When we found out we were pregnant, my Husband & I had spent a lot for the pre-pregnancy APAS treatment. And we knew that we will be looking at an expensive pregnancy because of my treatments, medications and loads of doctors appointments. And true enough, that was what happened – all our extra money went to our Baby Fund. But even when we diverted our extra money to the Baby Fund, my medical expenses with the high-risk pregnancy was just over the roof. By the time we started buying baby items, we already decided not to splurge and be realistic in the non-essential expenses. Here are some helpful tips on how to save money before and after the baby arrives:
Tips on How To Save Money Before & After Baby
Cook Meals at Home
This is a no-brainer saving tip especially for people who like to order take-aways or food deliveries. As much as it is convenient to order food and just eat it when it is delivered, it does put a dent on the budget. Meal planning and cooking your own food will help save you some extra pesos.
Shop on Deals and During Sale
Since I got pregnant during the pandemic, we did not go out to buy baby items in the shops or in the malls. I bought all the baby items online and I made sure I hop on online shop deals, promos and sales. I listed the items I needed for the baby and added them to the cart. And when there was sale or promo that would either give me a discount, a cashback or free shipping, I’d grab it. I’d save or earn cashback from 5-15% or even more!
Buy Clothes that Grow With Your Baby
Make sure to buy clothes that your baby can grow in. Baby’s height and size changes rapidly, you do not want to buy clothes that he can only use once or twice until it gets tight on him. I never buy clothes at the age bracket my baby is at. That means I will not buy a 3-6 month baby clothes when my is 3 months old because it may mean using that garment 2 or maybe 3 months the most. Instead I would buy one or two size bigger so baby can grow into and can have a lot of use. You can size up or when buy clothes and allow him to wear it early within the age range recommended by the clothes.
Look for Second-hand Items
When family and friends tell you not to buy a lot of baby clothes because babies can outgrow them so fast – it’s true! Baby’s weight can change so fast you will find yourself with handful of clothes that was worn only once or thrice. Hence why you will see people decluttering and selling preloved baby clothes. Most of Koa’s baby clothes were hand-downs from his cousin and I would check for preloved items first before buying new ones if I can help it. Buying and using second-hand clothes will not only save money before & after baby but you will also help lessen unused clothes in the landfill.
Breastfeed Baby
Milk formula can be very expensive, especially if your child has certain dietary requirement or is sensitive to some milk formulas in the market. You might find buying a can or two just to feed your baby for a week. Breastfeeding can be time consuming and challenging in the first few weeks but it can be rewarding. Not only will you build a bond with your baby but you will also nourish him. Breastfeeding if of no extra cost, especially if you direct latch your baby every time he demands to be fed. But if you are planning to pump or expressed breast milk and store it for future use, you might need to shell out some money. There are different breast pumps in the market and depending on your needs and budget, you can totally find one that will help you build your breastmilk stash.
Use Cloth Diapers
One of the expenses to consider when having a baby is buying disposable diapers. A Newborn can consume 8-10 diapers a day and you will find yourself consuming a lot of diaper packs for your baby. One of the best way to save on this area is to use cloth diapers. The initial expense at buying cloth diapers may shock you but it will overall save you tons of cash reusing the cloth diapers over and over again than buying disposable ones.