The latest numbers say that a baby’s first year can cost you upwards of $15,000. Wow! Who knew something so small and adorable could be so expensive? And, if you’re like most people, you don’t have that kind of money just sitting in the bank, awaiting your baby’s needs.
I think it’s fair to say most parents go crazy in the baby’s first year, buying a ton of things upfront that either isn’t necessary or aren’t needed right away. It’s important to remember, you can have a kid and not empty your bank account!
Whether it is baby food, clothing, or safety equipment, there are ways to buy things for your baby and get a good deal while you’re at it! Even better if it’s free! Check out 22 Ways to Save Money on Baby Stuff!
1. Register for Gifts Everywhere
If there is a baby registry available, sign up as soon as possible! Not only is this a good resource for people who want to buy you baby gifts, but you can be notified in advance when any unpurchased items go on sale.
Plus, many registries offer you free baby boxes or coupons and discounts for items like diapers and formula. Sign up for registries and save more money on baby stuff!
2. Ask friends & family for the essentials
As you are navigating the vast world of baby stuff, it can be overwhelming. Do you need a baby blender? What about a baby bathrobe? Before you go crazy purchasing everything in sight, reach out to family and friends. Find out what they felt were the essentials and start there.
You can save by reigning in your spending upfront and seeing what you really need, and how many you actually need of an item before paying for something your baby probably won’t use or like.
3. Utilize an FSA or HSA
A Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA) from your employer can be a major advantage when it comes time for purchasing baby stuff, especially health-related items. While baby diapers cannot be purchased, you may find a special kind of formula can be purchased.
Other over-the-counter items such as baby rash ointment or teething medication are available on some HSAs. Also, breast pump and lactation devices may be available, as well. Use your pre-tax dollars wisely to save more money for baby things!
4. File your Breast Pump with Insurance
Feeding your little one can cost a lot of money. Breast pumps are expensive and it can be a lot to pay for out of pocket. Take advantage of the insurance you’re already paying for and make sure you can purchase or rent a breast pump for a reduced cost.
Get your breast pump through your health insurance provider to save money!
5. Lean on Social Media
Using social media is a great way to save on baby things! Welcome to one of the benefits of having a child in the 21st century, my friend. You can locate free items nearby or take advantage of all of the free (but experienced) advice other women can share.
Whether you join a moms group on Facebook, get to know your neighbors on Nextdoor, or join Freecycle to find freebies near you, social media can really help you save money on baby stuff!
6. Shop Second-Hand at Consignment Stores
I’m sorry, but if you ask me, a lot of baby clothing and toys are simply overpriced. These items are used for a short period of time before they outgrow them, and paying full price for items that may only be used for a few months is simply wasting money.
Shop at consignment stores or even huge community consignment sales to save a ton of money on baby stuff! You can find gently used clothing, toys, and even books. And, you can return often to get money back or exchange the stuff you’ve previously purchased! Win-win!
7. Look for Yard or Garage Sales
Staying on the theme of second-hand, don’t be afraid of the yard or garage sales in your neighborhood. Not only can you get baby stuff cheaper than at consignment, but you may hit the jackpot if they have a kid slightly older than yours that has outgrown sizes you need.
Make sure to inspect the items before you purchase to make sure they’re not badly stained and are still in good quality, but take advantage of the yard and garage sales near you! Bonus points if you know how to bargain for a lower price!
8. Take Baby Out for Free Activities
After your baby is out of the newborn stage, it’s great for them to get out and about to see all this world has to offer! Instead of purchasing a ton of items to keep them busy at home, save more money by finding free activities near you.
This can be a playdate in the park or storytime at the library. Find free activities for your baby to save money on baby stuff!
9. Use what you Already Have
Do you have a backpack that can be used as a diaper bag? What about a dresser that can be used safely as a changing table? Save money on baby stuff by using what you already have!
10. Make Your Own Baby Food
Once your baby reaches the stage where they can eat pureed foods, it’s tempting to feel like you need to go out and buy jars and packets out of the wazoo. That can get super expensive and they can be full of preservatives or extra sugar!
Take another look at the food you plan on buying and you’ll see it’s usually single fruits and vegetables that have been cooked down and pureed. Trust me, if you can change a diaper, you can make your own baby food for pennies per serving!
Look for easy recipes that you can do in batches, and you’ll find you can stock up on baby food in no time! Save money on baby stuff by making your own food!
11. Ask for Hand-me-downs from Friends and Family
If you have relatives or friends that have children within a few years of your child’s age, don’t be shy about asking for hand-me-downs! As long as there are no safety concerns or recalls, most things can be passed around for a few years.
Most parents are eager to get rid of clutter anyway, and passing along clothing, toys, and accessories that can be used by someone they know is a good way to get rid of baby stuff. Save money on baby stuff by leaning on friends and family!
12. Buy Baby Gear that Can Last for Years
One of the biggest mistakes parents make is to buy for the “right now” with some of the needs of your baby. Since you know you’ll need a car seat and a stroller, look for equipment that can meet both functions.
