I admit, when my first child was born, we overspent. I had no idea what she would or wouldn’t need and wanted to make sure she was as comfortable as possible. I was sure she needed a bedside bottle warmer, which really did come in handy in the middle of the night, and a wipe warmer, which didn’t. I did learn creative ways to save money before my next (much less pampered) child arrived. I am sure he wishes every day he arrived first before I learned these tips.
1. Stock up on onesies in white or neutral colors.
Onesies are great to wear under clothing in the winter time and as clothing, when hanging out around the house, during the summer time. They’re comfortable for baby, much cheaper than outfits, and can be reused on the next child. Bonus points for white: They can be bleached to get out all those mysterious spit up and other stains that magically appear.
2. Don’t buy in advance during the first year.
It’s tempting, when stumbling across a great sale, to purchase that cute marked down winter outfit in the middle of the summer. I tried this strategy and watched my small daughter grow right out of the outfit before winter arrived.
3. Don’t overbuy.
My friends and family were thrilled when they found out I was pregnant with a girl. They showered me with adorable outfits and even purchased 6-9 month sizes. My daughter only weighed 6 1/2 pounds, but was already too large for some of the outfits. I had such a large selection she was only able to wear some outfits once and some she never got a chance to wear. I tried to save some for the second child, but my son did not get any use out of the dresses either, much to his sister’s dismay. “But he would love so cute, Mommy!”
4. Buy diapers in bulk.
I know, I know, I just said don’t buy in advance and don’t overbuy. However, babies go through a lot of diapers and they aren’t cheap. Warehouse clubs usually have the best price. Plus, not running out of diapers in the middle of the night and having to run to the store in a sleep deprived state? Priceless.
5. Use Coupons and Plan in Advance.
Formula, diapers, baby food and other baby supplies can be expensive. Manufacturers want you to try their products and offer coupons as an incentive. Planning meals and shopping lists in advance can help save time and frustration. Trying to stumble to the store in a sleep deprived state because I’m out of everything I need to make a meal? Been there, done that. If you would like to get a head start on coupons and offers from manufacturer’s, as well as help with planning, you can sign up below for the free Life Moments Shopping Planner for New Moms. This weekly planner, designed for busy new moms, has space for notes, pages for weekly meal and shopping lists, new mom tips and recipes. Did I mention it is free? You can sign up below. I received one of these planners and plan to pass it on to a friend who is a new mom. I hope it makes her life a little easier!
I think most parents overindulge with their first born. However, I had great friends who gave me good advice regarding savings on diapers, clothes etc.
Thank you for this wonderful shopping tips for baby. I wished I stick with neutral colors for the clothing. I wish to have a baby girl someday. Pls help me pray 🙂
Great tips!! First time parents really do overspend. I was actually planning on using cloth diapers instead of regular diapers to reduce expenses once the baby comes along.. am I being crazy??
No, you are not. Cloth diapers have came a long way since the time I tried to use them. Back then they leaked everywhere! The ones my friends use now seem to be good quality and fairly leak proof.
All excellent point. What continues to surprise me is how expensive diapers are… We need more brands offering lower prices.
I totally screwed up in buying in advance my son’s first year. He was growing fast and I’m not good at math. I somehow calculated that he’d be in size 3 clothes by age one. Yeah, that was more than a little off. Then I forgot all about those clothes I had packed away when he did reach that size! These are great tips!
Really wish they had this information in those baby books they head out at the hospital lol. For example, 2. Don’t buy in advance during the first year!! I learned that the hard way. But lucky for me, I got a lot of clothes from family so I didn’t have to buy everything. But I know friends that bought everything in advance and they didn’t realized just how fast babies do grow in the first year of their life.
First time parents tend to splurge. I recall how our first child was surrounded (and gifted) by clothes, toys and stuff; some of which we never got to use. So yes, try to curve that urge to buy more … except buying diapers in bulk that is. 🙂
I’ll have to pass this onto some friends – they sound like useful tips 🙂 x
Oh my gosh yes! These are things I wish I’d thought about with kiddo. Things I’m now telling my cousins and friends!
My baby will be 14 soon but I really could have used these tips when she was younger! I LOVED hand me downs and still do.
Gawsh! Where was this post when I needed it. I was so a but it in advance kind of mom. I sure learned my lesson. I learned the hard way. I am so stubborn I didn’t listen to my mother. Lol
A planner would probably be very helpful to a new Mom.
My best tip is to use hand-me-downs, and to reuse clothing from friends, other family members, etc.
I’m also told there are great deals at thrift stores.
My son was born in the summer so onesies were a staple in his wardrobe! Also, I found that having diapers delivered was a huge help to me! I skipped all of the warmers, and we managed just fine!
We played it smart and took mom’s advice and bought lot of onesies and t-shirt which was a blessing as son hated clothing. But then again he still does.
You can also contact the manufacturers of the baby companies and request coupons and samples of formula, diapers etc. They also have clubs you can join. I still overbuy even now and I’ve had 4. 🙂
We learned the buying diapers in bulk thing early on. We also way over spent on our first one, but caught on quick to the ways to save some money.
Don’t forget thrift stores, yard sales and clearance sales? Babies don’t care “what is in style” this year!
I used all of those when my kids were younger and still do, Scott. Great tips!