Sign Up for Baby Registries
Baby registries are a great way of organising the nursing items you’ll need to prepare once the baby comes out. This will give your friends and family an idea of which gifts you’ll need the most to lower your expenses.
These are often handled by stores and can be done online or by a physical registry. Most registries come with great perks, such as:
- Discounts
- Free returns
- Price matching of items for cheaper costs
- A box of baby freebies
We recommend giving this a go. It’ll help ease the tension of shopping for your baby and make it more stress-free and fun.
Consider Getting a Diaper Fund
While we’re on baby registries, did you know that you could also sign up for a diaper fund? If your chosen baby registry comes with this feature, we say go!
Baby diapers are one of the all-too-familiar wallet drainers you’re bound to run into once you have your baby. Setting up a diaper fund can help you save tons of money since it can ease your diaper worries.
It can also be a great way to separate the money you allot for the baby from your daily expenses. The best part is that you can also use these donations on other baby essentials.
Take Advantage of Your Company’s Maternity Benefits
If you’re a working soon-to-be mom, ask about the various maternity benefits your workplace offers. After all, it’s your right, and they’ll undoubtedly come in handy once you’ve had your baby.
It may not be easy at first, but taking time away from work will make it easier to focus on your needs and those of your baby. It’ll also give you the rest you deserve while still having a stable source of income.
Be sure to consult your HR or employer in advance to avoid confusion. It also pays to have a good relationship with them as they can extend your benefits.
Ask for Extra Baby Supplies From the Hospital
Once you’re cleared to leave the hospital, don’t hesitate to ask to take some baby supplies with you. Most of them voluntarily offer baby supplies upon discharge, but there’s no harm in taking home some extra goodies.
Going through pregnancy and labour is hard enough, so there’s nothing wrong with taking all the help you can get. Every penny counts, and you’ll be grateful for the money you’ll save from buying extra baby supplies.
You can also ask if you can take some essential baby items from your hospital room’s cabinet, which usually include:
- A thermometer
- Diapers
- Disposable feeding bottles
- A nasal aspirator
- Alcohol swabs
- Swaddling cloths
Look for Free Parks and Playgrounds Near You
Try not to go overboard with toys and indoor playgrounds for your baby, as those could eat away at your wallet. Instead, look for free local parks and playgrounds near your home.
Not only will this save you tons of money, but it’ll also give you and the family some excellent outdoor bonding time. In addition, it’s always good for babies to spend time exploring the outside world than being stuck at home all the time.
Use Excess Breast Milk for Baby Baths
Do you have leftover breast milk from your last nursing session? Well, don’t let them go to waste! You can store them and use them later to give your baby a milk bath.
Giving your baby a milk bath can keep their skin healthy and nourished. Moreover, milk baths are proven to be helpful against the following skin conditions:
- Diaper rashes
- Insect bites
- Acne
- Eczema
Not only is it beneficial for your baby, but it also doesn’t require much effort. All you have to do is replace baby soap with about 150 to 300 mL of breast milk.
Remember this the next time you consider buying baby bath products. It’s organic and free!
Make Your Baby Food
Are you in that phase where you’re slowly introducing different kinds of food for your baby? Making your baby food at home is one of the best money-saving hacks for this stage.
All you need is a blender, some fruits and vegetables, and some plain cooked chicken breasts. Start with one food item before combining textures and flavours.
Gone are when you have to spend extra on artificial baby food. Yet, the most significant advantage is that you don’t have to worry about feeding your baby preservatives. You can rest easy knowing that you’re providing your baby with healthy foods rich in nutrients and minerals to help boost and maintain your baby’s growth and development.
Conclusion
Preparing for a baby is a huge deal and can sometimes be stressful. However, it’s essential to know you’re not alone and can always seek help from friends, family, and even the internet.
During this stage of your life, you must save as much as possible, which is why you must also learn practical ways to prepare for a newborn. The last thing you want to do is get lost in all the excitement and buy the stuff you don’t need and won’t ever use.
There are many ways to ensure our baby gets what they need as we raise them, and it doesn’t always have to be pricey. We know it’s tough being a parent, but seeing them smile, even just a bit, will make it all worth it.
