Hope everyone is coping with the lockdown!
When we went out for a walk we bumped into one of our neighbours and ended up talking about the cost of raising children. As it is expensive!
They proceeded to tell us that a colleague of theirs who is staying in a house paid by the council, wants to get new stuff for their unborn child. This person is refusing to go into good charity shops and is refusing second hand clothes and toys. I was so surprised to hear this. As a good cot can cost upwards of £100!
We were very lucky, in that retrospect. As my parents held onto a lot of my stuff when I was a baby and that included my cot (with bite marks too). My in laws kept a crib that Sean slept in. So it was nice to know that two generations have used them.
However, that didn’t stop there! There were toys and books galore! Books that I remember ranging from Peter Rabbit to Maisie. Some that aren’t appropriate for him just now, but, we can give him later. Those books hold precious memories to me. Of when my parents would read to me at night and would try to skip pages so I will fall asleep quicker ( it didn’t work)! So I am looking forward to reading them with him when he is older, creating new memories
That’s the thing with second hand toys. They might be toys that you might remember and have old fond memories of.
I am taking nothing away from new toys. It is new but they do cost a fortune.
When we discovered that we were having a baby, we looked and researched for all the baby products we needed.
We went to a good charity shop in my home town where we got a lot of things for him ranging from a baby play mat, clothes, books and even a baby changing table. I don’t turn down a bargain!
The only thing we bought new was a pram as we got a baby car seat with it, bedding and a few other things that we needed to get new. We saved a bit of money so we can put it towards days out for him.
We were very lucky that we have some friends who have kids who offered to give us some stuff for him. For me it was a no brainier! I jumped for the chance, also it was hard to say no. The products were in good quality and they helped us out massively without spending too much.
Now, that James is older we have passed his stuff down to those friends. It was hard to let go of some of the stuff but knowing it will help a fellow mum out is great. Where they can start creating new memories with their little one.
Over the weekend we received toys from my parents neighbour. James loved them and played with them straightaway after he received them. There was a pirate ship, a farm and much more! All in great quality and so much fun to play with. We were extremely grateful.
We also received outdoor toys which cost a lot. Again James loved them straightaway. Especially his cosy coupe ride on. He even tries to honk the horn and plays with the steering wheel whilst making car noises. It is so adorable to watch and see him having so much fun!
So please when the lockdown is over. If you have a clear out give them to a charity shop or to someone you know. They will be very grateful!
Stay safe out there.
💖
Shining blue eyes 