Having a family can be expensive, but these handy tips will help you to save money where it matters most.
Household Finances
Have a look through your finances, and make sure you are not being overcharged for subscriptions or old insurance policies you no longer use.
Check your household bills such as gas, water and electricity and run the figures through a comparison or switch site to see if you could be saving money.
Ensure that you are paying the best rates for your financial products such as credit cards, mortgage and loan and switch to a better rate if you can.
Breastfeed
Breastfeed for as long as possible, if you can. You won’t be buying formula and will have zero cost for feeding your little one until it’s time for weaning!
Baby Classes
When looking at baby classes, like baby massage, swimming or signing, opt to try the course before you commit to a full term of classes so you can make sure it’s something you and your little one enjoy.
Homemade Baby Food
Around six months, when it’s time to wean your baby, consider making your food from scratch. You can puree and steam your little one’s food in bulk and freeze it, so it’s always to hand when you need it. There are some fabulous homemade weaning recipes online! Invest in some reusable and recyclable pouches for when you are out and about with your little one.
Online Baby Clubs
Become part of an online community of like-minded people who are also mums by joining an online baby club. Pregnant, just given birth or raising a toddler, you’ll get invaluable advice and tips and be first to see offers, discounts and competitions first.
Baby Essentials
Make a shortlist of the essential baby ‘stuff’ that you’ll need as soon as your little one arrives. This way, you won’t get caught up in too much pregnancy excitement and buy expensive things you don’t need.
Read reviews and take advice from friends and online communities who will give you honest advice about what you do and don’t need.
You can cut longer-term costs by buying a cot-bed that grows with your child rather than a cot that your little one will outgrow.
Instead of buying several prams, strollers, and pushchairs, buy a multi-functional travel system that grows with your child over the first few years.
Toiletries and Nappies
Buy non-branded items much cheaper from supermarkets and online retailers. Most of these will have bulk buy special offers that change regularly.
Using reusable nappies, baby wipes and nipple pads, you could save a lot of money in the first year or two.
Free Baby Stuff
Keep an eye on websites that offer freebies for young and new families. These sort of sites are updated regularly, and you can get some great discounts, offers and access to exclusive competitions.
Buy Second-Hand
Join local online selling sites or keep an eye out for local baby sales. See if friends are giving away old baby gear, maternity clothes and baby clothes. You could then, in turn, pass them to a friend in need when you’ve finished with them too.
Never buy a second-hand car seat. You can’t be sure of its history and if its involvement in an accident.
Tell People What You Need
Family and friends always buy gifts for parents and the baby once your little one has arrived. Please don’t be shy and tell them precisely what you need to avoid disappointment and duplication.
Cheap Activities
Look out online and locally for subsidised or free family days out, and make sure you join your local church playgroup. It’s a great way to meet other mums in your area and usually only costs a couple of pounds.
Baby Clothes
Babies grow quickly and can go up sizes in clothing quicker than you expect. Keep the tags on gifted clothing so that you can return and upsize if you need to. Most baby gifts include the smallest size of clothing, so don’t buy too many items yourself in this size.
