Babies are a cause for celebration, no doubt. But on the flip side of this celebration is the expensive nature of things needed to care for them, from diapers, clothing, food, and medical expenses; everything is expensive.
This is a considerable concern among parents because not only do they have to meet up to these bills, but they also have to save money for other essential things, and that’s why family planning in terms of finance is necessary whenever parents just have a new baby or expecting one.
And one of the ways to help yourself in such a situation is by cutting costs in the areas where necessary. That said, this article explores 20 ways you can save money when you have a baby.
These tips are realistic and applicable to parents who want to save money, stick to a budget and support their expanding families without going bankrupt, using clever methods and lifestyle modifications.
20 Ways You Can Save Money When You Have A Baby
For the following paragraphs of this section, we’ll be discussing 20 ways you can save money when you have a baby, and you should know that all the tips mentioned here may not be in line with what you’d love to do, and that’s fine.
The point is: you’re in the best position to decide for yourself–you mustn’t feel obligated to try out all 20 tips. Therefore, pick only the tips that fit your situation and work with those, and in the end, you’ll see you’ve saved costs across all expenses.
Let’s dive right in.
1. Breastfeed Instead Of Using Formulas
This can save hundreds or even thousands of dollars over a year. In addition to being good for the mother’s and the baby’s health, breastfeeding is also a cheap way to feed a newborn. Mainly if the infant consumes a lot of formula or needs specific formulae, the price of the formula can build up quickly.
Contrarily, nursing is free and can give a baby all the nutrients they need for healthy growth and development. In addition, breastfed babies get fewer diseases and infections than formula-fed babies. On that note, nursing can reduce medical costs.
Also, breastfeeding can help mothers save money during maternity leave because they won’t need to buy as much formula or bottle-feeding supplies.
2. Use Cloth Diapers Instead Of Disposable Ones
An excellent method to avoid waste and save money is to use cloth diapers rather than disposable ones. While cloth diapers may cost money upfront, over the length of a baby’s diapering years, they can save parents hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
According to some estimates, disposable diapers range from $2,000 to $3,000 for each baby. Contrarily, cloth diapers can be used again, substantially lowering their cost. Cloth diapers are an economical choice that also helps the environment because they don’t add to the enormous garbage produced by disposable diapers.
Cloth diapers come in various styles, including all-in-one, pocket, and prefold diapers, each with advantages and disadvantages. Cloth diapers are a wise and economical investment for parents since they can last many years with reasonable care and upkeep and even be used for succeeding children.
3. Buy Secondhand Baby Items
Buying used baby goods is an excellent way to save money on necessities. At consignment shops, thrift shops, garage sales, and online markets like Craigslist, eBay, and Facebook Marketplace, you may find lots of baby stuff in good condition, including clothing, toys, and furniture.
Purchasing used goods can be economical and environmentally friendly because it eliminates waste and increases the usefulness of the products.
It’s crucial to carefully inspect used baby products before purchasing them to ensure they are in good working order and secure for usage. In addition, verify that toys and furniture adhere to the most recent safety regulations and look for any indications of wear and tear, damage, or stains.
To ensure that used objects are clean and germ-free, washing and sterilizing them before utilizing them is crucial. However, purchasing used doesn’t mean settling for inferior quality or style.
On the contrary, in many cases, you can acquire designer or high-quality things at a fraction of the price of buying them new because secondhand items are frequently lightly used and in excellent shape.
4. Make Your Baby Food
Creating your baby food is an excellent way to cut costs while giving your child wholesome, nutritious meals. Unfortunately, baby food from the store can be pricey, and wide varieties come with additives and preservatives that might not be good for your child’s health.
Making your baby food, however, gives you control over the ingredients and the assurance that your child is eating healthy, fresh food. It is simpler than you might think to make baby food.
Fresh fruits, veggies, grains, and a blender or food processor, are all required. To make a smooth puree, steam or boil the ingredients until they are soft. Then, you can prepare them in bulk and freeze them in separate servings for convenience.
Preparing your baby’s food can be enjoyable and satisfying in addition to saving money. You can experiment with various flavors and mixtures while exposing your infant to nutritious meals.
Making your baby food can also help your child develop healthy eating habits by teaching them to enjoy the flavor of whole, fresh foods.
5. Use Coupons And Discount Codes When Shopping For Baby Products.
It’s simple and efficient to save money while buying baby supplies using coupons and discount codes. Many retailers run sales and promotions for baby supplies like diapers, wipes, formula, and clothing.
