5 Ways to Save Money as a Mom
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I still remember the overwhelm I felt trying to put together my baby registry. I'm a pretty frugal person, so the thought of registering for something I didn't need and wasting a friend or family member's hard-earned money had me feeling stressed. I felt like I needed to make every decision for my child's first 5 years of life. What toys would my baby actually play with? Which bedding would help her actually sleep at night? Was I prioritizing the right things and choosing items at an appropriate cost?
Since having my two kids 15 months apart, I’ve learned a fair bit about what you will and won’t need for your baby and how to save money when trying to decide. After reading these strategies I hope you will feel confident and equipped to select only the necessary items.
Don't buy it until you need it
The amount of marketing directed toward tired desperate moms angers me. Some of the items out there are truly ridiculous. Wipe warmers? Baby-food blenders? Are we serious people?
If you end up needing something quickly, you can likely order it with one-day shipping. I saved a ton of money by being sceptical of all the baby items and waiting to see if we would need it.
Wait until you wish for an item several times
I know everyone says this, but I couldn't believe how fast my daughter's first year of life went. Each stage of a baby's life is that - a stage. By the time you get it down pat, they've completely changed the game.
When my son was born, I was tempted to buy another baby carrier. I already owned a structured carrier and a wrap, but I borrowed my sister-in-law's sling and really liked it. I debated buying one for myself, but within a few weeks, he was out of the constant-baby-wearing phase I never wished for one again after spending one week wondering if I should purchase one.
Buy fewer clothes than you think you need
No one can decide how many baby clothes you will personally need. I don’t know your laundry habits! But with the speed of online orders these days, you can start small and have more on your doorstep within a week if need be.
I thought I started with a small amount, but even what I bought felt like way too much when my babies grew quickly and blew through sizes! I found no need for more than one or two "cute" outfits in 3-month and 6-month sizes. My babies wore a lot of sleepers for convenience. Personally, I didn't buy any newborn clothes since I was expecting big babies.
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Shop secondhand
I’m confident enough moms in your area fell for all the marketing tactics so you don’t have to! Once their baby grows out of an item or outfit, it’ll be up for sale gently used.
Even if buying clothes secondhand weirds you out, check your local buy and sells and second-hand stores for gently used baby gear or clothes with the tags still on. Many times, I’ve found people selling items new in the box or with tags still on.
Borrow from a friend
If you have friends who recently finished having kids, or are taking a break from having kids, there’s a good chance they have baby gear they’re done with. My husband and I were insanely blessed by our community loaning and gifting to us.
Don’t be afraid to ask other mamas if they have items to loan out/sell. Some friends may be happy to make a few extra bucks or see those sentimental items getting more use from a baby they love.
Conclusion
I know it's tough trying to decide what you do and don't need to raise a baby. Don't be intimidated by all the crazy marketing tactics. Start with less than you think, and give yourself permission to change your mind. I hope these strategies will serve you well as you make smart spending decisions.
5 Baby Items You DON’T Need
Making these decisions can feel so darn overwhelming, am I right?! Let me take a few items off your list by sharing 5 things I NEVER bought for my babies and honestly didn’t miss. I’ve made a list of those items plus the ONLY 5 items you actually NEED, and I’d love to send it your way!
