When you’re a new parent, money is the last thing you want to worry about. The question of how you save cash on baby items has probably crossed your mind.
But the fact is, babies can be expensive! According to the survey from lendeu, on average, the cost of raising a baby in the first year is $13,186!
Although many of those costs come from the hospital, there are so many things you need to buy before your little one arrives – and it’s easy to go overboard and spend a fortune.
But don’t worry – we’re here to help. This blog post will give you ten tips for saving serious cash on baby items.
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Table of Contents
1) Buy Secondhand
One of the best ways to save cash on baby items is to buy second-hand.
You can find great deals on gently used baby clothes, furniture, toys, and more.
Just be sure to check for any damage or wear and tear before you buy.
You can visit flea markets, garage sales, or even online secondhand stores like ThredUP.
FB Marketplace, Etsy, and Kijiji are great places to look for second-hand baby items.
2) Join a Baby Equipment Rental Service
You can always rent baby gear if you’re not comfortable buying secondhand.
Plenty of companies offer baby equipment rental services, which can be a great way to get everything you need without spending a lot of money.
This is a great short-term solution if you do not plan on having more children.
You can also avoid the hassle of selling everything once your child outgrows it.
3) Use Coupons and Discount Codes
Whenever you’re shopping for baby items, be sure to look for coupons and discount codes.
You can often find great deals on baby gear by using these codes. So be sure to do your research before you buy anything!
There is no shame in using coupons. If it positions yourself and your family to be in a better financial outcome, it is actually quite a responsible thing to do.
4) Buy in Bulk
If you have the space, buying baby items in bulk can be helpful.
This way, you’ll always have a supply of diapers, wipes, and other essentials, and you’ll save money by buying in bulk.
You can buy these items in bulk in Costco, Sam’s Club, and Amazon. Just be sure to compare prices before you buy anything!
By buying in bulk, you are also saving time. The frequent trips to the store can be time-consuming, and the cost of gas to get there can really add up.
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When buying in bulk it is important to know how long it will take you to go through the items so that they do not expire before you have a chance to use them.
For example, if the bulk package of baby food expires in six months and you only have one child eating baby food, it will take you six months to go through the package.
If you wait too long, you will have wasted money on food that has gone bad.
Calculating the usage with the expiry date is important to get the most out of your bulk purchases.
5) Shop at Discount Stores
Discount stores like Target and Walmart often have great deals on baby gear. So if you’re looking to save money, check out these stores first.
These discount stores are usually available in most cities and towns.
Discount stores also carry many generic brands, saving you even more money.
They have some cute items that don’t cost an arm and a leg. Remember that your baby will grow fast, whether you like the thought of it or not.
You shouldn’t spend too much on clothes your baby will only wear for a few months.
6) Join a Baby Registry
Another great way to save money on baby items is to join a baby registry. This way, friends and family can purchase items for you at a discount.
Plus, many registry programs offer freebies and other perks for parents-to-be.
A baby registry works by creating a list of items you need, and then people can purchase these items for you.
The great thing about this is that you can add items from any store – not just the one where the registry is located.
7) Wait for Sales
If you can be patient, it’s always best to wait for sales before buying baby gear to help you save cash on baby items.
You can often find great deals on everything from strollers to car seats if you’re willing to wait for a sale.
This can be unrealistic for items such as diapers, baby food, and formula, but for big-ticket items, it’s worth the wait!
8) Negotiate Effectively
Don’t be afraid to negotiate when you’re buying baby items. Try asking for a discount if you see something that’s a little out of your price range.
Many stores are willing to negotiate, and you may be able to get the item for less than you originally thought.
One way to negotiate effectively when buying baby items is to offer to pay in cash. This way, the store doesn’t have to pay any credit card fees and may be willing to give you a lower price.
You can also try negotiating for a bundle deal.
For example, if you’re buying a stroller, see if the store will throw in a free car seat or diaper bag. This is often a great way to get more bang for your buck!
9) Ask Friends & Family for Help
If you’re struggling to afford everything your baby needs, don’t hesitate to ask for help.
Friends and family members often pitch in and purchase items for you.
So if you’re feeling overwhelmed, reach out and ask for help!
Even if they can not afford to lend or give cash to you, they might have some baby items that are no longer in use.
Items such as a baby crib, clothes, or stroller can be reused. If you are uncomfortable asking for money, this is a great way to get what you need without spending anything.
You can take it a step further by promising you will attempt to sell it and give the profit back to them when you no longer need the item.
This is a great way to get what you need without spending any money upfront and save cash on baby items.
Cash Saving Strategy #10 – Join a Rewards Program
Many stores offer rewards programs that can save you money on baby gear.
For example, Target’s REDcard program offers a five percent discount on all purchases.
So if you’re a frequent shopper, it’s worth signing up for one of these programs!
Conclusion
By following these tips, you can save serious cash on baby items. So don’t be afraid to shop around and look for deals – your wallet will thank you in the end!
Whether from family, friends, a rewards program, or even a garage sale, getting what you need for your baby doesn’t have to be expensive.
Having a baby can be stressful, so make sure to bookmark this page to ensure you are financially prepared when your little one arrives.
If you are already caring for a baby, you can begin saving money immediately by following these strategies.
For more tips on saving money, check out other articles on this website!
Disclaimer:
We hope the information in this article provides valuable insights to every reader but we, the Biesingers, are not financial advisors. When making your personal finance decisions, research multiple sources and/or receive advice from a licensed professional. As always, we wish you the best in your pursuit of financial independence!
