Ways to Save Money on a NEW Baby

Today we wanted to talk about those things that might be basic essentials you will want to have when you have a new baby.  And before we start, we just wanted to address that there are many opinions out there from mothers and fathers on what comes to a necessity… we know that, and we don’t expect you to agree with what we mention below.

In fact, some of you may strongly disagree – what’s important is that you can take SOMETHING from this post and apply it to your family to save money in one or more areas.

Obviously I’m not an expert!   I am, however, a mom who has raised four (and we are NOT done yet).. .. we haven’t spent much at all, and so I’d like to think that I have at least some knowledge in this area.

I don’t find children to be that expensive – at least early on,  in many cases, it is society that has made having a baby somewhat pricey – we are so consumer driven, that material items are are so important that most parents are unable to think on very basic terms.

If this is your first, congratulations!  It is a very exciting time!  If it’s your second third, fourth or more… then likely you have items leftover from past children that you can pass down (clothing, toys) – which can help a GREAT deal. We kept our BEST items from the boys, and BEST items from the girls, and will probably get some more use out of them here again soon.

When it comes to baby necessities, here’s what we have on our list – yours could vary!

–Bed (unless of course you co-sleep)

–Car Seat (tip: Buy a convertible instead of an infant and then a toddler seat – which may save you more long term)

–Stroller

–Diapers & Wipes (Disposable OR Cloth as both are just as effective – it depends on your preference!)

–Clothing

–Bottles/Formula (for those who are unable to nurse)

That’s it for us the basics – obviously there are other items you can probably add to the list that would be nice to have (such as an ErgoBaby Carrier, or, a Swing, Bouncer, nice Holiday Outfits, etc.) but they are not necessities.  Although a diaper bag is a must for some, it’s not a must for everyone so you could add that to this list too (we had 4 kids and never once used a diaper bag – crazy right?)

Gathering Supplies for Baby is really much easier than you think ~ between Baby Showers, and hand-me-downs, even gifts from Grandparents or Family, you shouldn’t have a problem putting items together to prepare FOR the baby’s arrival.

Here are TEN ways you can save on Baby Items.

#1 – Baby Showers

Are you planning on having a Baby Shower? If you are, aim for those necessities first, but don’t forget that you may also want to add a few of the other items (Swing, Bouncer) to the list, as sometimes, your place of employment will collect money as a whole and go in together on a larger gift.

#2 – Stock Up on Diapers Early

Reference our last post HERE to help you plan ahead to save money on Diapers – get a head start NOW so you can sit back when baby arrives and not have to worry about a sale/deal.

#3 – Accept Gift Cards

Don’t be afraid to request gift cards! They are valid FOREVER in most cases, and after baby arrives, they can help you pick up those items you might not be able to afford as easily -not to mention they will help you score that GREAT deal on diapers down the road that you may have missed before the baby was born.

#4 – Sign up for Amazon Mom

Amazon Mom will score you a generous discount on diapers, and every so often they have even greater incentives (up to 50% OFF)… use that opportunity to stock up. Amazon Mom is FREE for the first 30 days… you’ll also score FREE 2-day shipping. Read more about Amazon Mom by heading to our last post.

#5 – Thrift & Consignment Stores

BOTH of these places are great for finding used items – I don’t recommend a used Car Seat (too much liability there) but you might be able to find everything from clothing to baby items like bouncers, and play yards there – sometimes in next to new condition.  Don’t forget online second hand stores like Schoola (where you can get $20 in FREE Credit + FREE Shipping on your order), and thredUp – both are great places to find children’s second items without even leaving the house!

There is no need to buy brand name clothing or shoes for children – they grow SO fast, they may only get to wear their best items 2-3 times before they grow out of them. So don’t gather “too many” clothing items – it’s most important to have basic onesies or sleepers that are versatile and can be used for more children down the road.

#6 – Use FREE Resources

Sign up for Freecycle.org – many people get rid of baby items and other things in your area. Sometimes you can snag free clothing or other random items for free.

#7 – Check out FREE Baby Offers for Expecting Moms

We rounded up a TON of FREE Items – see our post HERE.  Just remember that some of them can change at any time1

#8 – Create a Baby Registry

Not planning on a shower? That’s ok! You can STILL create a registry – because there will always be someone who would like to help you celebrate your new little one.  Select a store (or two) that is popular – Walmart or even Target.  And some stores will give you a FREE BONUS for a registry, so check with Customer Service!

#9 – Know when Car Seats go on Sale

Britax always has their car seats on sale in February and September – knowing this will help you plan ahead!  Amazon always features Britax sales .. so follow them closely and set up alerts so you don’t miss the discounts.

Babies R Us also has a Trade Up event that runs several times a year where you can trade up an OLD car seat, or stroller (or other) and receive a discount on a NEW one. Keep your eyes on their Facebook page for that event.

#10 – Most Importantly, Start Saving NOW

It’s not too early to save for baby…  one easy way to do so is by doing a modified 52 week savings challenge … start saving as SOON as you find out you are expecting and continue that savings for 52 weeks. Use the money as your Emergency “Child” Fund, or use it to start a savings account for your child.

Or, even more. .. suppose you open an Education IRA (also known as a Coverdell) for your child at Birth, and contribute $500 a year for 18 years, earning 7% rate of return (Investment!), your child will have accumulated $19,000 by the time your child is ready for college.  Just think if you doubled that – your child would be able to complete their 4 year with possibly NO student loans.

A Coverdell allows you to tuck away up to 2,000 per child per year – see an investment representative for more, or you can also look into the 529 Plans as well – each of them work slightly different.