SAVING IS child's play WITH SECOND-HAND SHOPPING

Whether you’re welcoming a little one for the first time or adding a new sibling to a growing family, the financial pressures of parenting can be overwhelming. A new baby comes with a host of new expenses, from medical care to nursery items, travel equipment and nappies. But the good news is that there are several ways to get smart about saving. According to a 2016 survey conducted by Gumtree South Africa and Tums2Tots Online, South African moms tend to hold on to valuable baby goods long after their tots have outgrown them. “Ten percent of women surveyed had at least R40 000 worth of unused baby goods taking up space in their homes. The items are typically bought during pregnancy or the first few years of a child’s life, but are then relegated to the garage or spare room to gather dust,” says Claire Cobbledick of Gumtree South Africa. The items that most often lie dormant are car seats, carriers, baths, high chairs, baby clothes and toys that have been outgrown. Some parents are reluctant to buy pre-owned baby and children’s goods due to a perception that second-hand means lower quality. But the survey results suggest that many of these items are more likely to have been stored than used. A car seat costs up to R3 000 brand new, but you could find a perfectly good one for R1 000 on Gumtree – a significant saving on a must-have item. Top tip: before purchasing your pre-owned car seat, double check the safety features and ask your seller if it’s ever been in an accident. A stroller could cost you between R2 600 and R6 999, while the average second-hand price is around R1 400. A cot – which can cost up to R2 500 brand new, goes for around R1 500. Opting for pre-owned over new on these three essential items alone could save you as much as R6 000. It’s easy to save smart when you shop second-hand. With more than 15 000 “baby and kids” listings on Gumtree, you’re bound to find everything your little one needs, for less. Visit gumtree.co.za for more info and to get shopping!