Babies are a wonderful blessing. They bring such joy to everyone. When you have your first child you are inundated with gifts from well meaning family and friends, but what do you really need to keep baby happy? As a mom of 4 I have lots of experience with baby gear, and have found that there are certain things you need, and many that you don’t.
If you’re looking to save a bundle on your baby bundle, try these tips to save major money. Maybe the savings can be put in a 529 account or a Roth IRA to help fund baby’s college education.
Learning to "fly"
6 ways to Save on Baby Costs
Nursing
If you willing to breastfeed you could save $100 – $200 a month in formula costs. If you plan to stay at home you can breastfeed exclusively you can save even more by not investing in bottles, bottle warmers, bottle dryers etc. If you do work you can invest in a breast pump, but even if you purchase one for a couple hundred dollars you will still save a ton of money. Breastfeeding also keeps baby healthier cutting down on medical costs in the first year.
Exploring the floor is more fun than a bouncy seat
Activity toys
Think swings, exersaucers, and bouncy seats these take up a lot of room and may or may not be enjoyed by your little one. My 1st daughter did not like being in the swing, I could sit her in it for five minutes at most while I showered and she was not very happy about it. Get these items used on craigslist or at a resale store if possible. Instead of getting all these items, invest in a great sling or carrrier since that is where most babies are happiest anyway.
A plate of pasta is so much fun!
Toys
Most babies do not sit and play and they are only interested in items for a couple minutes before moving on to something new. So do not spend a lot on toys for your little one. If this isn’t your 1st child, the baby may show very little interest in any baby toys and be more interested in the bigger kids toys (just be careful nothing is a choking hazard for the little one). My 4th has shown almost no interest in baby toys she much more interested in playing what the big kids are playing even at one.
Diapers , diapers, and more diapers
Need I say more. Ask for diapers rather then toys or clothes for your beautiful baby. You can save money by purchasing diapers in large quantities at the wholesale clubs or getting the store brands. Look for coupons. Cloth diapers are another alternative. You’ll never run out of diapers, and overall you’ll save and be green.
Comfort over fashion (especially when you're messy!)
Clothes
Babies grow so fast that it is easy to outgrown outfits quickly. Utilize hand me downs, consignments, resales when you can. Most baby clothes get little use, besides the occasional milk or food spill are mostly kept pretty great condition. If you recieve something for the wrong size and season try to take it back to the store and purchase something in the next size up. With all the gift you receive with your first baby #1 you could outfit them for a whole year this way!
HELP
No I am not yelling for some now, but some days I do. Ask for help, family and friends often offer help to come sit with or play with the baby. Take them up on this often, it is free help so you can rest, get caught up on blogging chores, or even take a shower! Some of my church friends brought us dinner when we had each of our children, which was a wonderful blessing to us, I had a friend come over and fold laundry, and I had people running errands for me. These were great blessings and also saved me time and money.
What ways have you saved money during babies 1st year? If you had it to do over again would there be things you wouldn’t have purchased?
Brittany
Brittany is a staff writer at The Centsible Life. She is a stay at home mom to 4 kids under 6 (can you say busy?), and Kelly’s sister. Prior to her career as a mom, Brittany worked in the banking industry.
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