Saving on Baby Items

Having and raising a child may be expensive, but it does not have to cost you a fortune and burn a hole in your savings. Certain saving techniques will allow you some financial flexibility as your child grows.

Hospital Savings

One of the biggest expenses first-time parents will incur is the hospital bill. To save money, turn down an offer for extras when you are about to deliver. Choose a two-person room over a private one to save thousands of dollars after delivering your baby.

If the hospital allows you to take some of the toiletries home, do not pass up on this opportunity. You can get certain baby items such as diapers, swaddling cloth, nasal aspirator, disposable nipples for bottles and other items that you will need.

Cost-Conscious Attire

Once you leave the hospital, you will have to begin shopping for clothes for your little one. Avoid purchasing baby clothes in advance, as newborns may have a sudden growth spurt. You might spend on clothes your child will not be able to wear after a few months.

When shopping, shop for unisex styles and shades; you get to save more money when you use hand-me-downs, if you decide to have another child. Skip shopping for shoes that your child will outgrow in a few months. Children learn how to walk faster when they run around indoors barefoot. Purchase a pair of soft booties to keep your baby’s feet warm when you bring them outdoors.

Choose pre-owned special occasion clothes for your child, get a princess outfit or suit at a discount store instead of a branded one. You save more over time; your child will not fuss about brands at such a young age.

Save on Baby Items

When you shop for accessories and furniture for your baby, choose some that do double duty. Items such as a changing table and dresser or a high chair with a cushion that you can transform into a booster will save you money over time.

Purchase one or two bottles only before your child is born. Some babies prefer the bottles they want. You might end up with items your child does not want to use. Do not purchase crib pillows because they have no other use than being cute. These pillows may also cause SIDS or sudden infant death syndrome.

You may also want to consider buying pre-loved items. Visit mommy bazaars or community bazaars where moms sell new and used items from their grown-up kids.

Follow these baby-shopping tips to save more and still get the items you need for your little one.