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Baltimore bargains for parenting multiples
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AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast, file
With three children under the age of three, economizing is essential. With diapers, wipes, milk and many other supplies eating into our household budget, finding ways to save money becomes key. We have found a number of ways to save money; perhaps some of these tips will be useful to others.
Diapers. We have priced out the purchase of diapers at the local bulk store to which we belong (BJs) versus an online purchase. Our cost analysis demonstrated that we could save more money by ordering from www.diapers.com, except when BJs includes coupons for our diaper of choice.
Wipes. Here, BJs appears to be the winner. Again, the BJs monthly coupon circular often contains great discounts on wipes. We buy these each time there is a coupon.
Clothing. In our case, there is a considerable size difference between our twins, resulting in three children in three different sizes of clothing when our toddler is added to the mix. Thanks to the generosity of good friends, we have received many loans of clothing for our children, in addition to hand-me-downs (consider this a shout-out to you, A, B, and C). This has allowed us to avoid the needless expense of buying clothing that is inevitably outgrown or stained after the first wearing. Another mechanism for saving money on clothing has been to trade clothing with friends. A friend and I are swapping items that each of us is not currently using (that’s a shout-out to you, I). I’ve witnessed the same swapping efforts within the email distribution list of the Baltimore Parents of Multiples.
When I’ve felt compelled to purchase clothing, I’ve found terrific bargains at both Target (Pikesville) and Old Navy (Lutherville). I’m still basking in the afterglow of the purchase of an adorable t-shirt at Old Navy for $0.49 and mittens from Target’s dollar section at 75% off. I’ve also had some luck buying items at end-of-season sales for the following season (though this requires some guesswork as to weight/height a year hence).
For online purchases, I’ve found some good deals at Land’s End. (See the "Overstocks" section.) Friends have also raved about the local resale shops. I haven’t ventured to any yet, but have heard enthusiastic reviews about one in particular: Tried but True. I’ve also heard positive things about TotSwap, a children’s consignment sale.
Gear. We found a double stroller frame for two infant car seats in very good condition on Craigslist. We were also successful in selling that same double stroller frame, in addition to our second (but unused) BabyBjörn on Craigslist when we were through with them. We were also lucky to have friends generously loan us swings, Bumbo chairs, toys, etc.
Miscellaneous. Thanks to many moons spent on bed rest, I was able to do a lot of research on companies that offer twin or multiples freebies. Some require proof of a multiple birth while others will take you at your word. There are many lists online of companies that offer these types of freebies. I have not included a link to any herein, since the terms of the offers and the offers themselves tend to change often. You will need to identify several lists and compare them in order to determine which offers are still valid.
