Being pregnant and raising a baby is an exciting time in life. Most people believe that they have to get every single one of the latest and greatest gadgets in babyhood, but it’s not the case. Babies need surprisingly little and you can easily raise one or two of them without as much as you think. Money shouldn’t be something that you panic about when it comes to raising children; and yet we all do it.
If you’re not used to living frugally, then raising a baby on a budget is a scary thing to consider. The thing is, we are all closer to bankruptcy than we are to being billionaires, and with the pandemic happening right now, people are losing their jobs left and right. You have to be able to adapt and while that is frightening when you’re a first-time parent, it doesn’t mean that it’s the end of the world. Frugal living is just another adventure, and you’ll realize very quickly that your new baby doesn’t need too many things to make them comfortable. The things that they do need can be purchased cheaply, and there are plenty of ways you can manage on little to no budget at all.
So, let’s take a closer look at 9 awesome tips that will get you going when it comes to raising a baby on a budget. The first piece of advice before we dive in, though, is not to panic. You have got this – no matter the circumstances.
1. Don’t Buy Into The Hype
Swing seats and sterilizers, strollers that look like miniature tanks and expensive nursery furniture: you will face it all when you first realize you are pregnant. If you’re in a position where you have lost your job, then you’re going to notice ALL of the gadgets and gizmos geared towards parents more than anyone. Why? Well, we’re influenced by the creators – “buy this now, you need this for your child” at every single turn. You have to train your brain into not buying into the hype. You do not need a Rockit – a gadget that rocks the stroller for you – because you have a perfectly good set of hands. You do not need fifty bottles and a sterilizer because you have the ability to feed your child for free if you breastfeed. Diapers can be expensive, but if you invest in cloth diapers you can save a LOT of money. Being thrifty and living frugally is easy to do if you get past the advertising for all of the products that you don’t need.
2. Shop Smartly
For the things that you do need for a baby, it’s time to get onto Facebook Marketplace and eBay. Strollers are expensive when you buy them from the store, but you can get over 50% off when you buy them second hand. Strollers do not need to be bought new, not when you can wash the liners and the bedding. The same goes for baby clothes. While you may shop for a few outfits and buy them yourself, babies only really need sleepsuits and onesies to be comfortable and warm. Buying these second-hand and washing them all through before the baby arrives will be cheaper and easier than buying everything new. You can even buy preloved cloth diapers and just buy the liners new to save some cash. If you’re smart about where you shop, then frugal baby shopping can and will happen. Make a list of everything you absolutely need (leave off cot bumpers, you do not need a pretty cot, you need a safe one!).
3. Buy Chameleon Items
If you do have to invest some cash in certain items, then buy the items that will grow with your child. Strollers with a newborn carrycot often convert into pushchairs that face forward and last up to 18months and beyond. You can buy a cot bed instead of a cot and ensure that you have a toddler bed later on. You can even buy highchairs that will convert into booster seats for the dining table. These items are all often higher in cost than others, but that’s where you invest wisely. Ask friends and family to help you with these items – especially if they offer to buy a baby gift for you! All you have to ensure it’s that the items you buy fit health and safety regulations.
4. Coupon, Coupon!
Freebies are everything, and if you have the chance to get your hands on coupons for baby wipes and other hygiene products, linens and bulk-buying certain items, do it. There is nothing wrong with running as many coupons as possible. Ask everyone you know who doesn’t have kids to collect them for you, too. You can often buy the big-ticket items like cribs and strollers with coupons, and you can bring the retail price right down when you know where to shop. Don’t forget to bulk buy things like scented diaper sacks and washing powder, too, as babies are messy little things!
5. Breastfeeding
Okay, so this is a sensitive subject for a lot of women. The thing about breastfeeding is that the key is education. Many women give up feeding very early on, or they feel they have to supplement with formula so their baby gets enough food. With the right research, you will learn that milk comes in at day five and a newborn only needs colostrum (liquid gold) from you before that. Speak to your healthcare provider, but do as much research as possible about breastfeeding while you are pregnant. This way, you can be ready to pop the baby on the breast and save yourself a ton of cash in formula, bottles, and sterilizing kits.
6. Start With What You NEED
There are very few things that a baby needs when they are born. They need something to wear, somewhere to sleep and a way to be transported. You can attend sling meets and get a cheap baby carrier, but be mindful of the type you buy. The Baby Bjorn carriers are not great for babies and their hips; you want one that will wrap the baby to you and put their legs in a frog position so that they’re not dangling with pressure on their pelvis. Buy what you need, and then when you can, buy what you want for them.
7. Look For Help
If you are blessed with a family of excited relatives who are itching to help, rope everyone in. Ask for meals to be made to store in the freezer and ask them to look into their churches and local charities for clothes, soft toys, and bedding. If you can get government help, then research that, too!
8. Be Humble, Accept The Freebies
Free samples are everywhere when you’re pregnant, and with them come some of the basics. You can even get free nasal aspirators and hats for your baby if you sign up with enough coupons and freebies. It’s okay to accept things for free – you’re not receiving charity.
9. Research Cheap Activities
A newborn baby does not need much in the way of activities and entertainment: you are a walking talking entertainment system for them. Playgrounds and most mother’s groups are free to attend, and reading programs are free at the library. You can meet up with friends for a picnic with your babies and you can even stroll around museums for free! Mostly, your baby just wants and needs you from the moment they’re born.
