12 Strategies to Slash Costs on Essential Baby Items

The costs of having a baby are increasing, and frugal families are searching for ways to save on baby expenses.

Here are some great ways to save money on baby expenses and keep more cash in your wallet from experts.

1. Sign Up for Freebies

The more free things you get, the better off you are. You can get a lot of free baby stuff and free baby samples to help you save money with all the baby gear you need.

2. Sign Up for Coupons From Formula Companies

Especially if you plan to formula feed, sign up for freebies and coupons from all the formula companies. They will send you samples and coupons for you to use and save money on formula for your baby. You can also try different brands of formula without spending too much money.

3. Buy (Almost) Everything Used

Since babies use items for such a short amount of time, there are so many used items that you buy or borrow that were barely used. Everything except for a car seat can be purchased used, and you can save a lot of money on baby gear. Don’t forget to check if any of the items you want to purchase were recalled, as some baby items are recalled for safety issues.

4. Shop Around for Diapers and Wipes

Diapers and wipes are highly consumable, meaning you will spend a lot of money on these items during the first few years of your baby’s life. Buying store-brand items is a great way to save some money. Kirkland and Up&Up are two great brands that are significantly cheaper than name brands.

5. Stay Away From Specific Baby Products

Avoid falling victim to the “baby tax.” Many products that are marketed for babies have a price markup but are not necessary for babies. Many adult products are fine for babies, even if they aren’t specifically targeted at babies.

6. Don’t Prebuy Lots of Items

Many moms (and dads) go through a “nesting period” where they want to prepare for the baby’s arrival as much as possible. While preparing for a baby is a good idea, stockpiling items or buying too many things can backfire badly. You never know what your baby will actually use, and they grow out of things quickly. Start small, and then you can buy stuff as you need.

7. Make Your Own Baby Food

Baby food can be expensive and loaded with extra preservatives you don’t need. While making your own food takes time, it is not extremely labor-intensive and will save you a lot of money!

8. Sign Up for All the Baby Registries

Create a baby registry even if you will not have a baby shower. Most registries offer a Completion Discount, so anything you have on the registry, you can buy at a discount after your due date, so don’t skimp on adding things to the registry! Not only that, you usually will get a nice gift bag to start.

9. Join a Buy-Nothing Group

You can get so much free baby stuff by joining a Buy-Nothing group or by scouring Facebook Marketplace. Moms love giving away their old baby stuff and usually have a lot of stuff to give away for free. I’ve gotten everything from strollers, books, and clothes for free from other moms who are decluttering.

10. Get a Free Breast Pump From Insurance

If you plan to breastfeed, then see if you can get a free breast pump from your insurance. In the USA, most people can get one for free, and it will not only save you hundreds of dollars on a pump but will also save you money on formula.

11. Meal Prep

Prepare meals in the freezer in the months and weeks before your baby is due to save money on fast-food and catering in the weeks after the baby is born. You will be exhausted and starving, and good food is crucial to a good recovery.

Buying healthy food from restaurants will add up very quickly, so stock your freezer before with healthy meals that you can quickly heat up.

12. Skip the Nursery

If you plan to have a nursery, there is no need to decorate it and spend hundreds of dollars! Not only will your baby not appreciate it, but the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that the baby sleeps in your room for at least the first six months.

This reduces the risk of SIDS and is so much easier! So skip the nursery costs and put the baby in a safe bassinet beside your bed.

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This post originally appeared on A Dime Saved.