Bringing a new baby home is exciting and overwhelming for parents. Unfortunately, it can also bring stress when you are trying to figure out your new budget, the upfront cost of buying everything your baby needs, and hospital bills.
I am here today to try and alleviate some of that stress by giving you 10 ways you can save money when you’re expecting!
I co-wrote this post with Kara from Little Bee Blog so after you read this post, head over to her blog and check it out! You will find activities for kids, and tons of advice and resources for parents.
These 10 tips will give you an idea for ways to save money in the upcoming months before your baby arrives!
1. Don’t buy everything at once
In the first couple of months your baby won’=t need much. Milk, mom and comfy sleepers is really all you need. Really think about what your baby will use immediately. Your list shrinks dramatically when you take a step back and just think about the necessities.
2. Shop consignment sales.
Huge consignment sales happen all the time if you just look for them! Even if you live in a small town, chances are there is one that happens a few times a year relatively close to you. And they will have all things baby! In fact, 0-6 month clothes are probably the most in stock at these things. Babies grow so fast that they probably only wore outfits a few times and so this can be an opportunity to really stock up and save.
This is also a great place to look for big purchases. Often, you can find great strollers, beds, blankets, play mats, etc. here.
Don’t forget to consider purchasing from Facebook Marketplace, friends or other resellers. I’ve made this one a little easier for you, and you can shop second-hand baby clothes that I have personally sourced and checked for quality.
3. Stock up slowly.
One good thing about having time to prepare for a new baby is just that: having time!! You have 9 months to begin gathering supplies and decide which products and items you want to use.
A helpful thing to do to start slowly building up your stash is to start early on! Everytime you go to the grocery store, grab a pack of wipes or diapers (or both) and by the time your baby arrives you will have a good stash built up.
A word of caution though — babies are not in newborn size diapers for long! If you’re going to stock up, I would mostly grab size 1’s and some 2’s.
It’s also a good idea to keep your receipts and not open any of them yet in case you grab too many of one size and need to return them or sell them to someone else.
4. Take all the help you can get.
It’s hard to ask for help. For some reason our pride can really get in the way here. But the truth is, most people would welcome the chance to be able to help out with anything you need.
If you’re a working mom who doesn’t have time to browse thrift stores or consignment sales, find someone who wouldn’t mind going looking for you!
If you need help organizing or want a second opinion on a decorating style, ask someone to come over and help out!
Put your pride aside and welcome others into your journey. You’ll be amazed at how much other moms are willing (and wanting) to be there for you in any way they can.
5. Meal plan
Meal planning is a great way to organize your budget. Groceries are most likely one of your largest expenses aside from housing and so it’s important to know how much you are spending each month.
Meal planning will not only help you save money, but can also help you eat better, reduce waste and save time!
Check out my tips here on How to Meal Plan Like a Pro. I give you some free meal planning worksheets and theme ideas for each day of the week.
6. Consider cloth diapering
Cloth diapering is a way to really save in the long run. With a small initial investment, cloth diapering can save you thousands. Not sure cloth diapering is right for you? Check out Fluff Love University to dig in a bit deeper. You can also check out my video on cloth diaper wash routine to get a visual on the process of cloth diapering.
7. Make do without.
It’s easy to get sucked into the brilliantly beautiful nursery decor that people post about on social media. But the truth is, 90% of the things they have are unnecessary for your baby to thrive.
What matters the most are the basics. Stick with what you can afford and what your budget allows. The rest can wait!
8. Rent or Borrow items
This is especially relevant to larger ticket items that you are unsure if your baby will like. Expensive bassinets like the snoo can be rented by the month, which is perfect because you only use it for a few months, and your baby may not even like it.
You can also borrow items from friends or family for the same reason.
9. Shop online/holiday sales
I suggest shopping holiday sales for larger purchases such as cribs, carseats and strollers. Do your research early so you know what you want, that way when it goes on sale you can grab it.
10. Put it on your registry
You can put almost anything on your registry. From newborn needs, to postpartum essentials. Adding essentials to your registry allows your friends and family to support you and your new baby and gift you items that will help your transition into motherhood.
If you are wondering what to add to your registry, and what you actually need for your baby check out my posts on 0-3 month essentials and 3-6 month essentials and start your registry here!
Like any advice you are given about motherhood and parenting, just take what makes sense and will work for your family. Create a plan and budget, and stick to it!
What are some ways you saved money when your baby was on the way. Leave it in the comments below so you can help another mama out.
xo