5 Ways To Prepare For Baby On A Budget

5 ways to prepare for baby on a budget

You just found out you are pregnant, how fantastic! While finding out you are expecting is a blessing, it can also be overwhelming. Financial stress is known to negatively affect pregnancy, so let?s focus on positive ideas to keep the bill down to a minimum with these 5 ways to prepare for baby on a budget.

First, you want to start your research online. This can be done in the comfort of your own home, which is convenient for the mamas who are experiencing the joys of morning sickness, or are just very tired overall. There are many different coupon blogs and Facebook pages out there and you can find one that displays matchups with stores close to your home. Look for deals on diapers, wipes, bottles, pacifiers or anything that can be stocked up for months. By using coupons, you can buy a few packs of diapers at lower cost every week until the baby is born. While you are online, sign up for freebies from major baby brands like Gerber, Similac or Enfamil. They send care packages and valuable coupons right to your doorstep.

When you have more energy, go treasure hunting! That’s right, garage sales in neighborhoods close to a day care center or elementary school are usually full of baby gear items at very low prices. Yes, you will have to wake up early on a Saturday morning to get the best goodies before they are gone, but when you are on a budget, every penny saved counts. Thrift stores are also a gold mine worth exploring for maternity and baby clothes, books and toys. They usually have awesome sales during weekdays ($0.50 items!) or once a month (like the Goodwill or Salvation Army).

Another thing you can do to save money is regularly check the clearance section of your favorite baby store or major retailer. You can find car seats, strollers, high chairs or playpens that have been returned by other customers. Since the box was opened, they won?t sell it at full retail price, so their loss is your gain!

Are you crafty and creative? There are many things you can do yourself that can save you a major amount of money. Think about making your own baby laundry soap or baby shampoo by searching for recipes online. Own a sewing machine? Download a few free patterns and create the perfect outfit for your future fashionista (or fashionisto!). Imagine how you could repurpose some pieces of furniture you already own. The dresser in your bedroom could double as a changing table with just a few tweaks!

Last but not least, do not buy what you do not absolutely need. Refrain from spending your hard earned money on baby shoes (they won?t be needed until baby starts to walk), fancy outfits (Christmas only comes once a year!) and baby gear that is not necessary (wipe warmer, diaper genie, high-tech baby monitors, etc.). Put those on your baby shower registry along with the must-have items. People love to buy cute outfits and you will most probably get many in gifts. Are you excited to start preparing for your little bundle of joy? Keep these 5 tips in mind and I guarantee your experience will be less stressful and more enjoyable! Congratulations mama!