Smart Ways to Save Money on Pregnancy Prep

 

Preparing for a new baby often means buying a lot of stuff. While it may be tempting to overspend on luxury baby gear and unnecessary gadgets, this money may serve you better in a savings account. Fortunately, there are several ways to save money and still obtain everything you need for pregnancy and beyond. Here are some smart ways that budget-friendly parents can cut the costs of pregnancy prep.

 

Hiring A Doula

 

Hiring a doula can bring many added benefits for new families but doula services often come at a cost. Some ways to not break the bank when hiring a doula asking for a payment plan can be a great way to divide the cost over the duration of your pregnancy. Some Doula agencies also offer gift card purchases for family members wishing to gift part or cover all their loved one’s doula expenses. Everyone deserves non-judgmental support during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum! Don’t skip hiring a doula, plan for it!

 

Buy Secondhand Gear

 

Buying second-hand is a great way to get quality items at a fraction of the cost. Websites like eBay can help you find safe, gently used baby items like clothes, books, easy-to-clean toys, and cloth diapers. Many mothers recommend buying used maternity wear as well. Maternity clothing isn’t worn for very long, so it’s usually in pretty good shape. You may be able to save even more by purchasing whole sets of maternity wear from someone who matches your size and style. While buying used will help you save a lot of money on your gear, grab some eBay discount codes before shopping so you can maximize the savings.

 

If you buy used baby toys, check for recalls before buying. It’s also important to check whether you’re buying a knockoff product that does not meet American safety regulations. Certain baby items should never be bought used, including cribs, car seats, and strollers. The safety standards for these items are updated regularly, so you should always buy them new.

 

Sign Up for Free Samples

 

When you’re trying to save money, never pass up on free samples. For example, certain baby registries offer free stuff when you sign up. You can get free diapers by requesting samples from diaper companies or joining a rewards program. The same goes for baby formula, books, toys, and shampoo. You can even call your doctor’s office and ask them for samples — hospitals and doctor’s offices often receive free samples from all kinds of baby and pregnancy companies.

 

Create Baby Registries

 

Using baby registries is an excellent way for your friends and family to help you purchase the baby gear that you need. Just make sure you use these registries for items you would buy yourself — after all, every gift you get is something you don’t have to spend your own money on! After your due date, many stores will give you a coupon to buy anything that’s still left on your list. And if you get gifts that you don’t need, return them! You can use the store credit to buy essential items like wipes and diapers.

 

Use Cloth Diapers

 

Buying disposable diapers for your baby can cost you about $900 in the first year alone! While cloth diapers may require a little more work than their throw-away counterparts, they add up to some significant savings. According to Money Crashers, the total cost of cloth diapering a baby for three years can be as low as $600. Even the most expensive cloth diapers will save you money compared to using disposables. Not to mention the fact that you can reuse the same cloth diapers on future children and let the savings stack up even more!

 

Save on Diaper Bag Essentials

 

Any mother will tell you that a diaper bag stocked with essentials is a godsend when you’re out and about with your baby. According to Kindred Bravely, items such as hair ties, extra T-shirts and baby clothes, a wet bag, and hand sanitizer will essentially become tools of survival. However, these items can quickly add up if you’re not careful, so shop for items such as bobby pins, sanitizer, and hair ties at dollar stores. For everything else, try to buy in bulk whenever possible, which will help you save some cash in the long run.

 

Make Your Own Baby Food

 

Commercial baby food can be very expensive. Not only that, but the processed stuff usually contains additives such as preservatives, artificial sweeteners, and colors. Making your own baby food is easy, healthy, and cost-efficient — all you need to get started is a blender or food processor to puree your cooked fruits and vegetables. Check out this article from What to Expect to learn more about making baby food yourself.

 

Having a baby doesn’t have to drain your bank account. While finding deals and collecting free stuff can take time, many parents find that the savings are worth the trouble. After all, making smart financial choices now will help you secure your child’s future.