Thrifty Thinking: Five Simple Ways to Save on Baby Stuff

It’s no surprise to find out that becoming a parent is costly. From the moment you find out that you’re expecting a baby, you’ll find you spend more money than you ever did. Often, you’ll wonder what you actually spent your money on before your child was born. And don’t even get me started on pregnancy, when you spend a ton of money because you’re buying everything your baby needs, from clothing to baby furniture. The good news is that, with some planning, you can make sure you get all you need for your baby without spending a fortune. Below are five ways to do so.

1. Buying In Bulk

As with most things, you get better deals if you buy products in bulk. Don’t shy away from buying a pack of ten baby wipes if they’re on sale for a good deal, based on a bulk buy. Don’t worry so much about buying a large jar of baby formula – chances are that you’ll go through it quickly.

2. Thinking Ahead

A good way to save money on baby products and make sure you have what you need is by planning ahead. Don’t wait until you’re at the store to think about what you need. When you have a baby, you should think ahead for weeks and months. For example, baby clothes shops might have fantastic clearance sales on clothes for 12 month old babies. If your baby is just three months old, don’t disregard these items. Take advantage of the great discount, and put them aside for when the time comes that your baby can wear them.

3. Give People Lists

When your baby is finally born, everyone you know will want to come and visit to see the new baby. Most will want to bring a gift, whether it’s a cute teddy bear or adorable clothes. You might not feel it’s proper, but people appreciate it if you provide a list of things you need. This way, you’re sure you won’t get more of the same items that you already own. If someone asks you what you need, have your list handy and let them know.

4. Buying Second Hand

Whether you buy things at a charity shop or on the internet, buying second-hand baby items is one of the cheapest ways to make sure you get everything you need. From baby clothes to baby furniture, always keep in mind that just because something is second-hand, doesn’t mean it’s a poor quality item. In most cases, items are unwanted or unused, versus being useless and old.

5. Share With Friends

If you have a group of friends who have young children, instead of throwing away your old baby items or storing them in the attic, consider sharing them within your group. Someone might give away a lot more than they receive, but as long as everyone has what they need and passes them along, it’s going to be a positive outcome for all.

Becoming a parent is expensive. Over the course of a lifetime, it’ll cost you a lot of money. These first years don’t have to be so expensive though, so long as you plan properly by following these steps.

Taylor Jones writes all about child development, health, and parenting pointers. Her recent work is on the Top 10 Online Medical Assistant Degree Programs for working parents interested in the health sciences.