Ways to save money when you have a child are not so hard to come up with as you think. It cost money to have a child, of course, but there are some ways to save money when you have a baby. So if you are expecting a baby, keep on reading!
Table of contents:
- Wait before buying
- Breastfeed your newborn
- Your baby doesn’t need everything
- Use cloth diapers
- Get on government-assisted programs
- Get a good health insurance plan
- Save on childcare
- Use used items
1. Wait before buying
If it’s your first child, chances are, you’re going to get lots of presents! When your baby is born, your relatives and friends will bring some presents to the hospital as well! And don’t forget that grandparents like to spoil their grandchildren. So wait before buying baby items to see what you receive from others!
2. Breastfeed your newborn
If you are able to breastfeed your baby, it’s great! You will not only save on formula and bottles but also health benefits for you and your newborn both are wonderful. When your baby is born, think of breastfeeding first!
3. Your baby doesn’t need everything
Don’t think that your child needs all gadgets on the market! The thing is that baby markets are designed to make young moms believe that they must buy all products advertised in order to raise their babies. In fact, a baby needs very little. Ask some moms who have more than one baby which things they used and which did not.
4. Use cloth diapers
There are many advantages of using cloth diapers. With modern technology, cloth diapers are efficient and easy to use, and not so much work for moms. If you use cloth diapers you will save $400-$600 per year, so it’s definitely worth a try!
5. Get on government-assisted programs
If your family lives on a very low income, you need to look into government-assisted programs! For example, WIC is a program that helps with food and baby formula for moms who don’t earn a lot of money. Plus, you can apply for food stamps.
6. Get a good health insurance plan
Perhaps the most expensive parts of having a child are the hospital, pediatrician, and numerous doctor bills. As soon as you find out you’re expecting a baby or before you get pregnant, make sure you get a good health insurance plan. If you don’t have a good insurance plan, you might be stuck paying big bills for a really long time!
7. Save on childcare
After your baby is born, and it’s time for you to go back to work, it is extremely difficult to find a place you feel comfortable leaving your baby with. One of the best tips is to talk to your family members. Maybe one of them can help you out. Ask them if they could charge you a low rate or offer babysitting swaps.
8. Use used items
Most moms get squeamish when the used things are brought up. However, you can find cheap and really good, name-brand items, and it’s not as bad an idea as you might think! Just make sure you wash and sanitize everything you buy. You can also ask your family members and friends for some things from their own babies.
Do you know any other ways to save money when you have a baby? Share your thoughts, please!
