10 money-saving tips for new parents
Congratulations! You and your partner have a lot of joy on the way. My husband and I were ecstatic when we found out we were pregnant with our first child, but that’s when reality hit us. An extra person in the household meant more expenses in all aspects and a complete change in our usual routine. Sacrifices are often made when we become parents, but that doesn’t mean our bank accounts have to be completely emptied as a result. There are many ways to save money while welcoming a new member to the family.
1. Don’t buy maternity clothes
I will give more details on this one. Of course, as a pregnant woman, she will need to expand her wardrobe to accommodate the life growing in her tummy. I bought a few new items during my pregnancy, but I didn’t buy clothes that were marketed as maternity clothes. They cost a pretty penny, and since pregnancy has stages, you could end up wearing a maternity shirt for only 1-2 months. What I did was buy clothes at my favorite stores (or thrift stores), but in larger sizes. Aim for sales shelves to save extra money. That way, you can still get items at competitive prices, while blending in with the general population. Once the baby is out and the weight is off, you can save them for the next baby, donate them or make adjustments and continue to use them in your postpartum period.
2. Host a baby shower
There is no doubt that baby showers are the best way to collect free baby supplies. If you decide to create a registry, be sure to select the items you need, rather than what you would like. Don’t be afraid to choose big. A friend of mine surprised us with a new crib, which ended up saving us almost $200. He also suggests asking for gift cards from department stores, so you have the flexibility to purchase a wide range of baby items. Gift cards are also convenient because they can be saved for use at a later date.
3. Host a diaper party
Not all husbands like to attend baby showers. For that reason, some prefer to throw away the diaper parts. It’s a way for guys to get together, share food and/or drinks and just hang out. Gift-giving creativity is eliminated by the simple fact that men are asked to bring only diapers as gifts. What we did was ask the boys to bring any size diapers and believe it or not, we didn’t have to buy diapers for the first five months of our son’s life! Also, the leftovers were perfect for when the next baby arrived. If you don’t plan on having any more children, you can again give them away to another pregnant family, donate them, or sell them locally.
4. Get hospital coupons
Many hospitals receive a series of free samples and coupons for products that help new moms heal. I received free nursing pads, baby related brochures, nipple cream samples, pads and aspirin. All of these free samples add up, so take whatever you can get from the hospital.
5. Breastfeed/Express milk if you can
Breast milk is not only the healthiest option for a growing baby, it is also the most cost effective. A mother could save her family a minimum of $1,300 if she chooses to breastfeed. Unfortunately, it’s not always an option. Issues like going back to work, latching problems, health problems and more can prevent a mother from being able to breastfeed. In this case, choosing to invest in a breast pump would still save you a lot of money. You can borrow them, rent them, or even buy them second hand.
6. Return/sale of unwanted gifts
If you managed to receive items you don’t plan to use, please return or sell them as soon as possible. Waiting too long can make it harder to sell. You can also re-gift those items to someone else who might have a baby in the near future.
7. Guess your purchases
Before you buy baby items, ask yourself if you really NEED to buy them. We considered buying a changing table and then realized that using our bed or a blanket on the carpeted floor would work just as well. We keep a basket of wipes and diapers handy so when we need to make a quick change at home, we can do it anywhere in the house.
8. Request Free Samples Online
There are a number of reputable companies that give free samples to moms. You will be able to get formula samples, coupons, special offers and more.
9. Baby DIY Items
Save money by making some of your baby items yourself. Search online for homemade baby carriers, booties, diaper bags, bibs and more. It’s a great way to save money and a productive use of time.
10. Homemade baby food
I cannot stress enough how much money you will save by making your own baby food. Store-bought packaged foods have a limited amount of nutrients and are expensive, with quantity and quality restrictions. Homemade baby food means YOU control what goes into your baby’s system, as well as the taste, amount, and more. Plus, raising a healthy baby means you could save on healthcare costs down the road.