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5 Things Frugal New Parents Shouldn’t Buy at Sam’s Club

5 Things Frugal New Parents Shouldn’t Buy at Sam’s Club

slobo / iStock.com

slobo / iStock.com

Children are not cheap. As a frugal new parent, you may have tried to minimize these costs by purchasing a Sam’s Club membership – a smart move on your part.

In general, purchasing items such as diapers, wipes and baby clothes, toys, and other equipment at the members-only warehouse club can save a significant amount of money. However, as with any business, it’s important to make comparisons and read product reviews to ensure you’re getting the most bang for your buck.

To be honest, it was a challenge to find things at Sam’s Club that frugal new parents should stay away from, but there are a few. Here are five items for babies and toddlers that you shouldn’t put on your shopping list.

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Pampers Baby-Clean baby wipes

When it comes to baby wipes, most experienced parents will tell you that buying brand name products really isn’t necessary.

Pampers Baby-Clean baby wipes come in a pack of 1,040 wipes priced at 2 cents per wipe. Admittedly, it’s not a huge difference, but Member’s Mark Premium Baby Wipes cost $21.74 for 1,152 wipes, which works out to just under 2 cents per wipe.

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Pampers Swaddlers diapers

The brand’s name recognition might tempt you to buy diapers from Pampers Swaddlers, but you probably won’t notice any difference from generic diapers.

A newborn-sized package of Pampers Swaddlers contains 174 diapers, which is 27 cents per diaper. Significantly cheaper: A box of 108 newborn-sized Member’s Mark Premium baby diapers costs $16.98, or just 16 cents per diaper.

Safety 1st Bob and Twist Activity Center

This Safety 1st Bob and Twist activity center features a play center, bouncy castle and sweater and looks cute. However, reviewers are not thrilled about it.

With a rating of 1.3 out of five stars, all reviewers are currently dissatisfied with their purchase for various reasons. There are many other activity centers to choose from, so it’s probably best to skip this one.

Carter’s fleece footie pajamas

These Carter’s Fleece Footie Pajamas come in a variety of styles and sizes and are generally a good deal. However, it can’t compete with Member’s Mark’s three-pack of organic cotton sleep and play pajamas, which cost between $13.98 and $4.66 per pair.

Since little ones outgrow their clothes so quickly, it only makes sense to buy the Member’s Mark pair, which are almost half the price.

50 piece train table set

Soon your baby will be a toddler and there’s a good chance he’ll love trains.

Compatible with the Thomas and Friends Wooden Train, Melissa and Doug, Brio, KidKraft and more, this 50-piece train placemat looks like a bargain. Unfortunately, reviewers only rated it 3.7 out of five stars.

People have complained that the table is too short, too thin and that the train doesn’t stay on the tracks. Since this set isn’t cheap, you should probably spend your money on one with better reviews.

Editor’s Note: Prices and availability may vary by location.

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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 5 Things Frugal New Parents Should Avoid When Shopping at Sam’s Club