Saving Money with a New Baby

Luv Saving Money partnered with Baby Value Factory Outlet on this post

Saving money with a new baby, I know it almost sounds like an oxymoron.  Babies are expensive, but obviously money well worth spending.  I have some advice coming from a mom of 4 to new moms when it comes to preparing for baby.

1.  Research your options

There are lots of options with baby: nursing or bottle feeding, disposable diapers or cloth diapers, pacifier or no pacifier.  Many options are a personal choice.   Depending on how you will do things will help you plan ahead and prepare for baby. You can even plan these things as you trying to conceive not just when you’re pregnant.  Knowing your options with the path you want to take can give you an idea of supplies you’ll need, how much they cost, and where you can get them. Another idea, making your own baby food.  I have some posts on how to do that here: https://luvsavingmoney.com/2013/10/making-homemade-baby-food-applesauce.html

2.  Buy ahead of time

I did this option a lot.  Some things you might not be able to buy right away like gender specific clothes or things with expiration dates but you can buy things like diapers, wipes, neutral blankets, crib, changing table, etc ahead of time.  Allowing yourself time lets you look for sales and coupons and stock up when you see them.  If you know you’re having a baby shower putting gift cards on your list along with the other things is always a good idea too.  That way you can buy supplies like diapers, wipes, formula, nursing pads, etc after baby is born.  Don’t be afraid to ask advice on where to get affordable items from like-minded moms and family members.  Even as a mom of 4 I’m still finding out about great places to grab a deal from friends and family.

3.  Baby Reward programs

Some stores have baby reward programs out there. I know one in particular that has a “baby VIB” program where you can earn free or discounted baby needs when you buy so many.  A lot of stores have special offers.  Sign up for baby store newsletters to get additional coupons and notice of sales. Another fave reward program I like is Amazon mom, it’s free and gives you 3 free months of Amazon Prime shipping if you are new to Amazon Prime.

4.  Decide what you really need for your budget

Some things are really nice to have but aren’t necessarily a “need”.  Changing tables can make the job of changing a little easier and give you some storage space but I didn’t even own a changing table until I had my 3rd son.  I got a reusable changing mat and would change him on the floor, couch, or wherever was convenient at the time.  There are tons of gadgets like wipe warmers and bottle warmers for instance that are more of an added luxury thing.  Honestly I did get a wipe warmer with my first son but it ended up drying out the wipes pretty quickly.

5.  Check discount stores and consignment stores

I know, when I had my first child I wanted everything new, new, new.  As I saw how fast my son grew out of clothes and then we had another child I realized there are many items out there that are still in good shape from consignment stores.  I actually bought a gently used Vera Bradley diaper bag at a consignment sale for $6 when my daughter was born!

An infant might only wear clothes for 3 months until they grow out of them and it’s not like they’re playing football in them or going to the gym in them.  Also if you do want new, sites like Baby Value Factory Outlet: www.babyvalue.com.au offer new, brand  name baby needs for discounted prices.  (PS they also have a newsletter to let you know about sales and coupons)

6.  Talk to Family and Friends

Is your friend done having kids?  Did your sister’s child grow out of some of their things?  I know when I had my kids family and friends were happy to give or lend me items their kids had outgrown.  Just a courtesy though, ask if they are going to want them back or if it’s ok to pass them on to someone else.  If you have friends or family with kids you can even trade and pass around clothes, shoes, car seats, etc.  As one has a baby give them the items you’re not using, you have another baby, they give items back plus what they might have bought.  I’ve passed on plenty of outfits, shoes, blankets, etc to friends and family.

7.  Know that you don’t have to have everything right away

Certain things you’ll need right away like a rear-facing car seat, probably a stroller, diapers, etc.  But other things like doorway jumpers, baby gates, baby utensils can wait a month or two.  Those gift cards you put on your baby registry, take baby out when you’re feeling up to it and you can pick up those things then.

Do you have tips for saving money with a new baby?  Feel free to share