Ideas To Save Money With A Baby

Having kids isn’t an inexpensive endeavor. From the time they are born, you will find yourself spending on food, clothing, cribs, strollers and various gadgets and accessories to either keep them safe or entertained. It’s easy to overspend and the thought of all these expenses can be rather intimidating. But never fear. There are plenty of ideas to save money with a baby. Here are a few.
* Solicit hand-me-downs. Babies don’t stay in those tiny clothes for long, so by the time they outgrow them, they’re rarely worn out. If you have a friend or family member who has recently had a baby, ask if she has any clothes that you could take off her hands. And don’t stop with clothes. Those with older children might have cribs, strollers and other items that they’re no longer using and would love to get out of the way.
* Breastfeed. Not only is breastfeeding less expensive than buying formula, bottles and nipples, it’s also better for your baby. And for those middle-of-the-night feedings, it’s quicker and more convenient than warming up a bottle. You’ll need to take care to eat well so that the baby gets all of the nutrients he needs, but that’s something that’s important to do anyway.
* Keep your diaper costs as low as possible. Cloth diapers can save you a ton of money if you don’t mind washing them, and they’re better for the environment than disposables. If you can’t bring yourself to use cloth diapers, try generic disposables. They’re often just as good as the name brands, and they cost much less.
* Shop at second-hand stores. You can find great deals on gently used baby items at many such stores. Some will also accept trade-ins, so you can bring in items that your baby can no longer use and get credit toward things you need.
* Consider getting a baby sling to carry your little bundle of joy in. They make great substitutes for strollers, carriers, swings and bouncy seats, and you can get them cheaper than any of these. An added bonus: they keep baby feeling snug and secure, so there’s less crying and more bonding.
* Use soft baby washcloths and baby wash instead of disposable wipes. You can soak the cloths in a solution of baby wash and water, wring out the excess, and put them in a Ziploc bag to use when you’re out. Just keep another bag to put the dirty cloths in, wash them when you get home, and reuse.
There are lots of expenses associated with a new addition to the family. But if you’re diligent about finding good deals, you could save hundreds of dollars on baby needs by the time your little one is a toddler. So don’t be afraid to shop around, buy second-hand and make use of hand-me-downs!