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Tips to Save Money on Baby Stuff
Having to save money on baby items is a rite-of-passage for many moms. You were swimming in cash...but
once that precious infant pops out, all that cash seemed to drain away.
Prepare and protect yourself from this "natural law" of motherhood, by learning how to save money on baby stuff
you need to have.
Before you panic and click away, let me clarify what that doesn't mean.
- It' doesn't mean you have to joyfully accept Cousin Tilda's 1970's baby jumpers.
- It doesn't mean you shop at curbside "treasure piles" for birthdays and Christmas.
It means you save money on baby items
by not shopping less, but by knowing more.
Struggle with remembering? Keep the prices you pay for popular things in a 3x5 notecard in your purse, ready
to whip out and compare.
Keeping a little calculator to average out the per-item-cost can also help you determine the best price.
{Photo by iandeth}
Does the constant washing of soiled clothes due to leaking generics save you money on baby diapers?
Or costing you more by consuming more detergent, water, and your valuable time?
(Personally, Elena does fine with generics because
she is almost always just-this-side of constipated. This may not be
an option if your baby has loose bowel movements.)
Know where to go online for reliable freebies and coupons that can save hundreds (if not thousands) of dollars every year.
Know how much money you have in the bank, and budget that money to help you decide what needs to be purchased now, and
what can wait for later.
5 Tips to Save Money on Baby Stuff
"Frugal Mom" Julie from Moms-Living-Debt-Free.com was kind enough to offer her words of wisdom on a subject
very close to her heart.
Her website is full of solid advice on budgets and credit cards as well as tips on
saving money on vacation, cooking, and other everyday tasks. I highly recommend visiting her site.
Here is a condensed version of another popular article on her site that she has graciously allowed me to republish.
{Photo by Joshua Davis}
The USDA estimates the cost of raising a child is $14,000, just for the first year of life.
How is a new parent to afford this? What about single moms?
If you are looking at your finances and worrying, do not despair. Fortunately, it is possible to have a
new baby and still stick to a budget, and remain debt-free.
Here are five ideas to help you spend less on your baby preparation and shopping:
- Look into health insurance options as soon as possible (even before birth!). If you are not insured, you need to consider how you will get insurance. If married, can you be added to your husband?s plan?
If not, check into free health insurance programs through your state. You may be eligible for Medicaid,
and the new baby may be eligible for CHIP (Children?s Health Insurance Program) or another similar program
in your state.
- Do not spend a fortune on maternity clothing. Remember, you are only going to wear these outfits for
nine months (at most!). Try borrowing from a friend or relative who is your size. Also check out used
clothing or consignment shops for the basics.
- When baby shopping, buy major baby equipment used. Look at second-hand shops or
garage sales for a baby swing, a stroller, and other big pieces of equipment. Also check on Craigslist.com in your area. The one
piece of equipment you should always buy new is a car seat, for safety reasons.
- Breastfeed if you're able to. Although not every new mother can breastfeed her baby, it will save you at
least $1,000 a year if you are able to do so. Even combo-feeding can save you money! Formula is expensive,
especially the specialty varieties like soy formula. (If you do use formula, request free samples.)
- When baby shopping for diapers, use coupons. I have discovered it is even cheaper to use coupons when
buying diapers than it is to buy them in bulk.
Usually you can find these coupons in the Sunday paper. Have
friends save them for you. Also, go to the major diaper manufacturer's websites, and sign up for savings
online.
Do not feel like you have to spend tons of money when baby shopping. It is easy to save money on baby stuff and be able
to enjoy your newborn, without worrying about credit card bills.
This was a feature article contributed by Julie of Moms-Living-Debt-Free.com.
Please visit Moms-Living-Debt-Free.com for more information about budget living, getting rid of debt, everyday tips for lowering your household bills, and
more!
As with the many other aspects of motherhood, joining the "Frugal Moms" club is more an initiation than
inheritance. You have to learn, practice, and learn some more.
The key is persistence! Choosing to save money on baby items isn't always easy! It's easier to splurge than to
carefully plan.
Just remember... Every little penny saved is a triumph won. Those pennies add up to college educations, cars, vacations...
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