The same goes for cribs – buy a crib that can be converted into a toddler bed. Do your research and save money by purchasing pieces that can grow with your baby!
13. Check clearance at stores
Another way to save money on baby stuff is to check clearance first when you shop. Whether it’s clothing, toys, or even furniture on clearance, you can snag some pretty great deals when shopping for baby stuff.
Some clearance is “super secret” like at Walmart, but it’s worth checking out to see what you can find!
14. Bulk Buy Diapers and Formula
Buying diapers and baby formula can get expensive. Save money by purchasing diapers and baby formula in bulk! Whether you shop at warehouse clubs or purchase in bulk online, you can get some really great savings by bulk buying diapers and formula.
15. Search for Deals on Coupon Sites
When it comes to buying baby stuff, you should never pay full price! There is enough competition out there to find a good deal most of the time. When you want to find great up-to-date deals, check out coupon sites for sales on baby stuff!
You can find everything from deals on free diapers to deals on free baby bottles. Save money on baby stuff by using coupon sites every time you shop!
16. Take Advantage of Rewards Programs
Many stores now provide rewards that can be accumulated and used for later purchases. Target offers 1% back on purchases with Circle, and Kohl’s Rewards offers Kohl’s Cash to be used at a future date. Know what both of those retailers sell? Baby stuff!
Don’t be afraid to use credit card cashback rewards as well, such as the Costco Visa card that provides cashback once per year based on the previous year’s purchase. You can literally get free baby stuff with all of this money back.
Take full advantage of rewards programs to save money on baby stuff!
17. Shop for Baby Stuff on Black Friday
While I love shopping Black Friday for upcoming holiday gifts, I also keep a running list during the year of necessities I can get on Black Friday or Cyber Monday, as well. You can get significant savings on essentials like diapers, but also other things for your baby.
Whether you anticipate a growth spurt coming up soon and could use baby clothes, or you need to look at expensive products like playpens, car seats, or strollers, don’t forget about Black Friday to save money on your baby stuff.
18. Join Amazon Family
Amazon offers some amazing savings when you use their programs, especially with Amazon Family and Subscribe and Save. Amazon Family provides additional discounts on baby stuff and you can save up to 20% on baby food, diapers, and more.
When you pair this with Subscribe and Save for automatic deliveries, you can save even more. Save money on baby stuff by using Amazon Family!
19. Recycle your Car Seat for a Coupon
What do you do when your child outgrows their car seat? Well, trade it in for a coupon, of course! You can find trade-in events near you, however, it’s even better when you can find a coupon that can be used on other baby stuff, as well.
Keep your eyes open for the next Target Car Seat Trade-In Event to snag a coupon while you’re at it.
20. Take Freebies from the Hospital
When it comes time to take your baby home from the hospital, don’t be afraid to snag some of the freebies available to you while you’re at it. This can be free diapers, free formula samples, and even free bulb syringes.
Even if it’s just a few things, you can still save on baby stuff by taking what you can!
21. Consider Cloth Diapers and Cloth Nursing Pads
Disposable items can really add up in cost. If you want to save money, consider using cloth diapers and cloth nursing pads instead of disposables. This way, you can wash those items instead of constantly buying new ones.
While there may be more costly upfront, you can actually save hundreds of dollars in the long run by purchasing reusable cloth items instead of disposables.
22. Rethink the Nursery
Don’t get me wrong, I love looking at nursery designs myself, however, turning an office (or other spare room) into a nursery can really blow your budget. Depending on how far you go, you can spend thousands on paint, textiles, and furniture. But you actually don’t have to.
Take a step back and rethink your nursery before running to the home improvement store and renovating your house. Do you really need a new dresser for the baby, or does something you already have work? Can you find a rocking chair at consignment instead of buying a new online?
And, is the baby going to care whether the walls are tan or blue? No, not really. Save money by sticking with the essentials and keeping a low-key nursery.
FAQs on How to Save Money on Baby Stuff
How can you get baby stuff for free?
One of the best ways to get baby stuff for free or with a coupon is to sign up for free baby boxes and welcome bags. You can also get discounts on the gifts you’ve signed up for on registries.
What are the most expensive things a baby needs?
Plan on spending a large amount of money on a quality crib, baby stroller and car seat. Depending on if you use disposable diapers and formula, you will also spend significantly on those items.
Can I afford baby stuff on minimum wage?
If you play your cards right, you can afford baby stuff on minimum wage. Take advantage of Freecycle, as well as thrift stores and use your resources wisely. Don’t be afraid of second-hand gear, but make sure there are no recalls and the models are still safe.
When is the best time to buy baby stuff?
Somewhere between the second and third trimester is when it’s ideal to buy baby stuff, but it doesn’t hurt to start noting prices of items before then and doing your research on furniture and baby gear ahead of time.
Final Thoughts
If you’re worried about how you can afford a baby, you’re not alone, but you also should find comfort that there are tons of ways to save money on baby stuff. Take advantage of support circles around you and be wise with your spending.
Don’t forget to check out other articles on How to Save Money on Diapers and How to Save Money on Baby Formula!