You may save much money over time by taking advantage of these offers. Joining the email lists of your preferred baby retailers or brands is one way to find coupons and discount codes.
In addition, they frequently send their subscribers-only discounts and promotions. On websites like RetailMeNot or Coupons.com, you can also look for online coupons and savings.
It’s crucial to read the fine print and ensure the discount is valid for the things you wish to buy when using coupons and discount codes. For example, certain coupons can be limited or excluded, while others might only be good for a short period or a specific range of goods.
6. Buy Bulk To Save Money On Diapers, Wipes, And Other Essentials
Purchasing baby necessities (diapers, wipes, formula, etc.) in bulk allows you to save money in the long run and plan toward other expenses.
So, when you buy items in bulk, you tend to do so at a lower cost per unit because, as against buying each item individually. This is because retailers usually offer discounts as incentives for customers like you to buy more.
Buying in bulk doesn’t just save money; it also saves time because you don’t always have to go on shopping trips every week, saving you a lot of transportation expenses too.
Finally, buying in bulk help to reduce waste as a result of less packaging. Unlike when you buy items individually, where each item has its separate packaging, which can create a lot of waste.
That said, buying in bulk reduces the chances of having so much waste lying around. For that reason, a bulk purchase is both budget-friendly and eco-friendly.
7. Consider Using A Baby Carrier Instead Of A Stroller
While traveling with a baby, parents can save money and time using a baby carrier rather than a stroller. In addition, your infant can be carried close to you in a baby carrier, freeing up your hands and facilitating movement.
These are especially helpful for quick excursions like errand running or park strolls. Wraps, slings, and structured carriers are just a few styles and designs for baby carriers.
One thing I like about carriers is their flexibility in usage. I mean, they can be worn on the front, back, or even hip depending on the baby’s preference and age. Also, carriers tend to cost less.
Strollers, on the other hand, can be quite expensive because most strollers come with many features and accessories, hence their expensive nature.
8. Buy Gender-Neutral Baby Clothes That Can Be Passed Down To Future Children
A fantastic method to lessen waste and save money over time is to purchase gender-neutral baby items that may be passed down to succeeding generations.
In addition, you may ensure that the garments can be worn by any future siblings, regardless of their gender, by selecting neutral colors and styles in addition to choosing a more environmentally friendly option.
The pressure to acquire gender-specific baby clothes, such as pink dresses for girls or blue onesies for boys, is common among parents. But as a child of that particular gender may only wear them, these garments frequently outgrow their usefulness and versatility in favor of gender-neutral alternatives.
Purchasing gender-neutral baby clothes also expands your possibilities for mixing and matching outfits. For example, you may easily match a neutral onesie with a colorful jacket or pair of pants to give your child a distinctive style.
The best part? When your child outgrows the clothes, you can simply put them away for later use, whether for your succeeding child or give them to friends or family.
9. Opt For Free Or Low-Cost Activities
Going for low-cost activities is another way to cut costs when you have a baby. And just in case you don’t feel okay about the idea, low-cost activities are just as fun and entertaining as their expensive counterparts.
For example, taking your baby for a stroll in the park or to the library can be a great way to spend time together and bond with your baby.
And this is because the park offers a range of attractions that includes but is not limited to playgrounds, picnic spots, and hiking trails, all of which make it the perfect place to connect with nature and introduce your baby to new experiences.
Lastly, I understand that to keep your baby entertained; you sometimes need to involve them in some expensive activities. For instance, baby gym toys and some other premium baby toys are quite expensive, but there are still cheaper toys you can opt for that can still keep your baby entertained.
10. Use A Video Baby Monitor Instead Of Hiring A Nanny Or Babysitter
Instead of paying a nanny or babysitter, a video baby monitor can be a great way to save money while still assuring your child’s safety and well-being. With the help of a video baby monitor, you can watch over your infant from another room or while you’re away from home, giving you protection and peace of mind.
Using a video baby monitor costs less than hiring a nanny or babysitter because there are no continuing expenses. Video baby monitors also frequently have various capabilities to improve your monitoring experiences, like night vision, two-way audio, and motion detection. They are also often simple to set up and use.
Beyond merely financial savings, using a video baby monitor might also have other advantages. For example, it allows parents to monitor their children’s well-being without waking them up, enabling them to be more involved in their daily activities.
Parents working from home or with busy schedules that prevent their children’s continual supervision may find this especially helpful.
11. Make Your Baby Wipes Instead Of Buying Disposable Ones
You may save money and lessen trash by making baby wipes rather than purchasing disposable ones. Although disposable wipes are a common household item, they can be expensive and include chemicals that could hurt your baby’s sensitive skin.
