More With Less Mom

A Crunchy Baby Registry – Diapering: things you NEED (or should make) before baby comes. An alternative baby supply list for frugal moms, hippies, poor people, and mothers of oopsies.

Baby powder

Try this goo: arrowroot powder

You don’t HAVE to have baby powder. But powder eliminates moisture, and moisture is what causes diaper rash. If you use a tiny bit it will help prevent rashes. If your baby is rashy, use it. If your baby doesn’t get rashes you can try going without. You will most likely get some of this in a set of bath goos at the baby shower. Save the bottle and you can refill it with homemade later (or use an old spice bottle). However it is much more expensive to make your own baby powder than to buy it at the store – store bought is $0.08/ounce, when even if you buy the big bag of arrowroot from the whole foods store it is $1.20/ounce.

(http://www.sagediaper.com/blog/2010/06/natural-baby-powder-you-can-make-yourself/ or http://www.simplykristen.com/natural-baby-powder/)

Diaper bag

The diaper bag is very personal and can be any bag. You don’t need to buy a “diaper bag”. Hubby can use a messenger bag and maintain his coolness while toting diapers and wipes. My diaper bag is an actual diaper bag with a vinyl lining, it’s a big duffel type, and it is a gender neutral dark green and blue. There are pockets on each end for a bottle/cup and a water bottle. There are two long side pockets for little things like binkies and diaper rash cream samples.

(Comparison of a bunch: http://tipnut.com/diaper-bags/ or http://frugalandthriving.com.au/2009/45-awesome-free-bag-making-tutorials/;

Patterns: http://www.make-baby-stuff.com/free-diaper-bag-pattern.html or http://amingledyarn.wordpress.com/gallery/tutorial-hip-mama-diaper-bag/ or )

Diaper rash cream

#1 solution: Nakey Butt

Try this goo: Shea Butter

Every night we have tummy time. After bath time everybody little gets naked. I have a towel on my bed to protect from oopsies. Then they get a baby rub (How to baby massage http://www.parents.com/baby/care/newborn/how-to-massage-baby/), ending with baby on her tummy. She does tummy time for as long as she will take it (experts recommend 3-5 minutes, at first she might have made 1 minute, but now she’s happy for much longer). Then she airs out her tush for a while, at least 30 minutes. This usually involves reading stories, some singing, and possibly a wind-down show like Baby Einstein or Baby Songs. This would be a good time to air out the boobies, too. Lazy mom’s nakey butt time can happen when baby falls asleep on the nursing pillow on your lap, open up that diaper and let things dry out.

(http://www.mymerrymessylife.com/2012/07/homemade-diaper-rash-cream-green-non.html or http://www.hippiedippiebebe.com/eco-diapering/make-your-diaper-rash-cream/)

Diaper wallet/clutch

This is a smaller pad that folds up and can hold a couple diapers and a travel size/zip bag of wipes. You may want to stick an extra change of clothes in there, depending on how far away the diaper bag will be. This diaper wallet can fit in your mom purse for any quick runs or other situations where the diaper bag is not ideal. If it will not fit in your purse then you will also need a mom purse. Here’s a scenario: you need to run into the store to pay for gas. You don’t have to tote around the diaper bag for this quick stop. But if that kid has a poopie blow out and the lady behind you in line is holding her nose, it will need to be addressed immediately. You could maybe fit a newborn diaper and a zip bag with a couple wipes in your pocket/purse, but then you get into the restroom and you hopefully have to use the diaper changing table that millions of germy babies have used before. Or you are caught in a gas station restroom or mom and pop store that doesn’t have a changing table, and you have a wet, grimy sink counter to change the kid on. Hence the pad. If you make your own it will be washable as well, or the plastic/vinyl kind wipe easily.

(http://www.diaryofaquilter.com/2009/01/diaper-clutch-tutorial.html or http://melissaesplin.com/2008/06/poopy-clutch/)

