When you’re prepping for parenthood, a targeted baby registry or two can alleviate the guesswork for friends and relatives, help you get just what you need and avoid unwanted or duplicate items. But because you’re not paying the tab, it’s easy to ask for products you don’t need, stock up on the … [Read more...] about 5 ways to get the most from your baby registry
Kids
The (baby) formula for savings: Buy the store brand
Of course, for new babies, breast is best (and free). But if you want or need to use infant formula, go with the store brand. Store-brand infant formulas, labeled with the names of retail-store brands such as Target (Up & Up), Walmart (Parent’s Choice), CVS, Babies R Us, Sam’s Club (Simply … [Read more...] about The (baby) formula for savings: Buy the store brand
Free hands-on craft workshops for kids
If your kids love to get their hands dirty, they've got ample ways to get creative on the cheap. During free hands-on craft workshops offered at major retailers, they can assemble Lego creations, build their own birdhouses and jewelry boxes, turn clay pots into animals or decorative gifts and more, … [Read more...] about Free hands-on craft workshops for kids
Six ways to save big on baby gear
Baby products are a $9.8 billion industry in the U.S., with hundreds of new products added to the lineup each year. With an ever increasing range of choices, and seemingly limitless options, shopping for a new baby can be daunting and expensive. Retailers and manufacturers are smart, though. They … [Read more...] about Six ways to save big on baby gear
Save money by sharing toys at a toy co-op or library
We teach our kids to share their toys, but toy co-ops and toy libraries take that idea to a whole new level. Toy co-ops form when several families pool their toys and take turns letting the kids play with them. Toy libraries operate on a larger scale, lending out toys just as traditional libraries … [Read more...] about Save money by sharing toys at a toy co-op or library
Does it pay to return to work after baby? Do the math
This post is by Erin Flynn Jay, author of "Mastering The Mommy Track." Many new moms have mixed feelings about whether they should return to work after a too-brief maternity leave or stay home until their kids are older. Are you undecided about whether you should quit your job and stay home with … [Read more...] about Does it pay to return to work after baby? Do the math
Kids’ crafts: Make a braided-rope dog toy
When it comes to kids' crafts, I like projects they can make and use rather than just make and throw away. During a recent sleepover in my house, I enlisted the help of two kids to try out one of the DIY projects I have bookmarked on Pinterest. Using fleece fabric left over from winter projects, … [Read more...] about Kids’ crafts: Make a braided-rope dog toy
Free 2012 kids’ summer reading programs
Summer reading programs have proven to be helpful in reducing "summer slide" or learning loss. Fortunately, FREE summer reading programs are readily available from public libraries, bookstores and retailers across the country. Start with your local public library and independent bookstores. Then … [Read more...] about Free 2012 kids’ summer reading programs
