The cost of basics for infant triplets

OMH, AJH, HRH Chilling out. 

When we got over the initial shock of finding out we were having naturally occurring triplets (I still think we haven’t realized it yet) the first thing we said to each other was how in the hell are we going to pay for this. We got on the internet and started to search we couldn't of been the first couple to have them and it has to be somewhere. We couldn't find anything more than don’t worry things will work out. Well for all those to be parents panicking out there here is what it cost us to have infant triplets. Disclaimer: Not all the costs, housing, childcare, transportation, and sanity for mom and dad  are here those topics will be coming this is just the basics. 

Basics 

Pampers Diapers 162 Count	$45.97 (amazon.com)	.28 each
Wipes 504 Count	$10.97 (amazon.com)	.02 each
Formula 23.2 Ounces (6)	$149.99 (amazon.com)	.09 ounce

Average amount used per day

Diapers	12 (on a good day)	$3.36
24 Wipes	30	$0.60
Formula (5oz)	30oz day	$27.90
Total		$31.74

That puts your weekly cost at $222.18 give or take a few bucks.

Reducing the Cost

Off Brand wipes and diapers: Try different brands of diapers and wipes to see what works best, while Elmo is cute does he really have to be on the outside or your kids diaper? We found Target brand diapers to be just as good as the name brand and had about a 1/3 of the cost of the name brand. They even go on sale once and a while, and if you aren't scared of getting hacked they offer 5% off with the Red Card right? 

Stock pile before babies are born (if you can): Now if you are reading this before your baby (or babies) are born go to the store right now and buy a big thing of diapers a wipes! Start stocking up, we were lucky enough to have some space in the basement every payday before the boys came we went to Sam's club and bought a box of diapers usually size 1 or larger, and a box of wipes. We didn't have to buy wipes or diapers for months after the boys came home which helped when the formula was recalled and we could only buy the liquid form (twice the price of the powdered) Note on the formula: we couldn't buy this before hand since we didn't know what kind they would need, soy, or milk based, colic, etc.... 

Coupons, Discount Sites: Pampers and Huggies both offer rewards programs beg and plead your friends for their codes to earn free diapers and wipes. Check places like www.coupon.com who often times have 1 or 2 dollar off coupons. Also scope out local grocery stores that are still silly enough to offer double coupons up to a dollar, this is a great trick for the wipes. Have your friends print the coupons from the sites too, or co-works, the more the better!

Swap and Trade: On more than one occasion the boys had to change their formula leaving us with pounds of it sitting around. Same with diapers they would go to bed in a size 1 and wake up needing a 2. Craigslist is a great place to unload these items and to pick up some. There are other parents out their who are in the same situation and you can find if for a discount. Hey every little bit helps.