Diapers

If you are convinced you just want to disposable diaper, you may want a couple cloth diapers to be prepared, and maybe try out. Diaper banks (like a food pantry, but with nappies) are spreading as people can’t afford more necessities, but if you had cloth diapers you wouldn’t run out. If you are totally broke you need to find the money to invest in cloth diapers, especially if you don’t pay for your water and have a washer and dryer. The average newborn needs 8 diapers a day (up to 12). A big box of generic diapers from the big box store comes to $0.14/diaper, and the nice “green” ones are twice that. That’s $1.12 a day for cheapo disposable diapers, if you’re lucky and it isn’t more diapers per day. $34 a month, or $297 a year! Some of us don’t have $300 a year to toss in the trash. Exclusively breast fed babies produce #2 that is completely water soluble, so you don’t have to totally get the poo off until you start solids around 6 months. This is the best time to give it a try and see if you like it. There are a million kinds of cloth diapers (and some of them are really perty). There are a ton of blogs that cover cloth diapering and are a wealth of information. Read everything you can, remember that it’s totally not complicated, and don’t put all your eggs in one basket (or dollars on a kind of diaper you might hate). You can get cloth diaper covers for about $4 on eBay, and inserts for $1 each. In theory the kid will only soil the insert so you need a ton of those and just a couple covers. I haven’t found this to be true all the time. So for one day you would need three covers for $12 and eight liners for $8 = $20. If you’re lucky a mom will be selling her used diapers on Craigslist for cheap and you can buy the whole set. I cloth diaper but I have a pack of disposables on hand for when we go out, because it’s just freakin’ easier, and in case the power/water goes out and I can’t wash the cloth ones.

(Comparison of three cloth: http://baroquestar.livejournal.com/176873.html;

Patterns: http://handmadebyrita.blogspot.com/2008/02/want-velcroaplix-closing-aio-pocket.html or http://diapersewing.wordpress.com/2006/12/07/sized-diaper-pattern/)

Wipes

You can make your own wipes pretty easily, but you will want disposables on hand for travel or for really special messes. We use wipes all over the house for all kinds of things. You can make cloth wipes, or use paper towels and make your own wipe solution to control the chemicals in your home. Extra Tip: If you live in a really cold climate or can’t afford to keep the house very warm you will want a wipe warmer. There’s nothing like a cold wipe in a cold house to make a baby scream. I got one from eBay.

(Cloth: http://www.myhappycrazylife.com/make-your-own-cloth-wipes/ or http://www.make-baby-stuff.com/cloth-diaper-wipes.html;

DIY paper: http://www.whitehouseblackshutters.com/2010/03/homemade-organic-baby-wipes.html or http://thesensiblemom.com/2012/08/diy-baby-wipes/)

In this series: A Crunchy Baby Registry ~ Bathing ~ Bedding ~ Clothing ~ Diapering ~ Feeding ~ Nursery ~ Play ~ Safety ~ Travel ~ Other Stuff

We hope you enjoyed our crunchy baby registry. A baby supply list for frugal moms, hippies, poor people, and mothers of oopsies.

Have you tried cloth diapering? Are you tempted?

* Also see our Baby Songs Cheat Sheet Printables – Lyrics for Play Songs & Lullabies

Photo credits: Baby chewing on bassinette Melissa French (Me!) © creative commons license
Diaper bag: Chateau Sophie
Diaper Clutch: Irene Design
Baby in diaper La Petite Vie
Baby chewing on wipes: Satiata

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A Crunchy Baby Registry – Feeding: things you NEED (or should make) before baby comes. An alternative baby supply list for frugal moms, hippies, poor people, and mothers of oopsies.

Bottles

Hopefully you are breastfeeding and you just need a few bottles just in case something happens (Murphy’s Law again). Choose glass or bpa free. I still sterilize (boil) bottles when I get them, but after that I just use hot soapy water. I worked in a factory and I know I want to boil them.

Extra tip: Don’t use used nipples, just buy new ones.

Formula

You need formula even if you are going to breastfeed exclusively. Something could happen (‘ware Murphy’s Law!) and the child could need feeding when you aren’t available. While pumping or expressing is a great plan in theory, this is an important backup. One of those little cans of generic powdered formula is $10-15. However I signed up for the newsletters from the major formula companies and I got some really good coupons from them that took a third off that. Now that I told you to buy formula, you need to breastfeed. Formula is the most expensive baby item, costing even more than disposable diapers. A newborn will eat about 20 ounces of formula a day (it varies a lot based on weight, and her appetite will change daily). It takes one ounce of powder to make two ounces of formula. If powder is $0.58/ounce then formula is $0.29/ounce. That’s $5.80/day, $174/month, or $1,537/year! On top of that breastfed babies poop less, don’t get sick as much, aren’t admitted to the hospital as much, get fewer ear infections (of my four kids we’ve only had one ear infection), don’t get diaper rash as much, have fewer allergies, are less fussy and spit up less, have a lower risk of asthma, and obesity, and goodness knows what else they haven’t even figured out yet. Never mind the benefits to mom. And it’s free (except for the fact that you actually have to feed mom about a million calories a day).

Extra Tip: It is not recommended that you buy used breast pumps.

