Saving money is not easy when you have to buy many baby-related items. If this is your first child, then you are buying every single item on the list. Luckily though, we have got you covered. Here is how you can save some pennies for a rainy day when you are buying stuff for your newborn.
Having a baby is a very exciting event in one's life. It is one of the events that we can easily call life-changing. Once you know that you are about to become a parent you automatically think of how to save money and build a better future for you and your family. Having children is a full-time job that people have to be prepared for financially and mentally. However, saving money is not easy when you have to buy many baby-related items. If this is your first child, then you are buying every single item on the list. Luckily though, we have got you covered. Here is how you can save some pennies for a rainy day when you are buying stuff for your newborn:
1. Borrow when you can
If there are other parents in your family or your spouse's family who's had a child before you, consider asking them for things that you would feel comfortable using for your own. Not only will you save money by doing this but also you will lower consumption and help the environment. Many people do not go for that option as they do not feel comfortable dressing their babies in clothes that other kids have worn before. However, you can always sterilize the clothes before putting them on your baby, and you can also borrow other, non-clothing items.
2. Buy multi-use items
Instead of just buying a crib that will only be used for a small period of time, for example, opt for something that can be converted into a bed for when your child becomes a toddler. The same way of thinking can be used with buying a stroller. Strollers are one of the biggest purchases a parent will make as it is usually quite costly. It is advisable that you go for a 3 in 1 baby stroller that has more than one use. This stroller has 3 different parts that can be used in different stages of the baby’s life.
3. Put bulky items on your gift list
Having a gift list to share with your friends and family members will be useful in situations like these. Talk to other parents and ask them about items they think are necessary, and create a list to share with your guests before the baby shower. If people will end up buying you something as a gift, then it would be better if it is something you really need. The best thing about having friends is that you can talk to them about everything without being shy. Tell your friends about things that you would like to have but that are expensive for you to get at the moment. Do the same with your parents and in-laws. You might be surprised by how glad they are to help.
4. Stock up on diapers
While there are items that you won't be using for many years, there are others that are way more than single-use items. Newborns use a lot of diapers, and we know they cost a lot. Luckily you can buy them by the carton, and this will save you some money. Make sure you find the right size for your baby, and then buy this size in bulk. Although choosing a diaper size for your newborn might sound like a no-brainer, you might be surprised when you try them on and find out that they do not fit.
5. Get less gender-specific items
Going for items in a certain color palette when you know the gender of the baby is what most of us do almost without any thinking. The problem is many times; people are surprised by the gender of the baby although they trusted the information received from their doctor. Besides, buying a lot of gender-specific items means that you would have to buy the same items all over again if you have another child later on in life who happens to be of the opposite gender. Investing in things that can be used for both baby girls and boys is the right thing to do. That does not mean you do not buy the cute mattress cover that has rockets on it for your boy or the pink tote skirt for your girl. Just take it easy when it comes to the number of items to be purchased.
6. Think practical
We are often led by our emotions when we buy stuff for our kids even before they are born, but emotions do not always help us arrive at the best decisions. Do some reflection on the items that you are buying. Just because they look cute or come in a nice color does not mean that they will be of great benefit to you. Be honest with yourself when you are buying clothing because sometimes we buy things that look good but their material will not make the baby comfortable. Do not try to keep up with the Joneses or buy things just to brag about in front of other parents. Spending money on things that will only impress others for a few minutes and suffering from that later is not a wise thing to do. Keep in mind that babies grow fast and you will soon find yourself needing to buy more in no time when their size changes. Also, baby clothes are subjected to pooping and burping accidents that ruin the whole outfit.
Photo by Kampus Production from Pexels
We understand that you want to buy the world for your baby and make sure they are missing nothing. Putting huge sums of money in things that are not of great benefit will leave you regretful and with a little money for essentials. You have to analyse any purchase before making it as they are not all equally useful or useless. You will also need to understand that not all parents share the same needs. Although there are items that were bought by almost all new parents, different life situations call for different purchases. Ultimately, what your child really needs the most is your love and care: these are the things that you can not put a price tag on and that leave the greatest impact on children for years.
Main photo by Leah Kelley from Pexels
