Money-Saving Tips For Your Baby’s First Year

Parenting is a wonderful, life-changing experience. But it’s also a costly one. If you are not a first-time parent, you probably know what we are talking about. Yet, if this is your first child, these new expenses may come as a huge shock. Some estimates show that you tend to spend between 8,000 to 13,000 USD in the first 12 months. Can you make parenting enjoyable without breaking the bank? The answer is yes! We’ve compiled a list of useful tips you can follow for saving money during the first year of your baby’s life.

The Basics

• Make a family budget. Create a family budget before your baby arrives. Understand exactly where your money is going taking into account everything from utilities to debts. Then, try to see how baby costs fit in.
• Take advantage of money-saving tools. One of the many advantages of living in the 21st century is that there’s a program or an app for just about anything. Take advantage of money-saving and cash-back apps.
• Start planning and saving early. Do this as soon as you are pregnant. This will help you save more and will definitely reduce stress later.
• Keep an eye on offers. Every now and then, there’s an offer in your local supermarket or nearest baby store. Sign up via email to get notifications or check the websites regularly. You can also find discounts on virtual retail stores.
• Ask for freebies. Don’t be shy! Ask your pediatrician for free samples of baby products. Some hospitals even offer goodie bags. So, don’t forget to ask.

Breastfeeding and mealtime

• Go natural. If you aren’t sure about breastfeeding vs formula feeding, choose the first one. Breastfeeding is healthy and can save you lots of money in your child’s first year.
• Borrow a breast pump. Breast pumps are typically single-user items and they can be quite expensive. Some hospitals rent breast pumps that are specially designed for multiple users. You can get a second-hand breast pump as long as you know it is meant for more than one person.
• Rethink breastfeeding clothes. There are thousands of gorgeous breastfeeding clothes out there. But do you really need to spend that extra cash? You can get them secondhand. Some moms say you don’t even need them at all! Take a look in your wardrobe and find something that may be useful for breastfeeding: a button-down shirt, a dress with a top zipper, or wrap neckline tops.
• Make your own baby food. It’s super easy. Simply smash a fruit or puree some vegetables. It takes a few minutes and you can store them in bulks for later.

Clothing

• Use what you already have. First things first — focus on what you already have. Gather all of these tiny clothes your friends and family gifted you in the baby shower or after the big announcement. Organize them according to size. You’ll be surprised at how many things you already have.
• Don’t buy too many clothes in advance. Bear in mind that your baby may go through sudden growth spurts. So, perhaps that beautiful winter coat you bought won’t fit them when winter arrives. Buy the essentials only.
• Ditch the shoes. Baby shoes are adorable, but not necessary. Your baby won’t start walking immediately, it can take time. Generally, babies learn to walk faster if they’re barefoot when indoors. You can use soft booties, which are much cheaper and are great for keeping those tiny feet warm and cozy.
• Buy second-hand special-occasion clothes (or don’t buy them at all!). Resisting the urge to buy that gorgeous princess dress or that elegant three-piece suit is hard, we get it. But you’ll probably spend a lot of money on something your baby is only going to wear once or twice. Get second-hand special occasions clothes. Or, if you aren’t comfortable with that, simply forget about it. Dress your baby in ordinary clothes for important gatherings, nobody will scold you for that!
• Pick unisex clothes. If you are planning on having more children, this will come in handy. Buy unisex baby clothes with no gendered colors for your future babies. Or, think about a friend or family member who can inherit them later on.

Essentials ONLY

• Ignore baby items. Let’s face it. There are millions of adorable baby items out there that you don’t actually need. Why buy a baby food maker kit when you can use your regular blender? Or why purchase a baby burp cloth when you can use a tissue or hand towel? Avoid anything unnecessary: bottle warmers, diaper genies, wipe warmers, crib pillows, etc.
• Don’t go crazy with the bottles. You want to be prepared, get 8 or 10 bottles before your baby arrives home. Sometimes, we get a dozen bottles of a particular brand, only to find out that our little one won’t take them. Test first with 2 or 3 bottles from different brands, then buy as many as necessary.
• Don’t get crib decorations. They’re cute and can be expensive. They can also pose a risk for your baby. Just keep the crib bare and adequate for your baby to lay on.
• Go for “convertibles”. Seek baby furniture with multiple uses. For example, a portable playard with a changing station, or a crib that transforms into a toddler bed for later on.
• Don’t bother with baby items. Many parents feel pressured to purchase luxury baby gear and clothes. You don’t need this. And your baby won’t tell the difference!
• Lose the baby wipes. Disposable baby wipes seem like such an indispensable thing, but they aren’t. There are many alternatives like reusable cloth wipes, soft rags, and washcloths. You can make your own spray too with water and baby shampoo or soap.

What about you?

• Check out your maternity leave benefits. Maternity and paternity leave varies in each country and some are more generous than others. While in countries like Estonia, parents are entitled to 86 weeks of paid leave, American parents get between 6 and 12 weeks and it’s not always paid. Double-check your parental leave benefits with your employer ahead of time. If money is an issue, begin setting aside extra cash or practice living off of one income.
• Cut down on unhelpful or bad habits. Do you smoke? Do you begin each morning with a cup of coffee or kickstart your weekend with a pizza delivery? Quit these or any other unhelpful habits. Not only will you and your family be healthier, but your wallet will also be much better off.
• Mommy clothes and gear. If you don’t mind, you can find second-hand maternity clothes in your local consignment store. Or, you can borrow from a friend of yours. You can do the same with breastfeeding equipment. If you aren’t a fan of pre-loved items, you can always keep an eye out for some juicy offers.
• Ask a friend to help. Hiring a nanny can be expensive. Why not ask a friend to cover for you when you are exhausted or busy with work? They can help by preparing meals, changing diapers, doing laundry, etc. In return, you can help that friend when the time comes.

Additional tips

• Remake and remodel. Instead of buying new, see what you have at home and adapt it for your baby’s needs. If you need bibs, for example, transform a shirt or piece of clothing you no longer use. Or use a regular bag as a diaper bag (not everything has to be baby-themed!).
• Toy library. Save money and space by joining a toy library. You can borrow toys for your child, keep them for a while, and return them.
• Ask for advice. Ask your friends, colleagues, or family members for useful advice. They may know if there’s a toy library in your area or which store offers the best discounts.
• Sell and sell! Make extra cash by selling baby items you won’t use in the near future. Try Facebook Marketplace, eBay, or Gumtree.

This is a beautiful, yet stressful time — we totally get it! But your baby needs you to be as relaxed and healthy as you can be. So make your mental health a priority. Beginning.com offers the most soothing audio sessions to help you manage stress and boost your well-being!