Congratulations! You and your partner have a bundle of joy on the road. My husband and I were ecstatic when we found out we were pregnant with our first child, but that’s when reality hit. One more person in the household meant more expenses in all respects and a complete change from 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, you will need to expand your wardrobe to accommodate the life growing in your stomach. I bought some new items during my pregnancy, but I did not buy clothes that were marketed as maternity clothes. They cost a penny, and since pregnancy has stages, you could end up wearing a maternity shirt for just 1 or 2 months. What I did was buy clothes in my favorite stores (or thrift stores), but in larger sizes. Target the 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 delivered and you have lost weight, you can save them for the next baby, donate them or make adjustments and continue to use them postpartum.
2. Organize a Baby Shower
There’s no question that baby showers are the best way to collect free baby products. If you decide to create a record, 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. I also suggest ordering 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. Throw a diaper party
Not all husbands like to attend baby showers. For that reason, some may prefer to host diaper parties. It’s a way for guys to get together, share food and / or drinks, and just hang out. Creativity in gift-giving is eliminated by the simple fact that men are asked to only bring diapers as a gift. What we did was ask the boys to bring diapers of any size, and believe it or not, we didn’t have to buy diapers for the first five months of our son’s life! Plus, the leftovers were perfect for when the next baby arrived. If you do not plan to have more children, you can gift them again for another pregnant family, donate them or sell them locally.
4. Get coupons from the hospital
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 accept 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 by choosing to breastfeed. Unfortunately, it is not always an option. Problems like returning to work, grip 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 save you a lot of cash. You can borrow them, rent them, or even buy them second-hand.
6. Returning / selling unwanted gifts
If you managed to receive items that you do not plan to use, please return or sell them as soon as possible. Waiting too long can make your sale difficult. You can also re-gift those items to someone else who might have a baby in the near future.
7. Guess your purchases second
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 blanket on the carpeted floor would work just as well. We have a basket with wipes and diapers on hand, so that whenever 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 out free samples to moms. You’ll be able to get sample formulas, coupons, special offers, and more.
9. DIY baby supplies
Save money by making some of your baby supplies yourself. Search online for baby harnesses, booties, diaper bags, bibs, and more. It’s a great way to save cash and use your time productively.
10. Homemade baby food
I cannot stress how much money you will save by making your own baby food. Store-bought jarred foods have a limited amount of nutrients and are expensive, with restrictions on quantity and quality. Homemade baby food means that YOU control what goes into your baby’s system, as well as taste, quantity, and more. Plus, raising a healthy baby means you could save on healthcare costs down the road.