Saving Money with Twins
by Cheryl Maguire
My twins were my first children, which caused me to purchase many unnecessary items. I only wish someone had told me the following:
#1 You Don’t Need 2 of Everything Just because you are having 2 children at the same time does not mean you need 2 of everything. I got 2 bassinets (which you only use for the first few months), 2 pack and plays, 2 bath tubs, 2 diaper pails, etc. I did not need 2 of any of these things. If I would do it over again, I would not even use a bassinet. Rather, I would put my twins together in a crib. I also would not purchase a diaper pail again since I didn’t think it worked and it is just as easy to throw it away in an outside garbage. So what do you need 2 of? You need 2 cribs and 2 car seats.
#2 Twin Discounts If you do purchase 2 of the same item, always ask for a twin discount. Toys R Us and Babies R Us both offer 10% off for 2 of the same item purchased at the same time. Some companies such as Enfamil, Pampers and Huggies have twin programs that offer either free products or coupons. I received a month of free formula and a coupon for free diapers. I also always ask about twin discounts for any classes in which they enroll (i.e. soccer, music, and preschool).
#3 Ask Friends and Family for Unwanted Items If you need specific baby equipment or you are willing to accept any free kid/baby things, inform everyone you know. Most kid/baby objects are large and take up a lot of space. Some people are only too happy to pass along their things to someone else, especially if they are able to get much needed storage space back. I have received lots of free toys and clothes from my sister’s friend, a person I have never even met!
#4 Go to Yard Sales Check your local paper to find out when and where the yard sales are being held. Sometimes home day cares also have yard sales. Many yard sales are filled with kid or baby items. One time I got a Cozy Coupe Car for $1 in like new condition. The regular retail price is $50!
#5 Sign Up for Coupons You can sign up through the company’s websites (i.e. Pampers) to receive coupons for formula and diapers. If you combine the coupons with sales and rebates (Huggies has a rebate program though The Caregivers Marketplace and Rite Aid has their own rebate program), you can get these items for half price and then stock up.
#6 Use the Library Instead of purchasing books, magazines, DVDs and CDs, borrow these items from the library. Many of these items your children will outgrow, and the library offers all of these items for free. Most libraries also offer children's programs or activities. We started going to the free library story time when my twins were only 6 months old and they loved it. My library also has a play room with tons of toys. When we used this play room, I often met other mothers. The room was also a great place to meet for plate dates. Besides being able to play with new toys, I could contain my twins by closing the door, which I could not do at a playground.
Cheryl Maguire is the mother of boy/girl four-year-old twins and a baby girl. A stay-at-home mom, she runs a website called Swap Savers, which is a social network for frugal folks who love freebies, coupons and rewards.
