Works for me Wednesday

I saw this on another blog (moneysavingmom I think) and I am going to start doing Works for me Wednesday. I think this is a great way to pass on information to help others so here's to my first Works for me Wednesday!

Babies...

My best friend just had a baby girl (one day shy of two weeks ago) so of course I've been reminscing on when my girls were teensy...

I have spoke with her on multiple occasions through the past ten months about things that worked for me and just little hints that might work for others.

Here are the things that I remember...

Laundry lingerie bags are not just for lingerie! I used one to keep all of baby's socks together. They are so tiny that they get lost in EVERYTHING.

Do not buy the baby laundry detergent. Just buy one of the "free" ones... free from dyes, perfumes, etc. Much cheaper this way.

Buy before baby gets here! I stocked up on coupons, matched with sales and had a lot of diapers and wipes before baby even got here. Same with baby food.

Speaking of baby food. I made my own with child #2 and it was a huge money saver! I bought whatever produce that was on clearance of sale. I bought the steam bags to cook the foods (maintains more nutrition if steamed versus boiled or cooked otherwise). Then I put through the blender mixed with some formula, froze in ice cube trays and then put in freezer bags. This was GREAT! I froze all foods by themselves... didn't mix the flavors. That way when it came time for meals I could then mix them when I thawed them out. I got to switch things up without any extra effort, cooking, or time.

Don't start something you don't want to have to keep doing. If baby is restless in the middle of the night don't get up and pace the floors bouncing and cooing to baby if you don't mind doing this EVERY night! Don't rock baby to sleep every night if you don't foresee yourself doing this EVERY night. Just a simple rule of thumb... don't start something you don't mind doing EVERY time the situation arises.

Baby nipple brushes (for cleaning) are not just for nipples! Buy multiple because they are great at cleaning the spaces in spatulas and slotted spoons. They truly are wonderful for a multitude of things.

There were a few things that I thought were a complete waste of time. **This is only my opinion and remember EVERYONE has them! These just happen to be mine**

Diaper wipe warmers... if you get your baby used to this then what is baby going to do the first time you are at the mall and, heaven forbid, you have to use wipes right out of the pack to clean that little butt??

Diaper genies and other special trash cans for baby's diapers... these are great, but honestly I can think of other things I would rather spend that $40 (or whatever) on something else like diapers, wipes, extra nipples, etc. Just keep a stash of grocery bags handy. Toss the diaper in a grocery bag, tie it off and out it goes! Much cheaper!

Brand name baby wash, creams, lotions, etc. There are some things that just don't have to be brand name. Baby wash does the same thing regardless of the brand.

Save yourself some money and get more practical baby clothes. Babies pretty much wear the same things for the first few months. They grow quick. Get the basics while they are little with a few cutesy outfits for pics, going out to see the grandparents and doctor appointments. Doctors really don't care what they wear but I'm sure you will.

OH... don't forget to have plenty of baby tylenol and motrin on hand. If they do get sick you won't want to take them out anywhere.

Keep a plastic tote in baby's closet. As you do laundry and find stuff they've outgrown, just toss it in. This makes it easy to see what baby has and what baby needs.

Reminder again, these are only my opinions!!! Not facts and may not work for you. Find what works for you, but remember to keep it simple. The simpler things are, the less clutter, the less mess, the less cleaning, the less stress, the happier you are!