Family hand-me-downs a thing of the past

COUPLES are having smaller families but are spending more on nursery equipment than their parents did in the 60s and 70s, according to research by Babylo, an Irish nursery equipment company.

The day of using a pram or a buggy for two or three children was gone and mothers wanted the latest designs and safety technology for each child, said Babylo Ireland spokesman David Lowe.

“The day of the hand-me-downs among family and friends is truly gone with parents opting to buy new baby equipment.

“All parents want to give their baby the best start in life, but having a baby is an expensive business. From nappies and clothes to push-chairs and car seats, the cost of baby products in the first two years of the baby’s life is estimated at €4,500.”

However not everyone agrees that hand-me-downs are gone.

Niall Marron, who runs Nursery Things on Cork’s Washington Street, said a lot of clothes and equipment are still passed on.

“Having said that, people are spending more per child than they did 10 years ago, particularly the first child.”

Although fashion is still important, the safety issue is the most important element for parents, said Mr Marron, one of a family of 15 and a father of five boys. A study by the Liverpool Victoria Friendly Society shows that Irish parents are also spending a lot more on luxury items like toys, hobbies, activities and designer clothes for children. It estimates parents pay up to €57,000 for clothes, food, activities, treats and childcare for toddlers up to the age of five.

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