Baby layette on a budget
Children are an expensive hobby, we sometimes say. That is of course a joke, but it is true that a lot of money flows towards everything for and around the offspring. Yet a small budget and smart investments can go a long way in terms of baby equipment. The nicest rooms are decorated with creativity instead of money. And by shopping smart, the apple of your eye will not only have the nicest, but also the most original wardrobe. These are the tips & tricks for one baby layette on a budget:
Look, look, don't buy anything. Let's start by saying that you have to buy a lot less than you think. Renting is also an option. Good for your wallet and the world. Bee TinyLibrary you rent your baby equipment via a flexible subscription. If you want, you can continue this for a few years, as the concept is suitable for children up to four years old. You don't have to worry about receiving dirty items. All products are extensively checked to ensure that they arrive to you clean, intact and safe. So nice for you and you baby. If you have any questions, customer service is ready to help you navigate the babysitting jungle.
Joe all the pregnant ladies! Highly recommended: the Motherhood Journal van Nona-Amsterdam. The idea of keeping a journal is of course already very old. After all: never change a winning team. The Motherhood Journal so, made for the journey called motherhood. A beautiful leather cover in three natural colors with four inserts: a fill-in booklet, a notebook, a scrapbook and a checklist.
We already mentioned it a bit, but our enthusiasm really comes from small, thoughtful things that the Nona ladies have thought about. All inserts are endlessly replaceable so that your booklet really lasts a lifetime. A sustainable product. And one of the most beautiful, sensible gifts you can give to a (soon to be) mother can give.
Those clothes for the mini are of course too cute and of course you want everything. And then they wear it for a few weeks and – poof – everything is too small again. To cry. That's where you're going to break. You're not the only one. The advantage of this is that there is a lot of beautiful stuff to be found that has often not or hardly been worn. And you can put your little one in there again! Moreover, musty and wrinkled are no longer a thing of the past: the items you buy at Restory, for example, are neatly washed and ironed and always of good, almost new quality.
Read more about Restory and read here about more of the best vintage shops for kids.
Okay, that's a bit of a stretch, but really: until the little one is a year old, and even beyond that, he or she plays with everything that makes noise, creaks or rattles. So with a container of spoons, a box of beads, empty packaging materials and more, you can make just as good friends as with expensive, oh-so-responsible toys.
many newborn You only use stuff for a few months and then it becomes an obstacle. But still, you do use it and you don't want to skimp on the really essential items like a stroller or a crib. Fortunately, there are initiatives such as Tiny Library and Cribster, a library for baby products. But also just google the item you would like to borrow + 'rent': new options are added almost every day. We think it is a top initiative. You then borrow items that look immaculate and are of good quality, but for a friendly rate and only for the period that you actually use them. Artipoppe baby carrier? Have them. Stroller? Also. Co-sleeper? Consider it done. And when your baby has outgrown it, you send the product back and other young parents are eager to receive it. We like.
It is a 'trend' that, in our opinion, should not be called a trend, but here to stay is. We're talking about making really cool clothes (and more) from old clothes (or anything else for that matter). This is happening more and more often – olé – and the items are also becoming more and more fun. High time for a list of all kinds of nicest children's clothes made from residual material and/or old clothing. Upcycled clothing is completely sustainable and fun.
A nice list online shops for kids we have too!
Speaking of borrowing… Close an account for that little one now! You're all going to have so much fun with that without 'feeling' it. To be honest, we thought that was the best tip we received when 'we' were pregnant. At online bank Knab it is more than easy to link an account to your own account where you can, if you wish, automatically deposit a fixed amount every month (for example). Such an amount that you don't feel anything about, but which over a few years can easily be a substantial sum. Moreover, grandfathers, grandmothers and (sugar) uncles and aunts often find it very useful to have such an account. You open that account in your own name: so it is not a children's account but really a piggy bank for your child managed by you. And there's another reason why we Knab tip here: Knab is the only bank - as far as we know - where you can apply for up to five bank cards at no extra cost, so that by the time your mini wants to buy something (from computer games to clothing allowance), has your own card over which you have control. Cool and easy for him/her, safe for you. Read more about Knab
oh de Tripp Trapp from Stokke. Who hasn't grown up with it? If there is a good 'budget' tip, it is to invest in the right items. That may be a one-off, not necessarily 'on a budget', but when you spread those costs over an entire person's life... Exactly, that's a mega bargain! And that is exactly what you do in the case of the iconic Stokke Tripp Trapp chair. From birth, the little one goes in and sits at the table with you in the special baby seat (where your baby lies a little more than he or she sits). As soon as the mini can sit, the next phase comes: the Tripp Trapp can be adjusted in many ways so that you can use it from birth: from 6 months, a brace keeps your baby in his or her position until he or she is a toddler. place. And you can also use the Tripp Trapp as an adult – what are we saying? We sit on it just as often (since the bracket has been removed and the footboard has been lowered). Just always or when there are extra visitors. Looks beautiful too, in any home. Read more about Tripp Trapp from Stokke.