Making your wipes gives you greater control over the materials and allows you to tailor them to the unique requirements of your baby.
It is comparatively simple and only needs a few simple items to make your wipes. You can use gentle, washable cotton or disposable wipes of biodegradable materials. Depending on your preferences and your baby’s skin type, you can use a range of natural substances for the wipe solution, including water, baby soap, and essential oils.
Making your wipes gives you a sense of empowerment as a parent, in addition to being economical and environmentally sound. It enables you to be more involved in caring for your infant and lessens your dependency on things from the market that might not always be the best option for your child.
12. Borrow Baby Gear From Friends Or Family Instead Of Buying New
Borrowing baby equipment from friends or family is an excellent method to save money and cut waste. Babies outgrow clothing, toys, and equipment in a matter of months due to their rapid growth. With every step of their development, purchasing new products can quickly mount up and lead to excessive waste.
By borrowing it from friends or relatives, you can save money and lessen the environmental impact of creating and discarding baby gear. It’s also a fantastic chance to test various things before buying them.
Confirming that borrowed baby supplies are in good condition and adhere to current safety regulations is crucial. Also, please return the products in the same condition as you received them out of respect for the owner’s property.
Another advantage of borrowing baby gear is improving ties with friends and relatives. It can be a great way to get in touch with people who have experienced similar things and provide support and advice.
13. Use A Diaper Service Instead Of Buying And Washing Cloth Diapers Yourself
For many parents, using a diaper service can be more practical than purchasing and caring for cloth diapers. A business that regularly delivers and collects dirty and clean cloth diapers for a fee is known as a diaper service.
Using a diaper service has several advantages, like time and effort savings. Washing cloth diapers might take time and effort, especially for parents with other commitments like employment or caring for other children.
However, parents have one less thing to worry about with a diaper service because dirty diapers are regularly collected and replaced with clean ones.
Another benefit of employing a diaper service is that it may be less expensive than purchasing and maintaining your supply of cloth diapers. Cloth diapers may be less expensive initially, but the ongoing costs of water, electricity, detergent, and other supplies can increase over time.
Parents that use diaper services pay a regular charge that includes the cost of the cleaning and delivery of the diapers, which is less expensive in the long term.
14. Purchase Multi-functional Baby Items, Such As A Playpen That Can Be Used As A Crib
New parents benefit significantly from investing in multi-functional baby products, especially those in smaller areas or on a budget. A playpen that doubles as a crib is one such object.
These adaptable baby items can offer a secure location for your child to play, nap, or even sleep through the night.
A multipurpose playpen has a good level of advantage. For instance, a baby playpen can be used as a playpen during the day to function as a safe space for your baby to play and, at night, can be used as a crib for your baby to sleep.
This particularly benefits parents who can’t afford a separate playpen and a baby crib.
The mobility of multipurpose baby products is another advantage. Several playpen/crib combinations are made to be portable and simple to transfer from room to room or even carry with you when you’re on the go.
Families that travel frequently or have grandparents or other caretakers who might need a safe space for the baby to sleep when they visit may find this especially helpful.
15. Breastfeed On Demand Instead Of Sticking To A Strict Schedule–This Can Reduce The Need For Additional Formula Or Baby Food
Breastfeeding on demand is letting the infant eat whenever they are in need rather than on a set schedule. This method significantly offers several benefits to both mother and baby, lowering the need for supplemental formula or baby food.
Also, breast milk contains all the essential nutrients needed for the healthy growth and development of the baby. It is essentially designed to meet the nutritional demands of babies.
For that reason, babies are more likely to get an appropriate amount of breast milk when they eat on demand. This goes on to contribute to their well-being and development.
But when a baby’s feeding schedule is strictly regulated, they may not get enough nutrients to satisfy their nutritional demands, and this poses a health problem, if not immediately, eventually. And this can potentially cause unplanned expenses on the part of the parents.
Furthermore, it can prompt the need for more baby food or formula, which might not be as nutritious as breast milk, and will also cost you more money.
16. Ask For Baby Products As Gifts Instead Of Buying Them Yourself
Getting ready for a baby’s arrival as a new parent can be stressful. So many things must be purchased, from diapers and clothing to bottles and strollers. Unsurprisingly, many first-time parents wind up shelling out a lot of cash on baby supplies.
Yet, asking for baby supplies as gifts rather than purchasing them yourself might help you save money and lessen your stress. This can be extremely useful if friends and relatives are eager to assist and express their love for your expanding family.
