As a new mom, I was vigilant about saving money on baby gear.
Why shouldn’t I be? A middle-class American family spends an average of $14,320 on baby’s first year alone, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
That’s a lot of diapers.
But one fall morning a few years ago, I learned you can take deal-seeking too far.
It all started out innocently enough when I took my kids for an early-morning run in their stroller. Because the temperatures were brisk, I opted against getting them dressed and kept them bundled in their fleece pajamas.
It was garbage day. I was in the final stretch of my run, up the malodorous hill
near my house, when I spotted it: a large, wicker chest that someone had placed by the curb.
I stopped. This could make a much-needed toy box, I thought. And it was free!
I investigated. It was in great shape (or at least it was before my attempts to transport it).
I hesitated. The garbage truck would soon be approaching, and there was no way I had time to run home to get my car.
I decided. With one hand, I hauled the bulky bin while navigating the stroller with the other. Progress was slow up the hill. My kids were initially patient, but after a few minutes, fuses were blown.
I opted for Plan B. I’d take my kids out of the double-wide jogging stroller, put the trunk inside and let them walk. My toddler would be fine, and as for my 6-month-old son?
It was about time he learned to crawl.
Admittedly, my main concern was that my daughter was still in her pajamas. I worried about what the neighbors might think. I did it anyway.
Soon, the tot started limping. “I have cereal at the bottom of my PJs,” she whined.
Now, exactly how Cheerios got to the bottom of her one-piece pajamas is beyond me. But I had to draw the line somewhere, and stripping her down in public was my limit.
“I have an idea!” I proposed. “Just stomp really hard, and it will turn your cereal into little crumbs. And then we’ll just follow them home like Hansel and Gretel!”
I have always been a master of resolution.
We eventually made it back an hour later, but we survived. And the kids had a new toy box.
Looking back, I have to wonder if I would do it again. Possibly. Only next time, I’d just need to remember to bring along my shopping cart.
Amber Johnson is the editor of , a family travel writer and blogger. She can be reached at amber@milehighmamas.com, or follow her at twitter.com/TheMileHighMama.
