Who doesn’t love babies? September is National Baby Safety Month. Your infant’s safety is extremely important. That doesn’t mean you have to spend a fortune, especially if you’re already working on debt management. Here is some of our safety advice when shopping for baby products. We hope this will help you save money and more importantly, ensure your baby’s safety!
Check out ACCC’s tips for baby safety!
Formula
First, check if any formula brands are currently recalled by the FDA, USDA or CDC. These need to be avoided until the potential health problem has been fixed and they announce it is safe again. It is important to pay attention to these recalls, as bad formula can cause all kinds of health problems for your baby. Afterwards, once you know which brands are safe, try and find the most affordable for you. Gerber provides the most affordable formula of 2019. It costs $29.00 for 32 oz.
Toys
Toys can be good for your baby’s development, but can be expensive and potentially dangerous. Check to make sure the toys you buy for your infant haven’t been recalled. Consult the CPSC for lists of recalled toys and games. Additionally, make sure the toys are age appropriate. If your baby is still at an age where he or she puts everything they find into their mouth, avoid toys with small parts. Then, budget for what’s affordable. Buy used toys too. Buying them used costs less money, which can be used for other things, like debt payments. As debt is paid off, then you will have money for new toys and gifts.
Strollers
The cost of a stroller for you baby can range from very affordable to VERY expensive! An expensive stroller doesn’t necessarily guarantee safety, but you may want to be careful of strollers that are suspiciously cheap too. Make sure the stroller has brakes that are easy to operate, and that the release lever isn’t within reaching distance of a child in the stroller.
Even if you’re on a tight budget, the safety of your baby should be the #1 priority at all times. It’s important not to sacrifice their safety and buy a cheap, poorly made product. You should also realize that expensive products aren’t always the safest either. Do your research ahead of time, and make sure you budget for all the baby items you’ll need for your bundle of joy!
If you’re struggling to pay off debt, ACCC can help. Sign up for a free credit counseling session with us today.
