fbpx

Kids Ain't Cheap

But They Sure Are Worth It

How to Save Money On Diapers

| Leave a Comment

Looking to save money on diapers? Here's how.After having two children under two years, I “get” diapers. We lived on a tight, single-income budget, so I’ve also done my share of deal hunting. It turns out, you can save money on diapers every time, if you know where to look.

Whether you’re raising a family, pregnant with your first child, or shopping for a baby shower, deals are constantly out there. They come in all shapes in sizes. I want you to leave this article with enough information to never pay full price for diapers again.

5 Ways to Save Money on Diapers

Crunch some numbers.

The best way to figure out how to save money on diapers is to start calculating the price per diaper every time you shop. Diapers come in so many different sizes, quantities, specialties, and brands, that it can be confusing to find the least expensive option.

You can calculate the price per diaper manually or by reading the store label for a “price per unit.”
This step is the foundation in educating yourself about how much money you’re actually saving.

BONUS TIP: Try writing the price per diaper on a piece of masking tape and placing it on your diaper box when you bring it home. That way, you can compare each purchase to see where you find the best deals.

Buy the largest quantity available.

When you calculate the price per diaper in any super market, you’ll usually spend more on fewer diapers. Do your best to buy the largest quantity available.

The only exception to this rule is if you have a coupon for a fixed amount like “$1.00 Off Any Pampers Diapers 52 Ct. Or More.” If you buy a smaller box of diapers, then that $1.00 will impact the price per diapers greater and may save you the most money.

Stores like Costco or Sam’s Club are great for buying larger quantities of diapers. Costco also has a terrific return policy. Pretty much anything you buy from them you can return in 90 days with few questions asked.

Recommended Reading: “Why a Costco Membership is Beneficial for Our Family”

Collect coupons or codes.

If you tear open a box of name brand diapers, like Pampers or Huggies, you’ll notice a rewards code on one of the diaper packs. If you enter those into the rewards site, you can eventually earn a discount on your next purchase. Coupons, whether in-store or via manufacturers, also add value to your savings.

Buy new diapers secondhand.

A new diaper is a new diaper. Even if you buy from a yard sale, a consignment sale, or on a Facebook garage sale, it’s still (HOPEFULLY) unused. The only time I’d ever consider buying a used diaper is if it’s cloth. They’re washable, reusable, much less expensive in the long run, and much friendlier to earth.

Stock up during a great deal.

One of my favorite ways to save money on diapers is at Target. Their Up & Up brand of diapers is consistently less expensive than the name brand competitors. Also, they routinely offer a $5, $10, and sometimes $20 gift card back to you for purchasing two large boxes. If you know your little one’s size and can afford stocking up on multiple purchases, you could earn some serious Target cash right at the register.

BONUS TIP: Don’t forget to use store apps to get the latest deals. Target’s Cartwheel is a great example.

How do you save money on diapers? Tell us in the comments below!

Image Credit: Juan Galafa (UnSplash)

What To Do When You Find Our You’re Pregnant

| Leave a Comment

Pregnancy is an exhilarating time for expectant mothers. If you just got a positive pregnancy test here are five things to do.Taking a pregnancy test is, without a doubt, one of the most intense moments of any woman’s life. When you do finally see the result as being positive, your mind races, like a million miles per minute in many different directions. Your brain definitely goes into a bit of shock when it does see those two little lines, so if you do find yourself holding a big fat positive in your hand, here’s what to do next:

Tell your loved ones

Obviously if you haven’t already, tell your significant other! Some people have fun ways to tell all pre-planned for when the day comes but I wasn’t that thoughtful with my daughter, I just showed him the test, assuming he’d know what it was or how to read it. I’d also consider telling the ones closest to you (mom, best friend), people who you’d want to know both good and bad news. I’d hold off on telling the rest of the world until you get the clear from your doc (around 12 weeks).

Call your doctor

Your family doctor will likely be the one to order the initial bloodwork. Your first appointment will likely be basic stuff like vitals, possible urine sample and a few questions (like when was your last menstrual period). Some family docs may even follow you through the whole pregnancy and delivery, or choose to set referrals up to have you established with an obstetrician. They will also figure out your due date.

Look into your insurance

You may want to have a peek at your insurance coverage so you know what kind of coverage you have. Some plans cover specialists who you may need to start researching now (like a midwife). It’s also good to know as pregnancy goes on as other professions may come into play like potential physiotherapy, massage therapy or acupuncture.

Start thinking about telling work

I know you just found out but in some jobs it may be advantageous that they know early especially if you have a lot of appointments. Depending on what you do for a job, you may literally need close to nine months to start getting someone else ready to take over for your maternity leave as well. Some employers would appreciate as much notice as possible to fill your vacancy.

BREATH

It’s emotionally overwhelming to see that positive, whether it’s your first or 5th so do your best to relax and not get too overwhelmed. Nine months is a long gestational period and everything will find a way to work out.

Pregnancy is an exciting and interesting journey. Enjoy it and don’t be afraid to ask for help when needed! I was too stubborn at times and more than once overdid it. It’s amazing how hard easy tasks like grocery shopping can become. Try to not wish the next nine months away and enjoy the whole experience.

What was the first thing you did when you found out you were pregnant?

How to Ease Back Pain During Pregnancy

| Leave a Comment

planning for a babyPregnancy is such a wonderful time. The happiness you feel about carrying your unborn child is hard to put into words.

However, along with the good side of pregnancy also comes the less desirable side: pains and aches throughout your body, especially in your back.

If you’ve been experiencing back pain you need to let your doctor know. With your doctors consent here are five things that may help ease your pain.

 

Don’t Sit or Stand Too Long

Many women work throughout their pregnancy or are taking care of other little ones at home.

