Your little bundle of joy doesn’t have to cost a bundle. Here’s how to be clever about your spending without having to hold back.
When you first find out you are expecting, being more budget conscious jumps to the top of your priorities. Children definitely cost a lot of money but they don’t have to be as expensive as many make them out to be, especially your newborn baby. There are plenty of small ways to cut back and it will make a difference in the long run. Here is my Top 10 saving tips.
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Shop online—but not for everything
Shopping online has become far more reliable and easier than ever. Before I place my online order I do a stock take of what I’ve got and then write a list of the things I need. I do an online monthly shop of all my groceries, cleaning material, toiletries etc which include nappies, bum cream and wet wipes and buy only what I need. This way I am not tempted to fill my trolley with unnecessary things that I just happen to see in-store.
Another handy tip, if possible, create a list or use the automatic re-order feature so you aren’t tempted to click around and end up buying unnecessary items.
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Shop around for Nappies
Buying nappies is an expense you’ll be shelling out for over the next few years. Never buy nappies at full price. It is definitely worth it to shop around, they are always on sale at one or another shop. If you are not loyal to one brand it will also give you more options to buy whatever is on promotion.
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Opt for convertible gear
Choosing a cot that converts into a bed is something that has to be on the list even if you heard it a million times. It is a major money saver. Look out for other items, like pram to stroller, or a high chair that will grow right along with your child so you aren’t always having to buy another piece of baby gear.
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Take the No New Baby Clothes Challenge
When it comes to buying baby items that contribute to the health and safety of your little baby you can’t take any shortcuts. However, baby clothes that your little one will outgrow so quickly can definitely be second hand. Ask family or friends who have had babies for their second hand clothing or look at second hand shops. Babies grow so fast that their clothes hardly get enough wear. This will save you hundreds of Rands.
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Share your stuff with your little one
The cost of your baby’s beauty routine—soaps, shampoos, lotions—can add up over time. I was comparing prices and I realized that some of the bathtime products I was getting were more expensive for my baby than my own. It was crazy, my baby didn’t even have any hair. So I started buying scent-free and gentle products that I could use on both of us.”
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Cash in on items you don’t need
The one thing mom-to-be and new moms don’t have a lot of is time and energy. So returning certain baby gifts you’ve received – either because they’re duplicates or you just don’t need them – probably doesn’t fall very high on your to-do list. However, standing in the returns line is really worth your time if you can get money back which you can set aside for future baby-related expenses.
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Consider borrowing
To save some money don’t buy any items that you will only use for a short time. Instead, see if anyone you know can temporarily lend you what you need. Like a Moses Basket so your newborn baby can sleep in your room next to your bed.
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Shorten your shopping list
It’s natural to go into nesting mode when you’re pregnant. It is normal to want to stock up on every single little thing but a better approach is to buy the absolute bare minimum. Newborns really need far fewer things than we think they do, so save the shopping for after baby arrives when you can better gauge what’s necessary.
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Make suggestions of the things you need
Whenever you have a baby, everyone from your neighbour to your great aunt will want to flood your house with food, flowers, and tiny onesies, let them know exactly what you need if they ask you.
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Go the reusable route
With more and more people being conscious of preserving our environment you may want to do your part to make a difference. There are plenty of products where you can opt for the reusable options, like cloth nappies or breast pads. Not having to continually purchase the disposable version can definitely help cut baby-related costs in the long run.
