Are kids really that expensive or are my items to much?

Question

My husband and I went to start a baby registry at Babies-r-us and I knew things would run a few dollars more per item then like at Walmart or second hand stores for sure. However when I added up the needed furniture (crib, mattress, dresser, swing, car seat, stroller) with needed items (such as diapers, wipes, baby bath, nail clippers, bottles, etc) the total was about $2000! This did NOT include any clothes, breastfeeding items or formula. This was very minimum items to get us home from the hospital and going for a few weeks. 
Am I just shopping at the wrong place? Is this true for buying only new items regardless? I have massive sticker shock! I hope people can help out with items at my baby showers in March but I am not counting on others to buy me that much stuff. Maybe just some diapers, wipes, clothes and small items. I am expecting most of this total to fall on us. Ideas??

Answer

Babies r us is to much. Your better off going to a burlington or walmart. They have best prices. And shopping online helps alot because you can compare prices. You can find things on craigslist also. They only thing i wouldnt get off there is a crib because you never know if they had bedbugs or something.

Answer

Shop online. Price match! I'm a FTM with twins! I understand what you mean by expensive! We have shopped everywhere and always find great deals. Do not feel like you have to have too brand name on everything. My stroller, both swings, and both on my bouncy seats came from Walmart. Be prepared but don't break yourself and don't stress on clothes! That was my stress and on Christmas we recieved more than enough for both of our girls just from our families.

Answer

For all brand new, full price items that sounds about right to me.  But keep in mind that just because it is on the registry at Babies r Us, that does not mean you have to buy the items there.  Shop around.  Check consignment stores.  Be careful of buying cribs from people you don't know, and never ever buy a used carseat from someone you don't know.  If it has been in even a fender bender or dropped on the floor it is no good anymore.  My registry total is over 2k, but we are in a high cost of living area, and we have a couple things on there that are dream items that have a less expensive, more realistic option.

Answer

That sounds about right.

Answer

My mom and sister already have car seats. I don't even have one but they both do. My sister found 2 for free from a couple friends who no longer needed them. Just make sure your used items are in good condition. I made sure she asked to make sure they hadn't expired and that they hadn't been in any accidents.

Answer

We just got a solid wood crib for $30 on craigslist and they have strollers on there all the time! I got some maternity clothes there and we really plan to buy used in whatever we can! I'm not expecting anyone to buy us a crib for the baby shower. That's just too much. But I have had people offer to go together on a big gift for a shower so you might get a big ticket item you just never know! But honestly just look around. See if you can find a glider and recover it or find a dresser and paint it or something! Be creative, don't buy new unless you have to, and it really isn't that expensive!

Answer

Baby's R Us is crazy expensive in my opinion. We registered at Target but we are happily accepting hand-me-downs and buying used from family and friends whenever possible. It's not that we can't afford the new stuff, it's just that we want 4 kids so we need to be frugal with out purchases. Plus we're pretty frugal anyways, which is why we are in the financial position that we are. If I were you I would compare prices at other stores or maybe do an Amazon registry.

Are kids really that expensive or are my items to much?

The Top Baby Tracker App: Embrace New Beginnings with Tender Care

The Top Fertility Tracker App: Your Path to Achieving Pregnancy

The Top Pregnancy App: Nurturing Your Journey to Motherhood

The Top Period Tracker for Empowering Your Menstrual Health Journey