Whether you are having a winter baby or expecting a child during a heat wave; a pile of wool on the shelf is a must. Wool breathes and adapts to your baby's body temperature, in every season. But wool is expensive, so the purchasing department has to work smart. For example, keep track of the sale dilling keep an eye on it, because then you can sometimes score the tastiest rompers with a 40% discount. Or just drop in Seedling, a very nice store in Amsterdam (edge of Pijp, Amsterdam South) where they have a small corner with second-hand nice stuff.
One day your chick will go to its own room and you want to be able to hear it at the first beep. And see, because maybe it was a false alarm and you don't have to fly that way right away. A baby monitor with camera is also indispensable if you are going away for a night with the bébé and you want to have a drink with your sweetheart in the hotel bar. Anyway, the easiest and by far cheapest solution is called Baby monitor 3G and is an app on your mobile. All you need is an iPad or second smartphone that you place near the apple of your eye, but then you're done for €5,49.
No, we are not claiming that the Deryan tents are mega-super-cheap, but those who would rather not be confined to their homes, summer and winter, and then the so-called 'cost per wear' calculates is a piece of cake anyway. In other words: if all goes well, you will be so happy with this tip that it will be worth every euro. A foldable tent bed from Deryan. You can set up this tent with a bed in one in your friends' guest room, in the camper, at the campsite, on the beach (especially on the beach) and your little one will sleep like a baby in it. Tip: use it often so that your mini will really see the tent as his bed and safe haven (with his own bedding and cuddly toys in it, of course). Then you won't be of any use to him or her when it's nap time. Years of fun guaranteed.
A B brand for the breasts: if you choose to breastfeed, Kruidvat has an excellent nipple cream and nursing pads, but for little money.
For months, your baby will grab everything that is loose and stuck to gnaw on. Teething is coming... Nothing is more chilling for your little one than a cold teething ring. The brand bondigo has a gel-filled pineapple and a carrot for less than 3 euros. Put it in the refrigerator for a while and then your baby can fully enjoy this nibble material. We bought it again MamaLoesBabySjop.nl, In any case, a very nice baby one-stop shop for every budget
Once your baby moves on to more serious foods, the broccoli phase also begins all over the place and beetroot on every outfit. We personally don't like all that messing around, or actually all that scrubbing, so if we can keep it within limits, then yes. So there is a washable placemat on the table mushie and from the same friendly and affordable brand, a silicone bib that can be thrown straight into the dishwasher. They are sold in many places and cost 12,50 (worth every euro). These here come via Grasonderjevoeten.nl
It suddenly became extremely popular, the pink salt lamp. The lamp, with its nice warm light, carried us through the period of night feedings and now it is always with the toddler of the house because she likes it so much. Because it is made of salt stone, it is also said to purify the air. A nice thought when your little one arrives soon. It salt lamp from Ekoplaza costs almost nothing and does the trick.
You can order the complete set online from a baby store, but it is much more fun to mix and match everything together and give it your own twist. A good IKEA hack never goes wrong. Just look for the IVAR cupboard and you will suddenly feel like pimping out that pine everyone's friend. Paws from PrettyPegs underneath, maybe a lick of paint. We bought a cupboard from the HEMNES collection via Marktplaats (make sure it is the white-stained version, because you can easily paint it) and transformed it into a chest of drawers. Layer of blue on top, layer of lacquer on top, new buttons and – I think this was the urge to nest – adhesive tarpaulin with a print in all the drawers. Do you already have an older child walking around? Involve the big brother or sister-to-be, give him or her a brush and make it a fun DIY project.
And the one mentioned earlier co-sleeper that you can rent? One of the most brilliant IKEA hacks is this: buy a baby crib for about 80 euros where you can adjust the mattress height yourself (this is possible with actually all beds) and leave out 1 side when you put it together. Your co-sleeper is ready!
Another great IKEA hack for the baby's room: it wooden spice rack. Looks great on the wall as a bookshelf and upside down as a coat rack to hang clothes.
Okay, this definitely doesn't necessarily fall into the 'budget' category because there are so many cheaper 'nests' to be found and moreover, a 'nest' is not really necessary if you want to discuss it. But. BUT. We gave this ergonomic nest to Red Castle (bought via Archive Store) much (many) times less cute and attractive than all litters from, say, Garbo & Friends or Konges Sløjd, for example, after optimal use with our little one frequently and the happiness score is 100%. This Red Castle 'nest' is designed in such a way that it is good for your little one's back and does not create a flat head (so you don't have to keep turning your mini). Moreover, we heard (we're not pros! It's heard say) that a standard nest may provide security for your little one, but that they can also roll against the sides and - please note: worst case scenario! – can't breathe anymore. Anyways, we are big fans of this Red Castle friend (perfect also for the tent mentioned above when your mini is still at its very minimum).
