Having a new baby is one of the most expensive things you will ever do. It makes buying a lovely house look like a budget affair. With a home, you save up a down payment. After signing a one-inch stack of papers, you pay a monthly mortgage for the next 30 years or until you get tired of it and sell it to the next person.
Have a baby, and you sign surprisingly few papers. But you pay for pre and post-natal care, a good therapist, and everything associated with keeping a person alive and healthy for 18 years, sometimes more. No backsies.
Don’t worry, expecting moms. But you will have to be prepared to do battle with the budget. Whatever you think it costs, double it, then double it again.
Here are a few tips that will ensure having a baby will not break the bank:
Buy Second-hand
Let’s face it—most of us always wear “used” clothes. The moment you put something on or wash it even once, it’s no longer brand-new. That perspective makes it much easier to ditch the ick factor regarding second-hand clothes. And honestly, your baby has yet to learn whether their outfit is new or used. If you decide to splurge on something brand-new, consider reselling it later to help fund your next baby purchase. Babies grow so fast that they’ll outgrow their clothes long before they wear them out!
Create a Baby Registry
Use a registry to get essentials as gifts. Focus on practical items you genuinely need.
Skip the Brands
Other babies won’t care if your little one isn’t rocking designer clothes. It’s totally possible to skip the name-brand obsession! Instead, ask yourself these simple questions:
• Does it look good on your baby?
• Is it comfortable?
• Does it fit your budget?
These are easy, no-brainer questions. If you’re tempted by name brands, avoid stores that carry them. Quality isn’t the top concern—babies outgrow their outfits way before they wear them out.
And this isn’t just about baby clothes. While a few things are worth splurging on, most items don’t need a fancy label. Brands are often just marketing hype, and many are knockoffs of pricier things most of us can’t afford anyway. Save yourself the stress (and the cash) by focusing on what matters!
Borrow or Share Baby Gear
Borrow items from friends or family, like bassinets, swings, and carriers. These items are often only needed briefly, so sharing makes sense.
Use Free Resources
Take advantage of free parenting classes, library story hours, and community baby gear swaps.
Join Loyalty Programs
Sign up for loyalty programs and coupons at baby stores and brands like Pampers or Huggies.
Plan Ahead
Stock up on diapers, wipes, and other essentials when they’re on sale.
Use Multi-Functional Items
Look for gear that grows with your baby, like convertible cribs or car seats.
Resell What You Don’t Need
Once your baby outgrows items, sell them to make back some money for the next stage.
By focusing on what’s necessary and being resourceful, you can keep your baby’s budget manageable while providing everything your little one needs!