Saving Money

Well, even though there is no way to get around the fact that expenses are going to be quite high with multiples, there are ways to save money.

The following are some of the ways we have found to acquire what we need/needed at the lowest prices possible and without running around looking for those low prices (thus spending money in time and effort).

Diapers: Let's face it, those of us with multiples go through a lot of diapers!!!! http://www.diapers.com/ has been our lifesaver. Their prices are either right on or lower. They ship free, with an order over $50 (currently as of 3/2008). They do not charge tax and you do not have to run around shopping. They also have closeouts, accept manufacturer's coupons and have a referral program.

Diapers.com is not just diapers though. They do carry nursing items, formula, feeding items, wipes........but be careful of those prices, they are not always the equal or less expensive.

Wipes: I don't know about you but my boys have very sensitive "tushies". That has required sensitive wipes.

We found that we do not like Huggies "Reach in" wipes.

We didn't find (until recently) generic sensitive wipes.

That left us with Pampers sensitive. We found the best price to be at WalMart when you purchased a box of them (Toys-R-Us/Babys-R-Us had similar prices when they put the wipes on sale). You can also get a similar price at Amazon, if you are a Prime Member and go through their Subscribe and Save program.

Bibs: Forget the fabric ones, forget the disposable ones....purchase Bumpkins!!!!! Don't bother with their sleeveless or short sleeved line, just go right to their long sleeve versions. Not only do you end up not dealing with velcro that scratches the back of a child's neck, but you also don't have to worry about purchasing so many of them. If you just go for the long sleeved ones, you will be taken care of for all eating situations.

As for the best prices on these, well, I have had to google and search for them. I have purchased from several different online sites when they had them on sale or clearance.

Clothing: We learned that if we weren't too proud, hand-me-downs were a great find. Granted, there will be some things that you would not allow your child to be "caught dead in" and some that will have been well worn and/or stained. But you are also going to find some good items and ever piece you receive for free, is one less you have to purchase.

The other kind of "hand me downs" are the ones that you find on E-bay or Craigslist. I would try Cragslist first as you don't have all of the fees and many times you can schedule a time to meet so you don't end up with shipping costs.

E-bay is okay but don't pay more than 1-2 an item when adding both the purchase price and the shipping together. Anything more would be too much.

When you either are offered clothes or see a good price for clothes on Craigslist or E-bay, get them. It doesn't matter the size (unless they are smaller than what your children are wearing) because they will grow into them. I have had size 5 clothes, for my twins, since they were 18-months.

My children are calling so I will have to continue this list another time.

Post edited by: MotherofBoys, at: 03/30/2008 19:26