Look, if you look closely at the title, and that doesn't necessarily have to be a very good look, you may notice three things: baby, bath and flexi(bel). That is – anyone who has a baby may know this – not such an obvious combination of words. That baby bath can be quite a hassle, especially during the summer months when you really want to be very flexible. At the campsite, on the road, in the garden (“no no no, we don't want to go upstairs-bath-story-bed yet”) and so on. But we do want the offspring to go to bed freshly washed. In comes gain Stokke Flexi Bath, a bath that you 'fold flat' with one hand and that you slide between the garden furniture, in the trunk between the suitcases and that, basically, always something suitable to take with you.
Read more about Stokke Flexi Bath
Budgetwise shopping for the baby also means investing in really useful, multifunctional items that will last forever. We know Stokke of course from The Children's Chair – the Tripp Trapp – in cool colors, but don't forget the flexible children's pool. Can be used from your baby's very first bath time until your baby reaches toddler age and can easily get in and out of the water. Ideal if you have little space ('where on earth do you put all that stuff?'), because you can easily fold the bath after use. And when the weather is nice, put everything outside so you can splash around in the garden.
Admittedly: a baby carrier is not necessarily the cheapest item on this list, but really: if there is one thing you (especially if you live in the city, but actually everyone) will be happy with, it is with a baby carrier. We would almost take the stroller out sooner. Almost ;-). Anyway: do yourself a favor and go for a nice and beautiful baby carrier that you can use happy 'in' feels because yes, a nice baby carrier really does something for your outfit and therefore for your feeling. We fell for this timeless version of ErgoBaby in a beautiful light color that also 'breathes' thanks to the lightweight material and the mesh dust.
And while we're on the subject: start looking for a nice small folding stroller! ErgoBaby has a very nice and good looking model that fits quickly and easily in the overhead compartment of the plane (and can therefore be taken on board). Read more about ErgoBaby
Buy white sheets and muslin cloths. Boring – yes – but not if you give it a unique color yourself. There is fine natural paint for sale, but extra moneywise is to throw onion peels or avocado pits into a pan with your crisp white cloths. This gives you those beautiful powdery shades. On Pinterest you will find all kinds of inspiration and how to's if you search for 'textile dyeing diy' and online you will find a good step-by-step plan. A nice leave job.
Photo: Beads & Basics
De fitted sheets from Meyco They also have nice colors and nice prices. Ocher yellow, jade green, old pink. Mmm..
White walls are like white sheets; An petit peu boring and impersonal. That's why the nicest room in the house gets a complete one artwall or at least a nice poster. Bee Xenos You can get a wooden frame and pulp to frame dried flowers yourself for less than ten euros. You will also find cool pictures in old books and magazines, but also sweet ones poems by CMR Rijmjes deserve a list.
A bargain, but no less true: second-hand baby clothes are much cheaper and the smallest sizes are worn for a relatively short time, so (brand) clothes are often still clean and beautiful. With the thought that your baby will move up no less than eight clothing sizes between birth and second birthday, it pays to go on the hunt for secondhand gems. Via Marktplaats or in stores such as Old West en RecycleKid, which is carefully checked for stains and holes upon insertion. You can also borrow baby clothes from online initiatives such as BIEBY. And maybe your mother-in-law still has an indestructible pair of OshKosh dungarees or a home-knit cardigan? Hide the less attractive eighties items somewhere at the bottom of the closet.
Ask friends and family for babysitting credit at Charly Cares! You're going to make me very happy with that. Finding a good, reliable babysitter is 1) quite a hassle and 2) quite expensive. But it is certain that you will soon feel like going to the terrace for an evening (or (end) afternoon) or even just to the spa for some necessary me-time when you are on your own after the first postpartum weeks. Read more about Charly cares
speaking of: perhaps this is the time to learn to knit, crochet or sew. Making your own clothes is an art, but once you have mastered it, it is the best way to be mindful and introduce your offspring to the new world. without spending a lot of money. You can buy excellent fabrics on the market to make a playpen rug or curtains and in many cities you will find a wool shop with knitting wool in all the colors of the rainbow. Don't set the bar too high, a shawl is a nice start and you can show it off straight away babies first winter.
Disposable diapers are included in the bonus, but you can also opt for the washable variant. That is a big investment in the beginning - and it takes some switching at all - but in the end you save serious money and it is a lot more sustainable. And: everything also lasts a second round, if you are already dreaming about more children. Ka-ching!
Also in washable version: the Medela nursing pads. Moreover, they are a lot nicer than those sticky disposable cases.
Okay, this may be a bit crazy, but have you ever thought about investing in your own body (again)? I know, it may be the last thing on your mind, but on the other hand... It is SO nice and important to have a strong and healthy body when you have to bear all the heaviness of a baby/toddler/preschooler and beyond . If only we had thought of it and/or taken it into account earlier... We are quite pleased with the approach of the personal trainers at Saints & Stars in Amsterdam. Read more about Saints & Stars.
For cheap toys is Action the place to be. Although their own toy line Mini Matters is designed for children between the ages of 1 and 8, the formal and casual looks Also liked by adults. If you have finally resigned yourself to the fact that there are toys floating around everywhere in the house, that is secretly a bonus. In addition to wooden toys, the Mini Matters line consists of various plush cuddly toys with filling from recycled PET bottles.
