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We are sharing our best tips to prepare for a baby on a budget!
Having a baby is a big adjustment in every way both physically, mentally and of course, financially. Many parents understandably worry about the expenses that will come with a new baby. If you too are worried and feeling anxious, this post will hopefully keep those financial fears at bay and help you prepare for a baby on a budget.
Many think that having a baby can be expensive, but it doesn’t have to be. Babies need a lot of stuff, but that doesn’t mean you have to buy the fanciest baby gear or the top of the line furniture.
I'll show you how you can spend less but still get the essentials for the baby. I'll share what items you need to splurge for and where you can save for baby items. With a bit of planning, you can prepare for baby on a budget!
TIPS TO PREPARE FOR A BUDGET ON A TIGHT BUDGET
1. Create a baby budget early on
Figure out how much money you have available to spend for the baby essentials and also how much you can spend towards baby's needs monthly once the baby is born.
2. Begin Building Savings Early
Once you have put together a budget, start a savings plan. Remember that the sooner you start, the more time you will have to save. Look at these savings plans we have put together. With a bit of saving each month, you can built a fund for purchasing baby's essentials such as crib, car seat and diapers.
3. MAKE A LIST OF BABY REGISTRY ESSENTIALS
When you are preparing for a baby on the budget you have to think about the basics you really need for the baby. Here's a minimalist baby registry checklist we've put together that only covers the absolute essentials you need to keep the baby safe and healthy. There's no frills and definitely no high end products!
4. look for SECOND HAND GEAR AND FURNITURE
There are certain baby items that your friends and family might have that you could put to use. Most parents just keep these items in their basements because let's face it, it is hard to throw them away because of sentimental reasons. So just ask and see if they have a bouncer, swing, play yard, high chair or even a changing table in storage.
5. DON'T BUY TOO MANY STARTER DIAPERS
Moms do get carried away stocking up on diapers. However, don't buy too many starter diapers. Your baby will outgrow them really fast.
6. BREASTFEED AS LONG AS YOU CAN
Breastfeeding is simply the best choice both for your baby's health and your budget. While we know that breastfeeding can be hard and painful at times, it is also so worth it. Over the course of time, you will end up saving a lot specially if your baby breastfeeds for as long as possible.
7. PUMP AND START A FREEZER STASH
We know you might have to leave the baby for periods of time, so pump breast milk and start a freezer stash. If you are not around, the dad or a caregiver can still feed the baby without depending on formula.
8. ASK FOR FORMULA SAMPLES FROM THE PEDIATRICIAN
If you going the formula route with the baby, ask for formula samples every single time you go to the pediatricians office for baby check ups. Doctors constantly get samples of everything from baby Tylenol to formula from sales people, so don't be shy.
9. DON'T BUY A BREAST PUMP WITHOUT TALKING TO YOUR OBGYN AND INSURANCE
Many new moms don't realize that with a prescription, insurance plans will pay for the entire price or a portion of the breast pump. Once you've had the baby, consult with the doctor (before you are released to go home) about the need for a breast pump.
10. THE HAAKAA IS AN AFFORDABLE BACK UP
The Haakaa is a game changer for sure and that's why we wrote a whole post on why you should have one. It's really affordable and will save so much breast milk in a nutshell. Read the post to find out more about the Haakaa.
11. lean on other moms
Many moms have been through what you are going through and ready to help. So just ask and you'll be surprised by how the mom tribe will help lift you up with used baby clothes, gear, etc.
12. be creative when designing the nursery
If you are worried about not being able to get a nursery decorated for your baby, check out this post where we give you money saving hacks for decorating a nursery on a budget.
13. Buy generic and less expensive brands
Make smart purchase decisions when choosing your baby's essentials. You don't need to buy ones with the fancy labels. Stick to basics and you'll stretch your dollar while getting the best use of the items. Read this post where we share baby items that packs a punch with features but without a big price tag.
14. RE-PURPOSE THINGS IN YOUR HOUSE
When you are preparing for a baby on a budget, definitely see if you can re-purpose things you already own. For example, use a dresser you have as baby's changing table. Use some existing shelving as storage for baby's essentials. Bring in a rug that's in your dining room into the nursery. If you have an armchair in the basement put it in the nursery to use as the nursery chair.
15. BUY DIAPERS AND WIPES IN BULK
To save money on diapers and wipes which you will be using a lot of, consider purchasing them by the case. You'll end up saving a lot when buying in bulk.
16. HAVE A BABY SHOWER
Your friends and family will want to share in your joy and then'll want to shower the baby with gifts. So perhaps your mom, sister or best friends can host a shower for you. Read this post to see how you can have a baby shower without spending a lot of money.
17. CREATE A BABY REGISTRY
You must create a baby registry no matter what, whether you are going to have a baby registry or not. First it will keep you focused on what you need for the baby. Second, if you are having a baby shower, the guests can buy things you really need and want. Finally, you can reap the many benefits of registering such as FREE welcome boxes, discounts etc. Try Amazon Baby Registry which offers so many benefits and a discount.
18. USE THE COMPLETION DISCOUNT
As you approach your due date and if there are any items remaining in your baby registry, you can claim a completion discount of up to 15 % off to purchase those items.
19. JOIN REWARDS & social programs
As a mom who is preparing for a baby on a budget, you need to join rewards programs to get discounts on baby essentials you really need for the baby.
- Sign up for a baby registry on Amazon, and if you’re a Prime member, you’ll get a Welcome Box for free and a host of other benefits. What’s in the box is completely a surprise and the contents and monetary value will vary, but it averages around $35.
- Sign up for Enfamil Family Beginnings and get up to $400 in gifts and a chance to win free formula for an entire year!
- Sign up for a MyGerber account, and you’ll get a lot of discounts and free products from the company. You'll also receive surprise coupons and goodies like bibs, full-sized baby food, formula and onsies
- For those who qualify for its support, the National Diaper Bank Network is a great resource for free diapers, which are donated by others. They’re committed to making sure every baby has access to clean diapers
- Join the Similac StrongMoms rewards program and receive up to $400 in benefits and support.
- The Pampers Rewards program is a great loyalty program. With this program, your diaper purchases turn into rewards, which you can redeem for coupons, offers, diapers, baby food, toys and more.
- Many Safe Kids coalition groups throughout the United States offer either free or greatly reduced car seats. To see if you qualify and find a coalition near you, visit the official Safe Kids website.
- The United Way can also help get you a car seat free if you qualify.
- The Cribs for Kids organization can help connect you with a provider who is able to give you a free portable crib as long as you meet the minimum income requirements. Their goal is to help fulfill their mission by providing families with a safe sleep education and a safe sleeping environment for your infant. To learn more about the program, visit the official website at CribsforKids.org.
20.Return unwanted gifts promptly
If you get baby gifts that you don't really need, do return them if you have a gift receipt and buy something you really need for the baby instead.
21. SHOP THE SALES
Don't spend a lot on baby clothes. You can almost always find deep discounts at season end sales at places such as Carters, Children's Place and Old Navy. Look for online coupons from these stores before you go shopping!
save this pin-GETTING READY FOR BABY ON A BUDGET
Last Updated on February 1, 2021 by Tira Attygalla
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