Having a baby can be stressful for a number of reasons, but financial matters tend to top the list of concerns for expectant parents. The costs of pregnancy prep can really add up! New parents are often overwhelmed by the amount of stuff they need to buy and may find it challenging to afford everything on a tight budget. Thankfully, there are several great ways to cut your household expenses and save money on your baby essentials, so you can grab all those necessities that your little one will need.
Save on Nursery Supplies
As you stock up on baby supplies, keep an eye out for store sales and clearance discounts. You can save a lot of money by shopping around for the best prices on each item you need instead of getting everything from one store. This is a great way to reduce the cost of pricey nursery gadgets like sound machines and video monitors. Best Buy is an excellent place to find deals on electronic nursery essentials, and you can save by searching online for deals before shopping. In this Best Buy shopping guide, Rakuten recommends saving even more by becoming a My Best Buy member, getting free shipping on orders over $35, and shopping the Deal of the Day. If you find a good discount, consider picking up some other helpful electronics like a humidifier and smart thermometer to keep your baby happy and healthy.
Start a Budget
If you don’t have a household budget, now is the time to start one. A budget will help you plan for your expected expenses and ensure that your savings remains intact as you collect everything you need. Start by tracking your spending habits in a spreadsheet, notebook, or budgeting app and identify your problem areas—like shopping, eating out, or entertainment. Look for monthly expenses that you can cut out or reduce as well.
Take Advantage of Gift Registries
Before buying baby supplies yourself, it might be worth it to wait and see what you get from others. Set up a baby registry with a few different stores to let your friends and family know exactly what you want. Parents.com recommends against using your baby registry to ask for luxury items or supplies you don’t necessarily need, like a wipes warmer or bottle warmer. Instead, register for essentials that you would buy anyway. You can never have too many diapers and burp cloths! Many stores offer registry completion discounts to help you buy anything left on your registry after your baby shower or due date, so it can’t hurt to fill your registry up with everything you need.
Search for Gently Used Items
Remember, you don’t have to buy everything brand new. According to Babygaga, certain baby essentials—like clothes and toys—are perfectly fine to buy used as long as you check that they’re clean and safe. You can save big bucks by purchasing these items from consignment shops, thrift stores, and online marketplaces. You may even be able to use baby gear for free by renting from companies like Medela. Just keep in mind that some things are important to buy new, including a crib, car seat, and stroller, to ensure they meet current safety standards.
It’s no secret that having a baby can be costly, but you don’t need a bottomless bank account to make things work. Try not to let financial concerns hamper your new baby excitement. Find ways to cut costs and save on essentials, so you can afford everything you need to welcome your new little bundle of joy.
