A comprehensive guide for mothers on how to save more and expend less on their baby

A baby always brings enchantment and blessings in the family. Nurturing a newborn baby is quite expensive and a journey filled with financial sterns. You need to buy good quality accessories, items of a drugstore, fancy newborn clothes – the list goes on. Not to forget, the delivery charges and pediatrician appointments are also budget killers. 

Are you panicking over the expenses of your baby? Is your credit card draining? Don’t worry because this blog is dedicated to folks who are raising a baby on a budget. Scrolling down, you will learn how to manage your expenses while also tending to their every need. 

Let’s begin. 

1. Medical budget how-tos

Trim down the luxuries of hospital

Most of the hospitals charge extra for television and Wi-Fi services to the mothers. The television charges can reach $8 per day which is a big burden. I would suggest you avoid this option to save some money.

Take the toiletries

When you pay a maternity cheque to the hospital, they offer you several services like food, blankets, and necessary goodies. They provide you with diapers, baby lotions and showers, aspirators, baby wipes, swaddling clothes, bottles, and a thermometer. As you have paid for these items, you can take them with you. (It’s good to take permission) These baby-care items will grant you a leave of one month from out shelling $30 at the drugstore.

Avoid add-ons

Saying no for the private room will save a substantial amount. It also depends on the type of hospital and doctors you prefer for your maternity procedures. The total delivery charges can range from $300 to $700. It’s always better to choose a sharing room that includes other 3 to 4 patients. Sharing rooms are much cheaper. 

Use coupons whenever you can

If you go by the latest coupon statistics, many people are only purchasing items that have a promo code attached. Mommies and Daddies should get in on the action. Maternity staff and baby-care product manufacturers often keep dozens of coupons and samples at the hospitals. At the time of billing, you should ask them for discount coupons on products such as diapers or lotions. A number of sanitation products are available free of cost for sample testing. This will trim your bill. 

2. Breastfeeding expenses 

Nursing

Full-time nanny for your child can be extremely costly. Allotting a nurse for your child is not healthy at all, as he needs a mother’s love and attention. 

Borrow an electric breast pump

Such products are a lifesaver for working mothers. It saves time, money and health loss of your child. However, it is quite expensive like about $200. Borrowing it instead of buying is a good idea.

Search for free breastfeeding consultation

I have seen mothers paying thousands of dollars to lactation for breastfeeding issues. They are unaware of the free medical consultation available in hospitals and online platforms.

Don’t spend tens of dollars on your nursing wardrobe

Anyway, it is the choice of the mother to buy breastfeeding shirts or not. She can decide her budget well. For the mothers who are on a low budget prefer not to buy such shirts as they consider it a waste of money.

Powder-milk not recommended

Mothers are strictly advised by the pediatrician to avoid feeding the infant powder milk until they are least 6 months old. The child receives more nutrition from mother’s milk. Feeding powder milk is both unhealthy and exorbitant.

3. Economical clothing

Hunt for babies and kids clothing coupons

You will be surprised to know just how much you can save by using latest coupon codes. Whenever you plan to shop your baby clothes, search for the coupons on Facebook and the brand’s website. Many outlets offer a discount on subscribing to the email and first orders. You get a percentage off on shipping charges by exceeding the total cart amount. 

Buy second-hand stuff

Buying used toys, pram, and other baby accessories can help pretty much in managing the expenses. There are numerous special-occasion clothes for sell on local consignment shops which are rarely worn twice or thrice.

Don’t buy luxury shoes

Parents spend dollars on buying leather shoes for their infant. They don’t need shoes at all as walking barefoot helps to grow well. They can choose such low-end walking slippers or soft booties for them to keep the feet warm. 

Got for All-in-ones

It is better to buy all-in-one clothes for the baby rather than buying in layers. It is cost-effective and there is no mess that comes with improper fitting of the clothes. You can look for discounts on infant clothing on websites like ClothingRIC. P.S: White colored all-in-ones are easy to use as the stains can be removed by bleaching. 

Choose unisex baby accessories and clothes

Unisex things can be reused for your future offspring. For example, clothes, toys, and shoes, blankets. You can get discounted unisex PJs for your child by using promo codes often available at multiple stores. 

4. Healthcare savings

Ask for samples

When buying medicines, ask for discounts or samples of medicines. Most of the pharma companies offer free samples for customers.

Talk to the pediatrician before taking an appointment

It might be possible that your problem can be solved by talking to the doctor on call. Infants usually encounter health issues until they are 1 year old. Their crying, ear and stomach pains are considered normal. Why spend hundreds of dollars on a single appointment?

Don’t buy an expensive thermometer

Ear thermometers are not recommended. Buying digital or rectal thermometers costs one-third of the ear thermometer and the latter is more accurate. 

Trim the unwanted

Double duty furniture: Furniture that can be used both as a regular chair and booster seat is cost-effective. Cribs that can be transformed into a toddler bed are readily available in the market.

5. Sensibly manage food expenses

Nursing helps in curtailing formula grocery charges

Nursing protects both your baby and your budget from the menace of power milk. Some mothers give up on nursing just after six months and this adds the heavy cost of formula milk in the monthly budget. 

Look for special coupon and discount deals by formula companies

You can also subscribe to the emails of formula companies to receive seasonal coupons. Generic formulae can also be considered as they are much reasonable and have the same nutrition and quality as the big brands. You may look for the special formula blends however, you need to first evaluate whether it covers your budget or not.

Look for local or online stores which offer you a discount on first or next purchase. Most of the supermarket grant coupons on items such as diapers, milk, shower gels, and aspirators. 

Feed home food to your baby

 After your baby is six months, start feeding him home food such as mashed banana or steamed zucchini. It will keep them healthy and will save pretty much of your money. Find more healthy recipes for baby food on the internet. After buying crispy toddler snacks, pack them in airtight container because they rot fast. Especially, Cheerios and arrowroot biscuits stale quickly. 

6. Trim the unwanted

Crib pillows are useless

They look on cribs but they need to remove when the child wants to sit or sleep. The child doesn’t feel comfortable with it. It is basically a useless item. 

Don’t buy dozens of feeding bottles

One or two bottles are more than enough. Once your little ones start feeding on them, you will soon figure out whether they like it or not. If not, then change the brand. Save money. 

First, try diapers

Buy cartons of diapers because they cost much cheaper than buying a single pack of diapers again and again. Also, lookout for new brands in your local supermarket; they are usually cheaper than the old established brands. 

Do a test drive a stroller

Don’t buy stuff by listening to the sweet reviews of your friend. Test and sample stuff on your own. 

Look for the library for music classes

A number of local libraries offer meager-priced or free of cost storytelling music classes every day. You can take your child there and enjoy. This will prevent you from spending hundreds of dollars on music classes from expensive institutions. Many libraries also offer Yoga classes for mothers for free. They offer puzzles, toys, and childcare services. Amazing, isn’t it? 

Always keep a baby-care bag with you

The bag should contain all necessary items like diapers, ointments, baby wipes, an extra attire, some food, formulae, and snacks. Take the bag with you wherever you go otherwise you will end up buying these things from a mat on high prices. 

In a nutshell, stop yourself from overspending on your baby. Do this by jotting down the budget, eliminating the unwanted luxury, and buying only essential items for your child. Save money now and your kid will be grateful in the future.