15 Easy Ways to Save on Baby Expenses
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Learn how you can save on your baby expenses while still giving your baby the best!
Score Big Savings on Baby Expenses
I decided to consolidate some of the best tips and advice I've heard and read so far from others into a list that you can print out and put on your fridge.
Consignment stores are your best friends.
We have quite a few consignment stores in Raleigh with some high-quality items. There's one that specializes in baby clothes and gear a short drive from us that has fantastic deals.
We picked up some outfits for $1-$4/each, with some of them having the tags still on.
search for daycare options through Your Support Network
Childcare can be incredibly expensive and for some parents, paying for a daycare is an unaffordable option.
If possible, ask your trusted family and friends for recommendations. You may be able to
If you have family, like grandparents, who are available to watch your little one(s), that can be a fantastic option.
Don't take advantage of a loved one's generosity; you should still compensate them for their services. After all, you most likely get a discount and you'll have some peace of mind over your little one's well being.
Make your own baby food.
This was actually much easier than I had originally thought.
If you have the right kitchen tools and the time, go ahead and make your baby's food. It'll also give you the freedom to introduce a variety of different foods to your baby early on.
Buy baby supplies in bulk (when appropriate).
You can save quite a bit of money if you buy certain items in bulk, like diapers. consider subscription services like Amazon Mom to save 30% on diaper orders.
Cook at home.
Eating at home not only helps you keep more money in your wallet, but you'll have more control over what you eat. That means better health and more wealth.
Curious about what foods to try or what cooking tips can save you time? Check out my blog Married Food for ideas.
Watch your toy budget.
Babies don't need as many toys as you think. It's tempting to get the latest educational toy that comes out, but some basic ones really go a long way. Plus they have the added bonus of encouraging imagination.
Buy for the long term.
When looking at cribs, my husband and I wanted to look for something that would last for years. Besides getting a convertible crib, we also looked at the material. We didn't want the bed to break down after a move or two.
Go generic.
Buy washable nursing pads.
You'll go through them quickly, so it may pay to invest in some washable ones.
Check out the clearance rack.
You can pick up some nice clothes and baby gear by looking at the clearance rack.
Keep the change.
Go ahead and collect all the loose change you have at the end of the day. You can use that to build the family's savings or put it aside for your baby's future expenses, like a college fund.
Take advantage of coupons and discounts.
Use manufacturers’ coupons and sites like Amazon Mom to score deals on necessary baby items.
Try free mommy programs at the library.
Wait for the baby shower.
If you're watching your dollars, be patient. If loved ones buy you some necessary items for your little one, you can pick up what's missing.
Network with other parents.
Parents can be a great resource for sales and deals in your area.
More Tips on How to Save on Baby Expenses
Looking for more ideas on saving with baby expenses?
I always dread these lists because I keep thinking that we’ll get zinged on something big that we should have known better on. Happy to say though that, while we don’t do everything on this list, we do a lot and it saves us money for sure. Especially now that we have two!
Lol, glad you’re saving quite a bit already! Please share any tips you come across – my hope is to update this list and make it 50 tips or more.
Nice list. I agree that there are certainly ways to save money on baby expenses, and certainly spend less than many people might realize.
Generic formula (for those going the formula route) can work in some situations and save quite a bit of money. Also, toys and other things (pack and play, etc) can be purchased through craigslist. I got very good deals for a few things that were in great shape and did exactly what a newer product would’ve done, but at a much lower price.
Toys can definitely get picked up for cheaper than many people realize. We have an added bonus(?) of having the first grandbaby on both sides so grandparents are a great source for baby stuff 😛
Seriously, though, you’re right about craigslist and getting new to you items – you can save some big money on them.
I’m surprised there wasn’t a mention of clothe diapering. We have spent maybe 200 on diapers, and that’s pretty much all we will spend. Water bill is a little higher, but we do a lot of laundry anyway. Breastfeeding was not cheap for us initially, we had significant issues, and needed to rent a scale, a pump, needed bottles, herbal supplements, etc. But, I was determined and now we are at least saving on diapers. It really isn’t as hard it as much of a burden as people make it out to be, the thing is that disposable diapers are REALLY easy.
Never say NO to freebies! That’s my tip. I have been a nanny for the last 4 years to an absolutely precious little boy. When I recently announced to the family I was expecting our first, they immediately started listing all the things I could have! I got a crib, changing pads, toys and a whole lot of maternity clothes! I feel like this one family just saved us hundreds of dollars! Also, a friend of mine has started a baby/maternity clothes swap. She has put all her little one’s clothes in bins sorted by size and they make the rotation amongst our group according to the ages of each person’s kids. Since kids can be rough on clothes, things that get stained/damaged get replaced by whichever family is in possession of the bin. I thought it was a genious idea and I can’t wait to be a part of it!
Finally, freebies from company samples are awesome! I got two full size samples of Similac formula in the mail just for giving them my info. I have also received a free baby-wearing wrap, free diaper samples and free pre-natal vitamins…and our kiddo isn’t even here yet!
I have a new grandchild and your ideas for saving money are great.
Making your own baby food saves a TON of money. As a stay at home dad, I am always finding ways to save on baby expenses because baby = expenses right? lol. I wrote a post similar to this one not too long ago, and even have a link in it for a tutorial on how to make your own baby food (featuring pictures of my own baby boy Jonah). Great post and some different info on here than on mine. Thanks for the post 🙂
Jeremiah Brown
financeyoga@gmail.com
http://financeyoga.com/save-on-baby-expenses/