Buying for Startup

[Cupcake88]

Im struggling with startup costs as I was counting on getting a grant but these have just been stopped in my area. Im trying to do this cheaply, but also want a good range of toys and equipment and need to make sure I havent missed anything that I havent thought of, or even if theres any of this which I wont need to buy yet, if anyone could help? Thanks

This is what my list is at the moment:

highchair
steriliser
travel cot
mattress for older kids naps + bedding
2 stair gates (for top and bottom)
plastic plates and cutlery
single buggy and buggy board
fireguard
first aid box
home safety kit
potty/seat/toilet step
toy storage unit

baby bouncer and playmat
things for treasure baskets
craft/painting supplies and easel
dolls, accessories and buggy
musical instruments
cuddly toys and puppets
dress up box
play food, teaset, shop and till (roleplay)
few baby/toddler toys eg stacking cups
cars/vehicles/trains and road mat
animals/farm set
board games and puzzles
lots of books
construction/blocks/lego
outdoor toys - sandpit, balls, skiprope, chalk

[sarah707]

Looks good!

Though I wouldn't buy anything until you know the age of the child or you might end up with things you don't need.

Good luck with the advertising!

[jumping j]

I didn't get anything for babies until I got my first one, September.
It was a big expense for things that weren't going to be used for the first 6 months.
I went to car boots and got things that all ages like playing with, happyland, mega blox, play food etc.
Good luck

[miffy]

Before you spend out lots of money on toys I'd check if there are any toy libraries in your area they might be a cheaper option until you get established

Miffy xx

[Messy jesse]

I agree its a waste of money if your not going to have a baby... Lol
I'd also check out gumtree,

People are always getting rid of quality baby stuff... Really cheap, sometimes free...

Good luck x

[Demonjill]

I too would wait and see what ages etc of children you get.

Also whether girls or boys - i have only one girl mindee and 5 boys so the balance isnt there.

I add to my resources if spot anything on sale, in charity shops,ebay or at Jack and Jill markets

I have not bought stair gates as the baby i have is not crawling yet and the youngest of the others is 3 and none of the kids are allowed upstairs unsupervised anyway.

My travel cot is still up loft as baby sleeps in buggy at the mo

Dont need steriliser as mum makes up the water in the bottles i just have to pour the formula in

So I agree would get a few essentials and bits until you know - just put some money away each week. Pointless buying one thing if you could have used the money for something else that you ended up needing sooner

[Demonjill]

Also to make sure that you enjoy the job before you buy loads and loads

[Milli147]

Something that's worked for me is a cheeky email to my kids class lists, asking if anyone has anything they would like to sell. I have got a load of garden toys, two car seats (from mums I trust) an elc kitchen... and all for free that way! I ask politely and of course I am happy to pay but found that they are just glad to be shot of the stuff

[jumpinjen]

Im struggling with startup costs as I was counting on getting a grant but these have just been stopped in my area. Im trying to do this cheaply, but also want a good range of toys and equipment and need to make sure I havent missed anything that I havent thought of, or even if theres any of this which I wont need to buy yet, if anyone could help? Thanks

This is what my list is at the moment:

highchair
steriliser - you could use tablets and a large tupperware tub instead
travel cot
mattress for older kids naps + bedding - these could be ones you have already - they don't have to be specialist - a waterproof mattress protector that is washable is great
2 stair gates (for top and bottom)
plastic plates and cutlery - I use china tea plates for toddlers meals - they love real things and it rarely gets broken - small mugs picked up from charity chps give them a handle to hold and they are heavier than plastic so don't get tipped over as much and make them feel grown up too!
single buggy and buggy board - you could wait to see what mindees you get - remember second hand!
fireguard
first aid box
home safety kit
potty/seat/toilet step
toy storage unit

baby bouncer and playmat - not essential - you can make a lovely place for a baby to play that is safe with a blanket and cushions
things for treasure baskets
craft/painting supplies and easel
dolls, accessories and buggy
musical instruments
cuddly toys and puppets - go for animals if cuddly toys, like rabbits etc that are realistic
dress up box
play food, teaset, shop and till (roleplay)
few baby/toddler toys eg stacking cups
cars/vehicles/trains and road mat
animals/farm set
board games and puzzles
lots of books
construction/blocks/lego empty cardboard boxes make good construction materials and are very open ended
outdoor toys - sandpit, balls, skiprope, chalk you can make a good sand play area in an under bed storage box - it doesn't have to be a sandpit - storage boxes allow to be moved easily, lid put on to keep clean and prevent accesss when you aren't there etc

Hi - your list looks great but I've added a few notes to help you save money if you are struggling - remember second hand is fine as long as you check for signs of wear and choose things that can be cleaned - ask around and use *****, freecycle, boot sales, charity shops and NCT sales!!

Good luck, Jen c

[rosebud]

And don't forget to find out if you have a local toy library near you.

[Jods]

I really started in Jan (when I left pre-school and started with my current mindees), kept my resoucre purchases to a minimum, the parents helped me until I could purchase what I needed x

Amazon and Ikea great places to get resources from, also ask friends and family for toy donations, as long as they conform to the safety standards and are clean and damage free, they will be fine, and mine only cost me a couple of bottles of wine x

Books again Amazon great prices free delivery and brand new, look at your LA, they might do recommended book lists (mine does), I just followed this for the EYFs and a great way of showing diversity x