Every time I hear someone complaining about how expensive having a baby can be, I can’t resist rolling my eyes. Sure, raising a child can be costly, but it doesn’t have to break the bank.
Babies definitely require a lot of things, but it doesn’t mean you should rush to splurge on high-end baby gear as soon as you confirm your pregnancy. The reason why retailers like Babies R Us flourish is that they effectively target our sentiments as new parents, tempting us to believe we need every new item to properly care for our little one.
Here’s a reality check: You can undoubtedly raise your newborn without needing to shop at Babies R Us at all. Here are some tips on how to prepare for a newborn while keeping your budget intact.
CUT COSTS ON MATERNITY CLOTHING
The trend of obscuring pregnancy under unflattering outfits is thankfully a thing of the past. Pregnancy is celebrated today, and for a good reason. Proudly flaunting the baby bump, glowing soon-to-be moms, and societal adoration for pregnant women are all part of the experience.
During my own pregnancy, I shunned the idea of an entirely new maternity wardrobe, especially considering it would be short usages. Visiting a store and witnessing the exorbitant prices simply reaffirmed my decision.
To avoid overspending, I bought regular knit clothing which was fortuitously suitable for my pregnancy during the summer. Aside from a knit skirt and some nursing bras, I didn’t spend much on new clothing.
UTILIZE YOUR OWN WARDROBE (SERIOUSLY!)
I also dug through my existing clothes to find anything stretchy and knit. Some of my pre-pregnancy summer dresses even managed to accommodate my growing belly through the entire span of my pregnancy. The added bonus was that I could still wear those same dresses post-pregnancy without looking pregnant.
START A BABY FUND
A colleague once advised me to start saving for baby expenses when I shared my plans of starting a family. The idea was to create an emergency fund for unexpected baby-related costs, an idea that I found quite ingenious. It didn’t need a huge sum either; small steady contributions can add up over time.
For instance, if you start saving $50 a month two years before having your baby, you would have about $1000 saved by the time the baby arrives.
REVIEW YOUR INSURANCE
Early knowledge of your hospital expenses can prevent nasty financial surprises during childbirth. Some providers even demand full payment by your seventh month of pregnancy. Although this came as a shock to me initially, many places do offer monthly payment plans if necessary.
BREASTFEED, IF YOU CAN
Breastfeeding may be a sensitive topic for many, but if your goal is to minimize newborn expenses, breastfeeding is your best bet. The cost of formula is considerably high, and a bonus – breastfeeding is beneficial to your baby.
GRACIOUSLY ACCEPT USED ITEMS
Contrary to popular belief, used items for your baby aren’t inferior to brand-new goods. In fact, new items too are exposed to chemicals during production. Several parents readily give away baby items they no longer need, and it’s a great way to utilize resources optimally.
The amount we saved on hand-me-downs, from baby clothes to cribs and toys, is substantial. Accept such offers with gratitude, and simply pass on what you don’t need.
CONSIDER SECOND-HAND CRIBS
The stigma attached to used cribs is unwarranted, as long as the model isn’t recalled. The crib we were gifted also converted into a toddler bed, aiding our savings further.
EXPLORE YARD SALES
Yard Sales can be gold mines for baby items. Not only did we manage to get outfits with tags intact, but also a changing table and a baby swing for a fraction of the retail prices.
OPT FOR A DUAL-PURPOSE CHANGING TABLE
A great alternative for a traditional changing table is to top an existing dresser with a changing pad. Removing the pad when your child outgrows diapers allows you to continue using the dresser.
CHECK OUT LOCAL CONSIGNMENT SALES
These sales held biannually around spring and fall gave us most of our baby stuff. Since they’re cheaper than normal consignment shops, you can find great bargains there.
BUY CERTAIN ITEMS NEW
While some items like bottles, a breast pump, a car seat, and diapers (if you opt for cloth ones) would be wise to buy new, it’s important not to overindulge in purchasing baby items. Often, you receive plenty of gifts and could go months without having to buy any more baby clothes.
Save your hard-earned money and embrace the tips mentioned here. How have you managed to save money while nurturing your little one? Let me know in the comments.
