Money Saving Tips For New Moms

We’re starting a new series at A Cultivated Nest on money saving tips for new moms (you can see the whole series by clicking the link) and we’re delighted to have Jess as a contributor! Here are her 10 Frugal Ways To Prepare For Baby.

When a couple first finds out they are pregnant, lots of things run through their mind. One of the top things is “how will we afford this baby?” Okay, some couples don’t need to worry about that, but some do! If you are in the game of prepping for your baby, here are 10 frugal ways to go about it.

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Money Saving Tips For New Moms

Part 1 – 10 Frugal Ways To Prepare For Baby

#1. Realize you don’t need everything: After having 4 kids, I finally realize that I do not need everything and the kitchen sink in order to prep for baby. In fact, you save a lot of money by only buying what you really need versus buying what you want.
#2. Second hand baby store: As an adult, I’m not a huge fan of thrift stores for myself, but second hand thrift baby stores are like a gold mine. People don’t need the stuff so they sell it to consignment shops and it’s hardly used. One of my favorite second hand baby stores is Once Upon a Child.
#3. Prepare to make your own baby food: While you are prepping for baby, get it out of your mind that you will buy store bought baby food, it’s way overpriced. Start thinking about how you will make your own. I will be sharing some recipes that I use in this series on money saving tips for new moms!
#4. Swap baby clothes: There are actually swapping groups on Facebook that allow you to swap for baby clothes. You can get awesome baby stuff and only pay for shipping.
#5. Have a baby shower: Having a baby is expensive and your friends and family realize this. One of the best ways we were able to prep for our babies is with a baby shower. I was so thankful for everything I got because I knew that every little thing would help.
#6. Skip the name brand diapers: I have 3 boys and 1 girl and one thing I’ve noticed is that name brand diapers don’t always matter. I’ve used almost every “name brand” out there and I think diapers from the Dollar store work just as well as Pampers.
#7. Breastfeeding is truly a money saver:  In my experience, it is the most frugal way to save money as a new mom. You don’t have to worry about stocking up on tons of bottles (unless you are going back to work). I don’t use a pump, bottles, or anything. Maybe I’m a weird breastfeeding mom though. I think most of that stuff is over-commercialized, just like toys and baby products. So if you are able, give breast feeding a try!
#8. Borrow from another family: The cool thing about most baby products is that they will last through several babies. You don’t have to necessarily buy everything you need; you can consider borrowing as well.
#9. Make some of your own stuff: If you are well-versed at sewing, consider making some of your own stuff. When you can sew, you can make bibs, baby clothes, baby blankets, and even cloth diapers. The options are endless and a great way to be frugal about prepping for baby.
#10. Stockpile food in your freezer: I think one of the most expensive things that happened after a baby, for me, was buying food. One of the most frugal ways to prepare for baby is to stockpile food in your freezer. Make as many meals ahead of time as you can, so you’re not stuck wasting your money at fast food restaurants because everyone is too tired to cook.

Being frugal about prepping for baby is a smart move. You can waste so much money just trying to buy everything your baby needs. However, in reality, your baby doesn’t really need all of that stuff. I hope that these 10 tips help you prepare for your new baby, and congratulations!

About Jess:

In 2010 I graduated from Bethel College in Mishawaka, Indiana with a degree in Elementary Education. It was so hard to find a job, but I ended up working as a developmental therapist for about 9 months. I was also pregnant with our second child and I wanted to be home with my two boys. Well, fast forward 5+ years and here I am still writing. We’ve also welcomed two more children into our family. My husband and I have been married for 8.5 years, we tied the knot in 2007. My family is a huge reason why I work from home as a copywriter. I love the flexibility and everything that goes along with being self-employed. However, I also am very self-motivated and I enjoy a good challenge. If you think you’d love to work with me in 2016, I’d love to have you contact me at [email protected].

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