As my partner and I gear up to embrace the joy of our first child, our challenge is to figure out cost-cutting methods. Naturally, as new parents, we want to ensure we provide the best for our baby, with an eye on reusing much of what we acquire for potential future children. Additionally, we must focus on essentials that ensure your baby’s safety.
The financial aspect, however, can pose a significant question. Nursery furniture, clothing, everyday essentials like diapers, not forgetting daycare costs and the beginning of a college fund, swiftly pile on the expense.
We have chosen a minimalist path to parenthood, focusing on merely the basic needs. Although planning to reuse items for future children reduces costs in the longer run, initial expenses for a newborn can be daunting. We thought that meticulous research and purchasing secondhand items could save us a significant amount.
Below are four used baby items we are purchasing to save money:
1. CRIB
A crib tops the list as one of the most costly investments when gearing up for a newborn. Some concerns may arise regarding recalls of used cribs, but a swift search on Google suffices to clear any doubts. Desired cribs we came across were priced from around $500 at the minimum. However, using local parent selling groups on Facebook, we landed a real-wood Pottery Barn crib for $200, which originally cost a staggering $899!
2. CLOTH DIAPERS
Diapers are a regular monthly expense, amounting up to $600 annually. If you diapers your child for roughly 2.5 years, you’re facing a whopping $1,500 per child! Cloth diapering is a rising trend, perceived as more eco-friendly than traditional diapers. As a working mom, I aimed for the simplicity of all-in-one diapers despite the higher cost, priced around $25 each. With children requiring approximately 8-12 diapers a day, you’re looking at a large upfront expense unless you want a daily laundry task. I discovered that many mothers bought second-hand cloth diapers. An initial feeling of discomfort can be soothed by a bleach soak and strip, leaving the diapers virtually new. My goal is not to exceed $350, saving $250 in the first year alone. This saving will enhance when reused with future children.
3. GLIDER
Many breastfeeding mothers consider a glider to be a lifesaver during night feedings. However, a good quality glider can severely impact your budget. We saved some strain on our budget by purchasing a used Pottery Barn glider for just $50 from a family I once babysat for. Oncleaned thoroughly, costing another $50.
4. STROLLER
Strollers would be extensively used, and investing in a sturdy double stroller may sound like a fine idea. But starting with a second-hand stroller for your first child could save you money. When you have your second baby or more financial comfort, you could upgrade. The process of getting ready for your first baby can be expensive and tempting to splurge on top-tier products. Unfortunately, it’s not unusual for parents to experience buyer’s remorse when they realize their child doesn’t need as many items as expected. Being wise with your spending can save a small fortune. If you’ve been through this process, how did you penny-pinch for your first child? Do you advocate buying used items? Where did you source them from? Visit smartasset.com to get some smart financial tips for new parents!
