Having a baby entails its own special economics. It needs an entirely new kind of financial responsibility that requires planning way ahead before giving birth. Aside from crunching big numbers involving hospital bills, medical expenses, and even school tuition fees, however, there are small but smart ways you can save up for your new baby.
Come up with a practical baby gift registry.
New babies need a lot of things, and a baby registry is one of the best ways to receive them. Family and friends would want to help you prepare for your baby, and providing a list can help them help you.
You can register your future little bundle of joy at your favorite shops. However, make sure to come up with a smart list that will help you save money. Choose the essentials over the frivolous so that you can have a registry that’s affordable and practical. Another important tip: don’t merely skim catalogues before including items in your baby registry. Test strollers, cribs, and inspect baby peripherals minutely to see if you can really use them before adding them to the list.
Get the most necessary things first.
Tiny baby shoes may look precious, but an infant will not need them any time soon. Booties and socks that keep their tiny feet warm are better, so make sure to get them first. The same goes for designer infant clothes that are usually worn just a couple of times before your baby outgrows them.
Also, hospitals typically provide essentials for moms who just gave birth, including infant diapers, disposable baby bottle nipples, swaddling clothes, and nasal aspirators. They’re part of your hospital bill so take those home with you along with your baby. You’re bound to save plenty on infant essentials for the first months.
Choose multi-purpose baby furniture.
Double-duty baby items are practical and save you time, space, and money. For instance, a stroller that features a big storage space underneath can act as a diaper holder. A dresser that doubles as a changing table means you don’t have to buy two separate nursery furniture. You can also get a crib that can be converted into a toddler bed. In short, invest in furniture that grows with your baby.
Buy in bulk.
Getting baby essentials wholesale can spell out hundreds of dollars of savings yearly. Take advantage of buy-in-bulk promos and coupons for your baby diapers and formula. It will mean time and effort saved, (plus gas money!) for you, too.
Upcycle or borrow.
Don’t throw away money on “special occasion” clothes. Borrow from moms who have toddlers, or upcycle your own baby clothes. You can do the same with expensive baby furniture and accessories. Someone you know will have most likely held on to their infant’s items, hoping to pass it on to someone in need in the future… like you, for instance!
About today’s contributor: Julie McCaffrey
Parenting expert Julie McCaffrey is a proud mommy to 3 kids and owns BabyNav Baby Planners where she offers personalized consultation to new and expecting parents along with functioning as the Chief Brand Officer at PishPoshBaby.com the high-quality baby store that supplies the facts and advice, along with the right choice, to parents who are completely lost in the whirlwind of baby gear. She loves to help moms and dads navigate everything from baby gear, preparing for multiples, getting back to work and getting the whole family on a routine.
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