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Preparing for Baby #3: How I'm Saving $800+ on Third-Time Mom Essentials

Okay so real talk—I realized something the other day that hit me HARD.



I'm pregnant with baby #3, and I was doing that thing where you wander the baby aisle at Target just... staring at everything. You know the vibe. Half excited, half panicking about how much money you're about to spend AGAIN.



But here's the thing: when I was pregnant with Emma (my first), I walked out of Buy Buy Baby that day with a $800 receipt. EIGHT HUNDRED DOLLARS. For a baby who literally just needed diapers and milk.



I had the $400 stroller, the $200 "smart" changing pad (it had an app???), the $150 "miracle" swaddle that promised 12-hour sleep stretches (spoiler: it did not).



By baby #2, I knew better. Got the essentials, skipped the fluff. Total spend? Maybe $300.



And now, with baby #3? I'm preparing for under $200 total. And I'm honestly kind of proud of it.



Here's what's different this time:



1. I already know what I actually need vs. what Instagram says I need



The "Instagram nursery" is a trap, you guys. The $400 rocker, the custom name sign, the perfectly curated bookshelf? My first baby spit up on everything within 48 hours. This time: crib, changing table, and that's IT. Everything else is bonus.



2. Hand-me-downs are my best friend



I'm in three local mom groups where people GIVE AWAY barely-used baby stuff. I scored a $300 UppaBaby stroller for FREE last week because someone just wanted it gone. The same stroller I paid full price for with Emma. I wanted to cry.



3. I wait for the deals instead of nesting panic-buying



Nesting energy is REAL but I'm redirecting it. Instead of midnight Amazon binges, I'm:



  • Watching for Target Circle diaper sales

  • Stacking registry completion discounts

  • Snagging free baby box welcome kits (the Amazon one is legitimately good—diapers, wipes, bottles)

  • Buying seasonal clothes on clearance for next year (grabbed winter stuff for $3-5 per piece during summer clearance)



4. Formula samples before committing



Last time I bought three cans of one formula before realizing my baby hated it. This time? I'm requesting EVERY free sample I can find first. Enfamil, Similac, Gerber—they all send them if you sign up on their sites.



5. The things I'm NOT buying this time:




  • Wipe warmer (literally never used mine)

  • Bottle sterilizer (dishwasher works fine)

  • Fancy baby monitor (my $40 Wyze cam does the same thing)

  • "Designer" swaddles (Target's $12 ones work just as well)

  • Shoes for a newborn (they don't walk??? why did I buy these???)



The honest truth:



I used to think buying all the premium baby stuff meant I was being a "good mom." Like the price tag somehow proved I cared more. Now I know that's just marketing doing its job.



My kids don't remember what brand their crib was. They remember being fed, held, and loved. And honestly? Having $600 less in debt stress probably makes me a better parent than having a "smart" changing pad ever did.



So if you're preparing for your first baby and standing in that aisle panicking—take a breath. You don't need 90% of what they're trying to sell you. Start with the basics, watch for deals, and remember that babies are surprisingly uncomplicated creatures.



Current total spent for baby #3: $187 (mostly diapers I found 70% off and a few onesie packs)



Target goal: Under $250 total



What I learned: The best baby prep is financial peace of mind, not the fanciest gear.



Anyone else on baby #2 or #3 and realizing how much smarter you are this time around? Or first-time parents currently panicking in Target? Drop a comment—I promise it gets easier (and cheaper)!





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