Guest post from Heather of Happy Humble Home:
Becoming a mom is exciting for so many reasons. You created a person! Life doesn't get much more amazing than that.
But being a new mom can also be challenging for your finances.
There's a new person in your family. And that person is going to need some stuff! Between diapers, nursery supplies, and all the adorable baby outfits, the cost of your new bundle of joy can really add up.
These 5 easy ways to save money as a new mom will help you to stop stressing about costs and focus on the important things – like snuggling with your little one!
1. Graciously accept hand-me-downs.
Hand-me-downs are a win-win for everyone involved.
Moms love to pass their gently used baby stuff on to new moms. They have paid for baby items that may have only been used a few times and they love for those things to get used again for another child in their lives. And the mom receiving the hand-me-downs gets free baby stuff!
Except for a few special outfits, all of my 5 month old's clothes are hand-me-down. Some close friends of ours were moving away and gave us all of their baby boy clothes from newborn to 2T. The clothes were beautiful and barely used! I was so excited that I was raving to a friend about it and that reminded her that she had a bunch of baby clothes she was hanging on to and she offered me hers too.
Another close friend of mine passed down her Ergo 360! That saved me $180 that I was able to spend on something else I needed for my little guy.
This doesn't mean that you have to go around asking your friends and family for their leftover baby goods. Just casually mention that you're so grateful for the hand-me-downs you've received and I'll bet you end up with a closet full of previously-loved baby loot.
2. Buy used.
If you aren't able to collect enough hand-me-down baby clothes, buying used is the next best thing. There are many consignment and thrift stores dedicated to recycling baby items. Even if you don't generally buy used in other areas of your life, used baby clothes are the way to go!
Just think about how quickly babies outgrown their clothing. Many outfits only get worn once or twice. So, many of the clothes in these second-hand stores are really almost new.
You will probably find a ton of other hardly-used treasures in your local thrift stores as well. From baby carriers to strollers, or even baby swings, the possibilities are endless!
3. Buy in bulk
Think about all those baby things that you feel like you're using a million of. Those are the things you should be buying in bulk.
Diapers, wipes, and formula are a good place to start. But don't stop there! Think about household supplies that you use every day and go through quickly, like laundry detergent, too.
There is a larger upfront cost to buy the bulk sized item but over time you'll have significant savings.
Buying in bulk will also mean less shopping trips, which is always a big perk for a new mama who is adjusting to shopping with baby in tow.
4. Take advantage of rewards programs
There are so many rewards programs out there! From diapers to formula, and even baby clothes, there is a rewards program for just about everything you buy for baby.
Huggies and Pampers both have rewards programs that let you earn you free diapers just for entering a little code that comes inside your diaper box.
Similac and Enfamil both send you free boxes of formula in the mail when you sign up for their rewards, plus you get great money saving coupons in the mail.
There are several baby clothing stores that offer valuable rewards programs too. Carter's, Gymboree, and The Children's Place all over rewards once you spend a certain amount.
If you're buying all those baby supplies without participating in the rewards program, you are missing out on free baby stuff that could save you tons!
5. Think long-term.
When you're deciding on those big-ticket baby items, think about how you will repurpose to reuse them in the future.
If you're planning to have more children, you want to be able to keep using those big items again for all your future little ones.
So, aim to purchase quality products in gender neutral designs.
Of course, there's no rule that says you can't use a pink crib for a boy. But you are much more likely to actually reuse things that are gender neutral.
Stick with grey, white, aqua, red, or yellow. These colors usually work regardless of the child's gender.
You also want to consider ways that you can reuse a baby product for the same child.
Many baby products are convertible and can grow with your child, like cribs, strollers, and car seats. The initial investment in these items is a little higher, but they'll save you in the long run when you don't have to replace something that your child has quickly grown out of.
Now start saving!
These money-saving strategies can definitely bring you huge savings – but only if you actually use them! Soon, you'll be enjoy being a new mom without having to stress over how much it costs.
Heather is the founder of Happy Humble Home, where she helps women take control of their finances and have fun being frugal. Heather struggled financially for years before she finally learned how to save money without suffering. Now, she is passionate about sharing her frugal tips with women who need them.
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