10 money-saving tips for parents of new babies: Secrets from Savvy Moms

I think we all agree that having children is a very expensive venture. No matter how much money you have, or how disciplined you are with money, babies can be costly.

Below are some of the best money-saving tips from savvy moms while preparing for a baby. Read over the tips and share your own ways you saved below in the comments. 

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you click-through and make a purchase. For more information, see my disclosures here.

1. Breastfeed (if you can)

Breastfeeding is the recommended main source of nourishment to babies up to 6 months by CDC . It reduces the risk of certain health conditions, is superior nutrition, breast milk is sterile and cheap.

Compared to baby formula that costs several hundred dollars a month depending on the brand.

During pregnancy, find your breastfeeding organizations in your area. Find out whether they do home visits, or telephone consultation free of charge.

Inquire whether your hospital free breastfeeding advice over the phone. Lactation consultants cost up to $100 per consultation depending on where you live. 

Ask your nurse/midwife/doctor where and how much it will cost you to borrow a breast pump in case you need it. 

Buy at least two baby bottles in the beginning. Fay said she bought many brand name bottles, but her baby girl preferred the cheap types.

Unfortunately, not all moms can breastfeed their babies due to various reasons.

Related: 19 Awesome Breastfeeding Tips For First Time Moms

2.  Use clothes diapers for money-saving baby tips

Marla opted for clothes diapers. They seemed costly initially, but they are cheaper in the long run. She is planning on using the same ones on her subsequent children.

There is no worrying about harmful ingredients in cloth diapers.

If you settle for disposable diapers, buy them in bulk. It is slightly uncomfortable to carry those huge packs from the store, but you save lots of money along the way.  Purchase them online, have them delivered to your home.

Ruby stockpiled disposable diapers in different sizes and wipes. She bought a pack of two packs of diapers every week once she hit the last trimester.

Once Ruby confirmed she was pregnant with twins, she put aside $30-ish each week for disposable diapers.

By the time the twins were born, she had a diaper fund. She cannot emphasize enough how it helped them as a family during the times’ money was tight.

Skylar waited until Target had good deals for baby items. She bought diapers that babies had outgrown from Facebook Marketplace, stockpiled up to two years’ worth of diapers.

Chelsea only registered for clothes diapers at her baby registry.

Stockpile different diaper brands in case your baby gets a skin reaction from one brand, you switch to the next brand.

3. Buy baby clothes from thrift and outlet stores

Marian saved a lot of money by buying baby clothes from thrift and outlet stores. This is a smart way to save money because babies do not wear clothes long enough. You find gently used clothes at thrift stores and unused brand clothes at outlet stores in your area.

You will be amazed at the good quality clothes you find an outlet and consignment stores. Babies grow up very fast, buy larger sizes.

4. Save, save and save for the unexpected

Save, save and save money for the unexpected scenario. Rose was suddenly put on bed rest, had a complicated delivery which ended in an emergency cesarean section. Her baby needed an extended stay in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

Although her insurance company covered the hospital costs, the gas for driving back and forth added up quickly. In addition, the meals nor lodging for the spouse at the NICU was offered.

All these things added up with weeks-long hospital stays.

Have a dedicated money fund, put all the small change and pennies at the end of the day in it. You will be amazed at how quickly money adds up, use it to spend on hospital bills and baby items.

Related: 5 insanely simple finance apps that organize & save you money in minutes

5. Ask for formula samples

It is estimated that you can save more than $1000 on baby “essentials” using comparison sites like scopeprice to check out baby items before deciding on what to buy.

Manufacturers give formula samples to doctors and maternity centers, as a way of advertising their business.  Ask your doctor for formula samples the next time you go for your antenatal appointment. 

Emily received samples of baby lotion, disposable diapers, baby wash and a nice hold it all bag at the hospital. She asked the nurse at the maternity unit for samples before she was discharged.

Carol signed up with formula companies Similac, Enfamil, Gerber, and Costco. These sent her samples and coupons all the time.

Carol also received so many samples and coupons she was able to give the rest to other moms in need. She is forever grateful for the checks she received. She also got formula and nutritional support as an expectant mother from Women Infants and Children (W.I.C) find out if you qualify.

Try generic formula samples too; legally they must meet the same nutrition and quality standards as the brand names. Just in case your baby needs the special formula brand, inquire whether your insurance company covers that.

6. Avoid hospital add-ons

Hospital private rooms can upwards of $500 daily depending on where you give birth. Opt for a shared room instead.

Jessica saved $ 3000 by sharing a room with another mom when a complicated delivery required her to stay for 9 days at the hospital. You are there only for a few days anyway. 

7. Do not rush to buy nursing and maternity wardrobe.

Wait until you are committed to breastfeeding before you invest in nursing tops. Stacey spent over $200 on nursing tops and bras, only to give up breastfeeding 2 weeks later.  

The same goes for the maternity wardrobe. Maternity jeans are quite costly. Check out your thrift stores and Facebook Marketplace for secondhand maternity wardrobe.

8. Test drive the stroller before buying. 

Leni found out the hard way, her $600 stroller was huge, wasn’t easy to maneuver around, difficult to collapse. She abandoned it, purchased another one. 

9. Make your own baby food.

Leah made all her baby food at home, using free online baby food recipes. She saved hundreds of dollars in 2 years. Invest in a hand blender, mash-up some ripe banana, zucchini, and squash.

10. No need for the expensive changing table.

Invest in a changing mat, change your baby’s diaper on your bed. You will save a lot of money, within a few months, it is nearly impossible to change baby’s diaper up on the table because of all the wriggling anyway.

Read: 30+ Legitimate was moms make extra money from home

 Pearl is a wife to an awesome husband and working mom of two wonderful children ages 11 & 5.  Mom Idea Blog was created to share ideas to encourage moms in their journey of motherhood. Her topics focus on Parenting, Finances, Food& Drink, Body & Mind and Reading Corner. It’s all about hustle and balance! Find Pearl at Facebook, Pinterest, & Mix.