If you fall into one of these two categories then sitting or standing for an extended period of time can take a toll on your back. Try switching up your routine. If you normally stand at work ask your boss for a chair. If you sit in an office all day take a walk every couple of hours. If you’re looking after little ones then you need reinforcement. Ask a friend or family member to pitch in when your back pain spikes.

 

Rest When Needed

Women have the tendency to want to do it all. But during pregnancy this train of thought should be prevented.

If you’re in pain don’t worry about the house being a mess or the dishes needing done- rest. If you have other children ask your spouse to pitch in. You need to take care of yourself and your baby. Pregnancy can drain you of energy. Pair low energy levels with sharp back pain and rest is required.

 

Consider Physiotherapy

Contrary to popular belief physiotherapy is not just for those recovering from an injury. Physiotherapy can be used to treat many different types of pain.

If your back pain is becoming unmanageable ask your doctor about physiotherapy. Physiotherapists can design a program specifically for you to help relieve the back pain you’re feeling during pregnancy. Talk to your doctor and get recommendations. A physiotherapy clinic like Canadian Back Institute Operating LP can work with you to help relieve your pain.

 

Work on Your Posture

When you’re pregnant your center of gravity shifts. Along with weight gain and stress this can be the culprit of your back pain.

Work on your posture – stand up straight and roll your shoulders back. Resist the urge to slouch. If you pay attention to your posture during your entire pregnancy you’ll be able to minimize back pain.

 

Do Prenatal Exercises

If your back pain is mild doing prenatal exercises can help you manage or eliminate the pain. During pregnancy there are a few basic exercises and stretches you can perform. Ask your doctor for a list of recommended exercises.

If the pain doesn’t subside or worsens consult with your doctor. You may need to have a physiotherapist develop a custom plan for you.

 

Get Support

Pregnancy is different for every woman. Some women breeze right through never feeling an ache or pain. Others deal with aches and pains throughout the entire pregnancy. No matter what position you’re in make sure have a good support team who can help you out when needed.

When you need to take a break, do it. If you’re dealing with constant pain consult with a doctor to see what options you have.

Bed Rest is a Lot of Things; but it is Not a Myth!

| Leave a Comment

Sidelines is a support group for high risk prgnancies and provides information about bed restAs I have mentioned before, I was placed on bed rest when I was 24 weeks pregnant with our boys. I  am also a volunteer for Sidelines National High Risk Pregnancy Support Network, a wonderful organization which supports women who are experiencing a high risk pregnancy and who are on bed rest. So as you can imagine, I am a huge proponent for bed rest. I strongly advise any woman to listen and obey her doctors orders when bed rest is prescribed.

So when I received an e-mail from Sidelines, which contained a link to an article that was printed in the Chicago Tribune on January 29, 2011 — I immediately tensed up after I read the headline:

The title of the article only made matters worse, Value of Bed Rest Questioned; Data don’t back up prescriptions of bed rest. Just typing that makes me mad all over again.

Bed rest is not easy

It’s not that I disagreed, with everything that was mentioned in the article. I actually did agree with some of the points that were made. Bed rest is not easy. It is huge financial, emotional, physical, and psychological strain. It’s not how anyone envisions their pregnancy to be. It’s certainly not how I envisioned it…

I told people, I was planning on working right up until the day I went into labor.  Actually, only a month before I was placed on bed rest, I had purchased a bunch of new, super cute, super stylish, maternity clothes to wear to work (let me tell you, I looked fantastic during my weekly visits to see my OB. It was always my big outing for the week; where I could see and be seen).

I also had visions of decorating the nursery and doing all of the “nesting” things moms-to-be do, but that’s not how my pregnancy went and that’s totally okay.

My experience with bed rest

After I was prescribed modified bed rest, told I could not work, and that I was only leave the bed/couch to fix myself something to eat, shower and use the restroom — my pregnancy days changed dramatically. I would spend my time watching TV, reading, unsuccessfully trying to crochet, and praying – with each and every breath I took – that my babies would stay put.

I did exactly what I was told by my doctor. There was so much uncertainty during that time, so many things out of my control, and even though bed rest wasn’t a promise that nothing bad would happen, it was something I would do. Something I could do for my babies, so that I would know – for better or worse – I did absolutely everything I could.

I am happy to report that after being diagnosed with placenta previa at 8 weeks, bleeding at 13 weeks, having mild contractions starting at 19 weeks and being placed on bed rest at 24 weeks  — our boys were born at 39 weeks 4 days (36 weeks is considered full term for twins). The boys were completely healthy. In that moment, I knew that the sacrifices my husband and I made, were so minimal compared to the blessings we received. I would do it a thousand times over!!!

So, although the article wasn’t one-hundred percent wrong, it didn’t tell the whole story. The thing that concerned me the most about it — was that someone might read it – who is high risk or may one day have a high risk pregnancy – and then disregard their doctors recommendation.

Sidelines offered this statement after the article was published:

This debate has raged for 20 years and belongs in the hands of individual women and their doctors.
Our concern is that women who truly have medical need to decrease activity or rest in bed will take this article as a message to them to ignore their very specific conditions and medical advice. Publishing an article which provides such a one-sided view is irresponsible. And if a baby is born prematurely because of it, then it is down right dangerous.

We urge all mothers who read this and question the efficacy of bed rest to discuss your concerns with your health care provider.

Candace Hurley, Director Founder Sidelines www.sidelines.org

I am pleased to say that on February 8, 2011, the Chicago Tribune did publish some letters from women, who had been on bed rest.  You can read those letters here Voice of the People

If you or someone you know is experiencing a high risk pregnancy, I urge you to contact www.sidelines.org. They offer free support and information to anyone who needs it.