Few things in life will put your budgeting skills to the test like having a baby. We know that readying yourself for a lifetime spending spree can feel like a serious headache, especially considering the wide range of options available when it comes to baby products for the first few years of your little one’s existence.
Of course, you still want to be able to afford the many obligations of daily life. But at the same time, you don’t want to skimp on quality when it comes to what you give your baby. The good news is that with these simple steps, you can find affordable, high-quality products that are sure to satisfy both your baby and your wallet.
Have a Baby Shower
Baby showers are not only a good time to get together with friends and family, but also the perfect time to save some money! Every gift is one less product to buy – and gifts that you don’t need can likely be returned, giving you more store credit to spend on other essentials.
Shop Online
Online retailers often have much better special offers and discounts than their brick-and-mortar alternatives. Items such as clothing are better purchased at physical stores for fitting purposes, but bulk products such as diapers and formula can be found online for much lower prices.
Save on Clothes
Clothing is one of the most annoying products to buy, as they’re often over-priced and your baby will grow out of them pretty quickly. Therefore, it would be wise to prioritize saving on this aspect first. Avoid buying clothes in advance, as newborns often have sudden growth spurts.
All-in-ones are your best bet, as they’ll keep your baby cozy and comfortable for less. When it comes to footwear, sneakers and other leather shoes are not necessary. A pair of comfy booties will last much longer and will only cost a few dollars. Secondhand clothes are also a good bet, as the previous owner may have only worn it once or twice anyway.
Make use of Freebies
It’s one thing to save money on good baby products, but nothing beats getting them for free. You can find plenty of free baby samples online from companies who run special offers on their products. This can include anything from a small goody bag or accessory to a full-fledged baby monitor.
Look out for Multi-Purpose Gear
Why splurge on a crib and toddler bed when you can get both in one package? The same applies to strollers and highchairs, in addition to a variety of other gear. Products that grow with your baby will save you from having to buy another piece of gear every few years.
Save on a Car Seat
Provided the previous owner is honest about the history of their car seat, you can save a good chunk of money here. If you’re confident that the seat hasn’t been in an accident before, check the expiration date to make sure that there’s still time for your baby to use it. If you prefer to pick up a new one, be sure to take a look at local trade-in offers.
Buy Diapers in Bulk
While lugging a 228-pack of diapers back to your car may become part of your new high-intensity exercise routine, it’ll be well worth the effort looking for bulk deals. After all, diapers are ridiculously overpriced, so the least you can do is save some time and money by buying in bulk.
Conclusion
With some careful planning and a bit of research, you can save a decent chunk of money when it’s time to buy baby products. And don’t worry about whatever you feel is still too expensive, as you’ll quickly find a way to save through experience.