5 Things Frugal New Parents Should Avoid Buying at Sam’s Club
Written by
Jennifer Taylor
Edited by
Rebekah Evans
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Kids aren’t cheap. As a frugal new parent, you may have attempted to minimize these expenses by purchasing a Sam’s Club membership — a smart move on your part.
Generally speaking, shopping for items like diapers, wipes and baby clothes, toys and other gear at the members-only warehouse club can save a notable amount of money. However, as with any store, it’s still important to comparison shop and read product reviews, to ensure you’re getting the most for your money.
To be honest, it was challenging to find items frugal new parents should steer clear of at Sam’s Club, but there are a few. Here’s a look at five baby and toddler items to avoid putting on your shopping list.
Also here are eight ways parents can save on kids’ holiday gifts.
Pampers Baby-Clean Baby Wipes
- Price: $21.48
When it comes to baby wipes, most seasoned parents will tell you buying name-brand really isn’t necessary.
Pampers Baby-Clean Baby Wipes comes in a pack of 1,040 wipes, priced at 2 cents per wipe. Admittedly, it’s not a much of a difference, but Member’s Mark Premium Baby Wipes cost $21.74 for 1,152 wipes, which breaks down to just under 2 cents per wipe.
Pampers Swaddlers Diapers
- Price: $46.48
Brand recognition might tempt you to buy Pampers Swaddlers Diapers, but you probably won’t notice a difference with generic.
A box of newborn-sized Pampers Swaddlers contains 174 diapers, which equates to 27 cents per diaper. Notably cheaper, a box of 108 newborn-sized Member’s Mark Premium Baby Diapers is $16.98 or just 16 cents per diaper.
Safety 1st Bob-and-Twist Activity Center
- Price: $84.98
Featuring a play center, bouncer and jumper, this Safety 1st Bob-and-Twist Activity Center looks cute. However, reviewers aren’t crazy about it.
Holding a rating of 1.3 stars out of five, all reviewers currently are unsatisfied with their purchase for a variety of reasons. There’s plenty of other activity centers to choose from, so it’s probably best to skip this one.
Carter’s Fleece Footie Pajamas
- Price: $6.32
Offered in a variety of styles and sizes, these Carter’s Fleece Footie Pajamas are generally a good deal. However, it can’t compete with the Member’s Mark three-pack of Organic Cotton Sleep and Play Pajamas, priced at $13.98 — $4.66 per pair.
Since little ones grow out of their clothes so quickly, it only makes sense to buy the Member’s Mark pair that’s nearly half the price.
50-Piece Train Table Set
- Price: $81.22
Before long your baby will be a toddler and there’s a good chance they’ll love trains.
Compatible with the Thomas and Friends Wooden Railway, Melissa and Doug, Brio, KidKraft and more, this 50-Piece Train Table Set looks like a steal. Unfortunately, reviewers have only rated it 3.7 stars out of five.
People have complained that the table is too short, flimsy and that the train doesn’t stay on the track. Since this set isn’t cheap, you’ll probably want to put your money toward one with higher reviews.
Editor’s note: Pricing and availability may vary depending on location.
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