Baby Bargains: Secrets to Saving 20 Percent to 50 Percent on Baby Furniture, Equipment, Clothes, Toys, Maternity Wear, and Much... (Baby Bargains: ... on Baby Furniture, Equipment, Clothes, Toys,) [Paperback]

Denise Fields (Author), Alan Fields (Contributor)

Book Description

Series: Baby Bargains: Secrets to Saving 20% to 50% on Baby Furniture, Equipment, Clothes, Toys, | Publication Date: April 1, 1997

Featuring new product reviews, safety tips, updated catalog listings, mail-order bargains, stroller recommendations, and "e-mail from real parents, " this book will help parents navigate the consumer maze and come out with money to spare. 45 photos & illustrations.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

Congratulations, you're expecting a baby! What you may not be expecting is all of the requisite gear you "need" to look after your dear bundle. Fear not. Denise and Alan Fields, authors of Bridal Bargains, are here to tell you what's super and what's silly, and how to find it at the best price. You'll learn all about how (and where) to shop for a crib and dresser (including how to get European styling at reasonable prices), what you need in bedding and what can be skipped (a hint: no baby requires the $200 quilt!), which clothing brands are safest and least expensive, and how to shop for monitors, toys, car seats, strollers, books, videos, and more. The authors have field-tested every major brand (and several of the minor ones), and they provide star ratings and annotations at the end of every chapter. A helpful feature in each chapter called "Wastes of Money" will steer you away from $35 Baby Air Jordans and frilly diaper stackers that match your bedding. If that's not enough, they offer a money-back guarantee: If the book doesn't save you at least $250 in baby expenses, they'll refund the price of the book. Well researched and written in a witty and comfortable tone, Baby Bargains should be required reading for every safety- and money-conscious parent-to-be. --Rebecca A. Staffel

About the Author

Denise Fields and Alan Fields write a monthly column for Baby Talk magazine. They have written several best-selling books, including Baby Bargains and Bridal Bargains. They live in Boulder, CO.

Product Details

• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Windsor Peak Press; 2nd ed. edition (April 1, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1889392006
• ISBN-13: 978-1889392004
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 3.9 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (17 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #5,802,034 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The most helpful book for first time expectant parents!!, September 26, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Baby Bargains: Secrets to Saving 20 Percent to 50 Percent on Baby Furniture, Equipment, Clothes, Toys, Maternity Wear, and Much... (Baby Bargains: ... on Baby Furniture, Equipment, Clothes, Toys,) (Paperback)

This book was truly the most helpful book we found for about-to-be parents. We are 4 months pregnant, needed to be thrifty in our expenses, and also needed guidance as to what the essentials are. The book contains the most realistic layette list we have ever seen (it actually tells you what not to buy instead of trying to sell you everything single baby gadget available), a list for a baby's first aid kit, questions to ask hospitals, tons of catalogs to subscribe to, information for maternity clothing (very helpful), reviews of popular books for new parents, breastfeeding books, reviews of breast pumps, what toys to have around for play, taking to the tub, books for infants, etc. The authors have a great style and an even better sense of humor about the topic that makes this very easy reading. I initially borrowed this book from our local library but ended up ordering the book from amazon because it was so invaluable. We are going to remember this book and give it as a gift the next time we know first time parents!

10 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Truly the baby shopping bible!, July 28, 1997

By A Customer

This review is from: Baby Bargains: Secrets to Saving 20 Percent to 50 Percent on Baby Furniture, Equipment, Clothes, Toys, Maternity Wear, and Much... (Baby Bargains: ... on Baby Furniture, Equipment, Clothes, Toys,) (Paperback)

Each chapter of Baby Bargains focuses on major purchases for the preparation of the baby. They not only offer when one should begin shopping for each item, but also where the better buys are, what to look for, "Smart Shopper Tips", "Wastes of Money", and overviews and ratings of major manufacturers. They cover: stores, catalogs, outlets, mail-order, thrift stores, and garage sales. Listed for all companies are telephone numbers, addresses and e-mail and internet addresses. Topics include: Nursery Necessities, Bedding, Baby Clothes, MaternityWear, Around the House and On-the-Go items, Baby Proofing, and more. I have found the book invaluable in selecting the best items at the best prices for my baby-to-be. One store wanted to charge me more for Baby Bargain's recommended mattress. I showed them the book's pricing for the mattress and the store agreed to that price. I've already saved more than the cost of the book.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Confused? I was... Until I bought this book!, June 10, 1999

By 

Jeffrey Herr ([e-mail]) (Chicago, IL) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Baby Bargains: Secrets to Saving 20 Percent to 50 Percent on Baby Furniture, Equipment, Clothes, Toys, Maternity Wear, and Much... (Baby Bargains: ... on Baby Furniture, Equipment, Clothes, Toys,) (Paperback)

I'm going to be a first time dad soon, and was completely confused by the "stuff" you needed for a baby. ("What the heck is a 'layette'?") And I didn't just have to know which "stuff" I needed, but which brand of the "stuff" was best. Actual parents describe in plain language what items you need and who's brands to buy and not buy. But they go further! They help you understand where you can save some money and still provide quality for your child; what items you don't need, where you can buy generic and which items to buy for quality rather than cost. They point you to the places to shop to find bargains, both in your neighborhood and on-line. All of this is written with a no-nonsense approach. There's no politics being played here; if the product is awful, they'll tell ya'! I came onto Amazon intending to buy the Consumer Reports guide to Baby Gear and chose this book instead. It was the best decision I could have made!! All I can say is: Buy This Book!