When you’re expecting a baby it can seem
like you’re always digging in your pocket to buy something new. Babies need
such a lot of equipment and it can be very expensive, especially if you haven’t
got children already. If you’re on a budget or are just looking for a way to
save money when you’re preparing for your new arrival, we have some top tips to
help you to maximize your bank balance.
Ask
Your Friends
Don’t feel as though you have to buy
everything brand new. There are some things which you should definitely buy
yourself such as a new crib mattress and car seat for safety reasons, but there
are lots of things which are just as good second hand. Ask any friends who
already have children if they have anything they won’t be using for a while
that you can borrow. You can save a lot of money by buying items second hand
too.
Think
Before Buying
There are lots of wonderful looking baby
items in the stores these days, but you don’t need to splash out on all of
them. Most new parents find that they buy at least one baby product that they
never use, so think before buying. Will you really use that changing table, or
will a changing mat on the bedroom floor work just as well? Will that travel
system really fit in your car’s trunk or would that more affordable umbrella
fold stroller fit in more easily while also helping your little one feel comfortable?
Do
Your Research
Don’t just buy the first item you see. Shop
around first for any new purchases and see if you can find discounts or similar
items on sale elsewhere. If there’s a particular item that you’ve set your
heart on, do your research to find the most affordable price for it. You can
often buy it online for a much lower cost. Use price comparison websites to
help you save on products you really need.
Would
Reusable Diapers Work?
Disposable diapers are convenient and are
the standard choice these days, but reusable diapers could save you a lot of
money in the long run. They don’t work for everyone, but if you have plenty of
time on your hands and you’re keen to protect the environment too, they could
be a choice for you.
Avoid
Stockpiling
Lots of women who are expecting a baby
start shopping for essentials before their little one arrives and end up
stockpiling diapers and wipes. This isn’t really a good idea before you know
what you’re going to be use or need. You may stockpile a pile of diapers and
then realize you don’t like that brand. Just buy enough to get started and then
save the rest of the money until you know what you prefer.
Get
Freebies
There are lots of supermarkets and baby
stores which offer freebies to members of their loyalty schemes or baby clubs.
Join as many as possible and then take advantage of the coupons and free
samples that they send you. You could end up getting lots of free stuff with
minimal effort.
Avoid
The Temptation Of The Clothes Aisles
Shopping for baby clothes is a lot of fun
but it’s also often a big waste of money. Babies tend to just wear sleepsuits
for most of the time and they grow so quickly that they hardly have time to
wear any nice outfits that you buy for them. Don’t buy too many things in the
first size and avoid spending a lot on smart outfits. Lots of people will
probably buy you clothes for your new arrival anyway, so you’ll probably end up
with more than you need.
Re-Sell
Afterwards
When you’re purchasing baby items, keep the
boxes whenever possible. You can then re-sell the items afterwards and recoup
your money. Also, avoid taking labels off any new clothes for your little one until
you put them on your baby. Lots of clothes won’t get worn and you can sell them
in brand new condition and make a few extra dollars!
Comments
Post a Comment
Thank you, readers!