Saving $$$ on Baby Products

Thinking about how much it costs to have and raise a child is scary and overwhelming!  According to a 2010 USDA report, the average middle-income family will spend roughly $12,000 on child-related expenses in their baby's first year of life. By age two, parents are up to more than $12,500 per year. Hopefully you can lessen this financial stress if you follow these 10 tips on how you can save money on baby products.

1. If you can, Breastfeed

   - Not only is breastfeeding beneficial to both mama and baby in many ways, it is also a great way to save money! Formula can be expensive!

   - If you need support from a local lactation consultant, Roanoke Memorial Hospital has free lactation services and you don't have to be a previous or current patient to utilize them. Free breastfeeding support can also be found through our local La Leche League chapter and BREAST organizations.

2. Go for Neutrals or Unisex Items

   If you plan on having additional children, opt for unisex shades and styles of clothing, nursery decor, toys, etc.

3. Buy Secondhand or Use Hand-Me-Downs

   Let's be honest, kids grow out of things so fast. Think about if you'll get your money's worth out of buying brand new. Since babies outgrow clothing so fast, many secondhand items are easy to find in good or even excellent condition. One item to be leery of buying used is a car seat. See our car seat safety video HERE.

4. Borrow Items / Equipment

   Some items or equipment wont be used for very long so consider borrowing those items from family and/or friends.

5. Dual Furniture / Equipment

   You may find that you can get more use out of items that serve two purposes. Sometimes that one item can cost significantly less than purchasing two separate items. A handful of ideas include the following:

   1. Purchase a stroller that was built to hold your infant carrier and convert for use with an older child. If you plan on having more than one child, you may consider buying a stroller that caters to more than one child (may cost more up front, but be a better investment in the long run).

   2. Consider starting out with a convertible car seat with an infant insert, instead of an infant car seat for the first 9ish months and having to then purchase the convertible.

   3. Use a piece of furniture that can be used as a changing table and dresser or use a crib that has the changing table attached.

   4. Find a crib that converts to a toddler bed for optimal use.

   5. A highchair that can converts to a booster seat is another great way to get the most out of your money.

6. Get a Library Card

   Utilize your local library to check out children's books. Memberships are free for any Virginia resident.

7. Consider Skipping Footwear

   Footwear for babies is more for fashion and is an unnecessary cost. If you're trying to keep your baby's feet warm, opt for socks or footed pajamas. Don't forget that the best way to develop proprioception is to be barefoot! See Baby Registry blog post HERE for more information on that.

8. Diapering

   Cloth diapering is not only a way to help save Mother Earth and steer clear of nasty chemicals, it is also a great way to save money. Cloth diapering is a decent expense upfront but it saves you money in the long run. According to DiaperingDecisions.com, a supply of disposable diapers from birth to potty training will cost between $2,500 to $3,000 per child. A supply of cloth diapers from birth to potty training will cost between $200 to$600 and can be used on multiple children.

   Cloth diapering isn't for everyone. For those of us that use disposables, ordering in bulk online can save a lot of moolah. Check out Amazon for their Amazon Family program and Subscribe and Save program. Combined, you can save 20% on your diaper purchases and have them conveniently delivered straight to your door.

9. Coupons!

   It is no secret that coupons will save you money, so get to clipping! If you're not into clipping coupons, you can find a TON of coupons digitally. Did you know that there are actually apps out there that you can download that pay you to shop? You heard that right! A couple of those apps include Ibotta, Shopkick, and Checkout51.

10. Test Drive Items before Buying Them

    Have a friend or family member that has an item you want to add to your registry? Ask if they don't mind if you come over to check it out! This will help you decide which items will work for you before investing a great deal of money.

There you have it, 10 tips to help you save money on baby products!  You're becoming a new mommy, you already have other things to worry about and financials don't have to get you down.  Please share any tips that you've used that helped save you money, we would LOVE to hear!