By requesting baby items as gifts, you may concentrate on other crucial responsibilities like preparing your house for the baby’s birth or looking after your health and well-being throughout pregnancy. Also, you could get gifts of greater caliber than you could otherwise afford.
One important thing, however, is to express your needs and desires clearly. For instance, to help your family and friends get you the right present, you can make a baby registry or provide a list of ideas that can guide them.
Apart from that, you should always remember that you can always ask for assistance from family and friends whenever you cannot meet certain demands. Chances are, they will be more than likely to help you during this moment.
17. Use A Baby Registry To Keep Track Of What Items You Need And To Receive Discounts Or Gifts From Retailers
Keeping track of the things you need for your newborn via a baby registry might help you save money and get freebies or discounts from stores. A baby registry is a wish list of what you’d like to have as presents for your baby shower or other events.
Big box stores, online merchants, and specialty baby shops are just a few retailers providing baby registries. You can include diapers, clothes, strollers, and other necessities while establishing a baby registry.
You can also include things like a baby swing or a nursing pillow that you might not strictly need but that would be lovely to have.
Keeping track of the products you have gotten and the ones you still require is one of the benefits of having a baby registry. This is essentially useful because it keeps you organized and allows for better planning, to know what you’ve gotten and what needs to be gotten as well.
18. Use A Financial Planning Tool To Budget For Baby Expenses And Track Your Spending.
The financial milestone of having a kid can be significant, so it’s critical to plan for the costs involved. Fortunately, you can track your expenditures and create a budget for baby expenses using various financial planning programs.
One choice is using a tool or app for budgeting, like Mint or You Need a Budget. With these tools, you can make a budget expressly for the costs associated with your infant, such as diapers, formula, clothing, and childcare. In addition, you may track your spending with their real-time assistance and make any modifications.
Another choice is to use a program for financial planning made especially for parents, such as the Huggies Baby Cost Calculator or the BabyCenter Budget Calculator. These tools can assist you in estimating the costs associated with raising a kid, including expenses related to extracurricular activities, schooling, and medical bills.
Together with using a financial planning tool, it’s a brilliant idea to start saving as soon as you can for baby expenses. And one of the ways you do that is by opening a specific account and making a monthly contribution. This account will be only focused on baby-related expenses.
19. Sign Up For Free Baby Samples And Coupons From Retailers And Manufacturers
Signing up for free baby samples and discounts from shops and manufacturers is one way to save money on baby products. Many shops and producers provide free samples and vouchers to present their items to new parents and foster brand loyalty.
You can sign up for free baby samples and coupons at the websites of your preferred baby product brands, such as Pampers, Huggies, and Gerber. You can sign up for free samples or coupons by submitting your name, email address, and other contact details in a particular part of the websites of many of these companies.
You can also create a baby registry with businesses like Target, Walmart, and Amazon, which frequently give consumers who do so free baby samples and discounts. Some merchants may also give away free samples or coupons when you spend a specific amount or sign up for their rewards program.
20. Use A Rewards Credit Card To Earn Cash Back Or Reward Points On Baby-Related Purchases
For new or expectant parents, using a rewards credit card to earn cash back or rewards points on baby-related purchases might be a wise financial move. Given the high cost of parenting a child, every chance to earn incentives or save money might be helpful.
For expenditures made in specific categories, like groceries or baby supplies, many reward credit cards give bonuses or higher rewards.
Parents can receive cash back or rewards points that can be applied to future purchases or exchanged for other benefits like travel or gift cards by using a rewards credit card to make purchases like diapers, formula, baby apparel, or baby equipment.
It’s crucial to pick a rewards credit card that complements your spending patterns and provides benefits you value. When applying, it’s vital to carefully review the terms and conditions of rewards credit cards because some may contain annual fees or higher interest rates.
Conclusion
I understand you want to give your baby the best, so cutting costs sometimes seems like a huge sacrifice that affects your baby’s comfort, or so you think. However, in reality, life is about sacrifice, and almost everyone is involved in one way or the other. The only difference is some are more affected than others.
To save money when you have a baby, you must make certain sacrifices not just on the part of your baby but also some adjustments in areas of your financial life. That way, you will focus only on what’s necessary, making the most out of every situation.
Finally, as a parent concerned about the baby’s well-being, you should understand that using any of the 20 tips mentioned earlier to cut costs will not adversely affect your baby. So, feel free to apply any of the tips that suit your situation. Good luck.