Play with Your Baby and Save Hundreds of Dollars

We all fall for the great baby gadgets and the toys with the cute songs and flashing lights but most babies are just as happy to be doing something new, even if it is just playing with a piece of crumpled paper. Here are some great ways (and cheap or free ways) to play with your newborn and even up to a year old or more.

1.Go to area library programs. Many local libraries offer free reading and singing programs on a weekly basis (even for babies under 6 months). And as your child gets older, you can take advantage of book clubs, craft events and even field trips.
SAVINGS – at least $200 per session is what you would spend for an age-appropriate class at Gymboree or similar locations.

2. Take your baby for a walk or on a hike. Fresh air is wonderful for your baby and the multitude of sights, smells and sounds are priceless (not to mention free). You can put your baby in a stroller or carrier. Either way, your baby is entertained and you get some exercise. You can find other moms or join a hiking club if you want to make it a more social excursion.

SAVINGS – at least $15 to $20 per exercise class such as Stroller Fit

3. Use cookie cutters and foam sheets from a craft store and make fun shapes for baby to play with in the tub. The foam shapes will float or stick to the side of the tub. You can by a pack of foam sheets for a third of the cost of a foam set from the store.

SAVINGS – subtracting the cost of a few cookie cutters (assuming you don’t already have them) and the foam sheets, you’d still save about $5 to $15, depending on the tub toy set you purchased.

4. Tie colorful scarves together (or cut old pillow cases or sheets, or even better, use a variety of fabrics) and stuff in a tissues box. Baby will love the colors and textures and will enjoy pulling the scarves out of the box and putting them back in.