Nipple cream

#1 solution: Nakey Boobies

Try this goo: coconut oil

Just because breastfeeding is natural does not mean it comes easily. I had trouble with the latch of kid #3, for goodness sake. You don’t need to handicap yourself with boo boos on your boobies. Soreness, cracking and bleeding all hurt and make breastfeeding painful, but nipple creams or coconut oil and fresh air can help prevent them. Start conditioning your nipples during your third trimester: slather on whatever goo you prefer. I know this seems weird before you have the kid, but you’ll thank yourself later. After feeding baby leave your tatas hanging in the breeze (when at home, not in public) for a couple minutes to dry out. If any wandering hubbys get ideas just squirt them, that should discourage the less determined ones. Then apply your goo. It is important to air your boobies out. Don’t keep them smothered all the time. They need air.

(http://www.passionatehomemaking.com/2010/08/homemade-natural-postpartum-care-kit.html or http://leastlikely2breed.net/recipes/nursing-or-breastfeeding-balm-ttnr)

Nursing pads

You may get disposable nursing pads at your baby shower. You can easily make reusable nursing pads. You want both kinds. When your milk comes in and you are squirting everywhere you need disposables, you have to change them so often it’s not practical to just have reusables. I layered both until I stopped soaking my shirts. Once your milk supply is established you can switch to just reusables. You can get both kinds at big box stores, or even eBay.

(http://walkingwithdancers.blogspot.com/2011/05/homemade-contoured-nursing-pads.html or http://leakyboob.blogspot.com/2010/04/got-leaky-boobs-diy-breast-pads.html)

Nursing pillow

This isn’t just for comfort, this is very helpful for keeping baby on your lap without wearing out the muscles in your arms. Dad can use this to comfortably hold the baby while he’s watching tv or on the computer. I have gotten Boppy pillows at yard sales and have never had a problem with a fit on my big mama belly. I have read that some other brands are size sensitive.
*Update: Walmart (and who knows who else) now has a $20 nursing pillow that has a strap for sticking little legs through. This is genius.*

(https://sites.google.com/site/sewityourself/ or http://www.sleepingbaby.net/jan/Baby/pillow.html)

Nursing pillow cover

You want two of these so you can keep one on the pillow while you wash the other one. Keep in mind this will be in a lot of the pictures you take.

(http://www.vanillajoy.com/how-to-boppy-cover.html)

Pacifier

I would not buy used pacifiers. The pacifiers from the dollar store were gagging my almost 7 pound baby, you need a couple newborn size ones. Preferably with their own little cover. The hospital should give you one pacifier. You are not supposed to rely on a binky until around 4 weeks, whenever the baby’s latch is established for breastfeeding. They have found that using a pacifier reduces the risk of SIDS, so it is now ok to use one until age one. After that the risk is greatly reduced and it will just get harder to break the habit. My kids rarely used pacifiers, these should be a last defense for soothing. Note sucking is last on the 5 S’s of soothing list. Don’t just stuff that in there whenever the kid squeaks.

In this series: A Crunchy Baby Registry ~ Bathing ~ Bedding ~ Clothing ~ Diapering ~ Feeding ~ Nursery ~ Play ~ Safety ~ Travel ~ Other Stuff

Do you have a nursing plan (breast or bottle), or are you going to play it by ear?

We hope you enjoyed our crunchy baby registry. A baby supply list for frugal moms, hippies, poor people, and mothers of oopsies.

* Also see our Baby Songs Cheat Sheet Printables – Lyrics for Play Songs & Lullabies

Photo credits: Baby chewing on bassinette Melissa French (Me!) © creative commons license
Baby with bottle: Mommy of 4 Ruggies
Dog in Boppy: Lynda Giddens
Pacifier: clappstar

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A Crunchy Baby Registry: Safety: things you NEED (or should make) before baby comes. An alternative baby supply list for frugal moms, hippies, poor people, and mothers of oopsies.

Baby monitor

This does not need to be fancy. You do want one that lights up so you can turn it way down and just glance at the lights in your sleepy stupor, or hear if there is a noise disturbance. These should both have an ac plug. I also use these for when my two year old is alone when the thirteen year old is away, with the news today I am just too nervous otherwise. These are not a good buy at the thrift store, they tend to not work. All they do is plug it in to see if it lights up to test it, which apparently isn’t super helpful. Try yard sales, or if you want a video monitor Craigslist is a good place to look. You can also use your iPhone and a webcam for a video monitor.

In this series: A Crunchy Baby Registry ~ Bathing ~ Bedding ~ Clothing ~ Diapering ~ Feeding ~ Nursery ~ Play ~ Safety ~ Travel ~ Other Stuff

We hope you enjoyed our crunchy baby registry. A baby supply list for frugal moms, hippies, poor people, and mothers of oopsies.

Are you check-to-see-its-breathing every five seconds, or can you relax once your babe’s environment is safe?

