As a new parent, you are likely looking for ways to save money on baby expenses. You can do many things to reduce the amount of money you spend on your child.
As you prepare for your new baby, let’s discuss how to save money on baby expenses.
Buy Second-hand
It’s absolutely okay to consider buying second-hand items for your newborn. Not only can you find these at a fraction of the retail price, but you might also be able to find really good quality items that have been gently used.
Sometimes, these items have been gifted to families but didn’t end up using the item; other times, the family used the items for a few weeks, and then their baby outgrew them quickly.
If you want to purchase second-hand items, make sure you wash or sanitize them well before using them for your little one! You’ll be surprised how much money you can save by going this route.
Some baby items you can consider buying second-hand:
- toys
- stroller
- clothes
- bassinet
- crib
- high chair
My favorite places to find baby items secondhand are Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace.
Accept Hand-me-Downs From Family and Friends
If you have family or friends who had a baby shortly before you, they most likely have baby items that their child has outgrown. Accepting hand-me-downs from family and friends can be a great way to save money!
Don’t hesitate to ask your friends and family if they have any gently-used baby items they can “hand down” to you – sometimes they’ve already packed those things up to donate but haven’t found the time to do so. It’s a win-win situation: you get access to quality goods for free or at a discount price, and your loved ones don’t need to take on any extra tasks!
List Pricier Items on Your Baby Registry
Getting baby items can be a pricey endeavor, but there are ways to make it budget-friendly. A great way to save on pricier baby items is by having a baby registry and including high-ticket items on your registry.
You might not get everything as gifts, but you’ll be surprised how generous your friends and family can be. With these higher-priced items on the registry, you can use the money saved to buy other necessary baby items without breaking the bank!
Some examples of high-priced items you can add to your baby registry are:
- Bottle sanitizer
- High chair
- Baby bouncer
- Breast pump
- Stroller
- Car seat
Breastfeed Your Baby
Breastfeeding your baby is a great way to save money on formula. Breastfeeding is beneficial for both mom and baby, but it also has an added benefit: you can cut down on your expenses by not having to purchase expensive formula.
If you are worried about having a low breastmilk supply, this article has a list of tips that will help increase your breastmilk supply.
Borrow a Breast Pump or Buy a Cheaper Alternative
If you do decide to breastfeed your baby, one tip for saving money is to borrow a breast pump or buy cheaper alternatives.
When I first started to breastfeed, I borrowed my sister-in-law’s breast pump, which worked well for me. However, I did make sure that the pump was working well, had no leaks, and was sanitized before I used it myself. This helped me save money at the beginning of my breastfeeding journey.
Another option is to look for cheaper alternatives: The Momcozy portable breast pump and Haakaa breast pump both offer amazing value for money and are a great way to get many of the same features as more expensive brands without the hefty price tag. I have used both of these items and can vouch for them as they have great quality for a reasonable price.
American moms can also get a free baby pump from their insurance company so make sure to call up your provider and find out more details!
Sign Up for Baby Samples
Many large companies that want to promote their products offer free samples of baby products such as diapers, wipes, formula, and even clothing. These often come in a ‘welcome baby box’.
Getting free baby samples is a great way to save money on baby essentials and allows you to try out different brands.
Here are some companies that offer free samples for newborns:
- Amazon
- Huggies
- Buy Buy Baby
- Target
- Enfamil
- Similac
Don’t Be Afraid of Trying Generic Brand Items
When shopping for supplies for your baby, don’t be afraid to try generic brands. Not all of these products need to be the most expensive brand; you may find that cheaper alternatives do the job just as well!
Even if it’s your first time buying generic items for your baby, give it a try – you may just find that some of these products are even better than their more expensive counterparts!
Here are some common baby items that are available in generic brands:
- Diapers
- Wipes
- Clothes
- Formula
- Lotion
- Soap
Return Baby Shower Gifts for Credit
Expecting a baby can be an expensive time in any parent’s life. With the cost of baby products and gear, it can be hard to make ends meet.
One great way to help save money is to return any unwanted baby shower gifts for a store credit. If you receive more than one of the same item or something you know won’t be useful for your family, capitalize on the opportunity to repurpose it!
Many stores will allow you to return items that are still unopened and in their original packaging for store credit – which could then be used towards other items your baby may need, saving hundreds of dollars on necessities like diapers, formula, and clothing.
Buy In Bulk
Smart shoppers know how to save money on baby supplies, and one of the best ways to do that is to buy in bulk. Not only is the price per unit usually lower when your buy in bulk, but bulk purchases mean you don’t have to go out as often to purchase necessities such as diapers or formula.
Purchasing items such as diapers, wipes, and formula in one place can slash your spending while giving you more time for quality moments with your little ones.
Make Your Own Baby Food
Making your own baby food not only helps you to save money, but you also get the satisfaction of knowing that the food you provide your little one is made with whole foods and without added sugar or preservatives.
Making your own food is easy, fun, and nutritious! It starts with simple vegetables like sweet potato, carrot, and pumpkin. Puree them in a blender or mash them into a smooth consistency using a fork or potato masher before introducing them to your baby.
You can even combine fruits and veggies for delicious meals packed full of nutrition to help keep your baby healthy and happy!
Featured Image Credit: DepositPhotos.com
