Ways to Save for  New Baby

EEEKKK that second little line come up on the pregnancy test – wonderful news.  But how can you afford it!!!  Knowing how to budget is a must – especially now that a family is arriving.  Here are some excellent tips on ways to save for that new little person in your life!

1. Buy secondhand gear and clothes.

Beg, borrow and steal from your childbearing friends.  It’s like a club – they give stuff to you, and when they go back for seconds, you pass stuff on to them.  Win Win!

2. Don’t Buy Everything You Think You Need

Babies are fussy when it comes to formula, dummies, bottle teats etc.  So don’t go crazy – buy one or two things – and wait – otherwise it’s just a great big waste of money.  My boys would only ever use the $1 el-cheapo big ball dummies…. the fancy ones didn’t work at all.  So wait!

3. Only Buy ONE box of newborn disposables (if your going that way!)

Babies come in all shapes and sizes and if you somehow deliver a 10 pounder whopper of a baby – they won’t fit into newborn nappies for very long!  Plus babies grow at an alarming rate – so get one box and see how you go!

4. Breastfeed as long as possible.

Because it’s free!  Only if you can!

5. Request Formula Samples from the Chemist or Hospital

As I mentioned before, some babies are really fussy when it comes to formula, and formula is not cheap – and once it’s opened it only lasts thirty days before it has to be chucked…. samples are wonderful because you can see what bubs will prefer.

6.  Research, Research, Research

Research is essential to make sure you know which products give you the most bang for your buck. Once you’ve made your decision, try and get your item secondhand, try Ebay or Gumtree or the local classifieds.  Place a ‘Wanted’ ad.

7. Buy in bulk

You know you’ll need lots of some things (like baby shampoo, bunny rugs, cot sheets etc). If you have the storage space, stock up to save cash.

8. Make your own baby food.

When baby starts to eat solids, toss cooked veggies into the blender with a bit of liquid, and save the meals in ice trays — the money you’ll save makes it worth the extra effort. We will be starting a baby food section on the website this year so stay tuned!

9.  Don’t Buy Expensive Toys

Babies are fickle creatures.  They prefer boxes and wrapping paper, your car keys or the cat.  Buy simple yet colourful objects that they can suck and make noises – it’s all they really want!

10. Go Without a Change Table (unless you get one for free!)

Many shops now stock a foam changer with raised edges so bubs doesn’t fall – place this on your bed and change baby there.  They wipe clean easily and cost about $15.  Best of all, when your finished with them they can be stored under a bed or in a cupboard.

11. Do Freezer Cooking

New babies mean you will be tired and your partner will be tired.  Start cooking weeks before baby is born and stock your freezer with easy to reheat meals.  We have written a book on just that subject!  Click Here!

12.  Hire, Don’t Buy

Did you know that baby capsules are the safest form of transport for babies six months and under – but they cost a bomb!  For $50 for six months – you can HIRE one from your local ambulance station, and they will fit it properly for you.  A lot of Toy Worlds now do the same thing.  It gives you time to save up for a normal car seat when baby turns six months!

13. Buy generic and less expensive brands.

Does baby’s label really make a difference? She’ll only be in that onesie for a few months, so resist the urge to splurge.

14. Get a belly band (or 10)

This awesome invention (a stretchy band you wear around your waist) will keep you in your pre-pregnancy pants much longer, saving money on maternity clothes. They come in lots of wonderful colours, and are terrific for after baby is born when you still look a bit preggers – they help keep that belly tucked in and make you feel trimmer!  (I lived in belly bands!)

15. Borrow maternity clothes.

You only wear them for a few weeks — find a friend who’s willing to pass hers along.  Another good idea is to just buy normal clothes in larger sizes or ‘stretchy’ clothes if you are comfortable in a fitted look – and pass these on too!

16. Put Babies Baby Clothes Away for Future Babies

Wash the clothes and bag them in a zip-lock bag with the size written on the front.  Store them in a dark cupboard and provided they are sealed well, they will be perfect for when the next baby comes along.  If your not having any more – pass them on or donate them to charity.

17. Try Working From Home

We have a whole section on the website on jobs you can do from home with the kids, so you can stay home with the baby for longer, after all it is the most important thing in the whole world!

18. Get Good Health Insurance at least a Year Before Baby

Health Insurance in Australia will make you wait a year before covering pregnancy.  So if you want to go to that swanky maternity hospital – wait a few months before trying to conceive.

19. Hold out for the Baby Shower

Remember that if someone throws you a baby shower, you’ll likely wind up with lots of outfits, toys, and maybe even gear. The point? Don’t stock up ahead of time. You or your partner can always hit the stores afterward to grab anything else you need.