjoy the satisfaction of knowing you’ve saved money, space and possibly sanity by choosing to babywear.
Want to learn more about Babywearing? Try one of our upcoming classes:
- Babywearing 101– for expectant families and families with babies up to 3 months
- Sunday, September 7, 2:00 – 4:30 pm
- Babywearing 102– for families with babies of sitting age and beyond
- Sunday, September 7, 5:00 – 6:30 pm
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