* Also see our Baby Songs Cheat Sheet Printables – Lyrics for Play Songs & Lullabies

Photo credits: Baby chewing on bassinette Melissa French (Me!) © creative commons license
Dog with monitor: BenSpark

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A Crunchy Baby Registry: 34 things you NEED (or should make) before baby comes. An alternative baby supply list for frugal moms, hippies, poor people, and mothers of oopsies. Patterns, recipes, and other ways to DIY your bundle.

Jump to the categories

*Update: I received some feedback that this article was way too much to digest, so I have split it up into sections that are easier to read.

What do I need before baby gets here? If you’re like me, you’re a worrier. And nothing gives you cause for worry like being pregnant. That nesting hormonal stuff kicks in and the anxiety starts, unless you have enough money to run out and buy everything you might need. But for most people that’s not the case. This baby registry for slightly crunchy moms is here to help. This is the precursor to that handy dandy baby instruction guide they never give you.

Crunchy babies need stuff too! http://t.co/fHXmbDbkvF

— More With Less Mom (@MoreWithLessMom) May 13, 2015

Perhaps you have had a reversal of fortunes, maybe you have a surprise pregnancy that wasn’t in the budget. You could be a super bargain hunter, or want to minimize your consumerism. You could be a military mom or a single mom-to-be. You might follow the principles of simple living, or just want to educate yourself and make intentional decisions about your baby. Or you have less anxiety when you are prepared. Regardless you can be ready for a new baby without spending a ton of money.

There are some things you really should have before the baby comes. Shopping is not something you will have a lot of time for after baby arrives. Although with the power of the hyperwebs you can do a lot nowadays. When I started having babies we had to shop uphill both ways, in a snowstorm, with no shoes… Nah, we had internet shopping back then, I just didn’t have any money.

Regardless, if you know Murphy’s Law (anything that can go wrong, will go wrong), you know that if you are prepared for the unexpected everything will be fine. If you have a preemie you will need some special things, but if you have an earlier this list should cover the basics.

This list is the minimum you should have in place. I tried to keep spending down while keeping the comfort of both baby and parents in mind. Once you have this list you can relax, all other needs can be addressed as you have time. If you are blessed with family and friends you should get many of these items at your baby shower. Many things you can make.

Go window shopping at Babies R Us and a used baby stuff store to get a feel for the colors and styles that are out there, and the prices. Take a look at the different features of each item so you have an idea of what you want.

Once you know what you want you can start looking for good stuff cheap. You can look online and compare deals and look for discount codes. Look on Craigslist or eBay for cheap used or new items. Join your local Freecycle group. Check yard and rummage sales. Post wanted ads on the local buy/sell Facebook group. Let the ladies of your church know you are looking for used baby items. There are many sources for the things you need while keeping spending to a minimum.

This list includes:
• Random helpful tips from a mother of four, ages newborn to 14
• Patterns for homemade alternatives. Patterns tend to be easy sewing patterns with lots of pictures, if it’s more than sew a straight line I need pictures. There aren’t any crochet or knit patterns because I have carpal tunnel, that stuff hurts me.
• Recipes for “green” options. Some recipes are green and all natural, some just have less stuff you can’t pronounce, some are cheaper. Recipes tend to be simple without ingredients too far off the mainstream. I tried to keep ingredients to things you could get at a whole foods store, grocery store, or a big box store.

The List (dun dun dun dunnnnn)

1. Bathing
2. Bedding
3. Clothing
4. Diapering
5. Feeding
6. Nursery
7. Play
8. Safety
9. Travel
10. Other Stuff

*I refer to babies as girls, the last three of my four were girls. No offense to boy babies everywhere, or the parents who shop for them. Replace with your favorite pronoun accordingly.

This has been pinned 388,000 times! Woo hoo! Hello my beautiful pinners!

In this series: A Crunchy Baby Registry ~ Bathing ~ Bedding ~ Clothing ~ Diapering ~ Feeding ~ Nursery ~ Play ~ Safety ~ Travel ~ Other Stuff

What was the biggest way you saved money preparing for your little bundle?

* Also see our Baby Songs Cheat Sheet Printables – Lyrics for Play Songs & Lullabies OR

Cleaning Secret Weapons – Good Tools for Frugal House Cleaning

We hope you enjoyed our crunchy baby registry. A baby supply list for frugal moms, hippies, poor people, and mothers of oopsies.

Shared with Click and Chat Link Up Party, Homemaking Linkup, Motivation Monday, Thank Goodness It’s Monday, Thrifty Thursday, and Waste Not Want Not Wednesdays

Photo credits: Baby chewing on bassinette Melissa French (Me!) © creative commons license

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