How to Save Money on Newborn Necessities

Throughout your pregnancy you spend your days thinking of your new baby and what she'll be like. You dream of rocking her to sleep and singing her lullabies. To get ready for your new bundle of joy, you'll also need to start purchasing baby gear and all the essentials necessary to care for your newborn. While shopping for your new baby can be exciting, it can also get expensive really fast, but there are some ways to save on your newborn's necessities.

Instructions

    • 1

      Determine what baby items are necessary and which are optional. You know your newborn with need a safe place to sleep, such as a crib, and a car seat to come home from the hospital in. Those items, for example, are must-haves. Fancy baby bedding and toys are not necessities.

    • 2

      Make a list of all the items you anticipate needing when you bring your newborn home. In addition to the crib and car seat, you'll also need a crib mattress, fitted crib sheets, receiving blankets, a diaper bag, diapers, wipes, baby bath tub, hooded towels, baby body wash and feeding supplies. Clothing items include onesies, baby hats, socks, sleepers and a few outfits.

    • 3

      Buy baby furniture that can be used for more than one thing, such as a crib that has a built-in changing table on the end or a dresser that doubles as a changing table. Some cribs can even be turned into a toddler bed, then used to make a full-size bed later on.

    • 4

      Shop at thrift stores or garage sales and don't be too proud to accept hand-me-downs, as this can be a huge money saver for you. Look on websites like Freecycle.org for free baby items and Craigslist.com for gently used baby gear. Inspect used baby gear to check for broken or missing pieces and to ensure it's safe for your baby.

    • 5

      Negotiate on the price of some of your high-cost baby items. If you plan to buy the majority of your list at one store, ask them about a discount for your entire purchase.

    • 6

      Breastfeed your baby to save a bundle of money. Breastfeeding is the best way to give your baby a healthy start, and doing so will mean you won't have to buy expensive formula for your newborn.

    • 7

      Sign up for free coupons and samples online. Many manufacturers that sell baby food, formula, diapers, wipes and other baby items offer free money-saving coupons to expecting and new moms. Take advantage of this and sign up for as many as possible. Ask the nurses at the hospital where you give birth if any freebies, samples and coupons are offered to new parents.

    • 8

      Consider cloth diapering to save money on diapers. You'll have an initial investment for the cloth diapers but they can be used over and over again, saving you money in the long run. You can also see if there's a cloth diaper service in your area. If you decide to go with disposable diapers, buy them in bulk to save money.

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