8 ways to
save money when you have a baby on the way
By Jo Violeta
H
aving a baby is one of the most fulfilling experiences in life. It’s also one of the most expensive experiences you’ll ever encounter.
A new baby can put a strain on the household budget. Not only are your expenses going to increase, but your income will likely decrease. A scary thought, right? But the arrival of a new baby doesn’t mean you must abandon your savings plan and money goals. Here are 8 ways to save money when you’re preparing for your newborn:
1) Buy second-hand I wish I’d known what was ‘really necessary’ and what wasn’t before my first bub. I bought everything new and didn’t need half of it! For my second child however, I was far savvier. I scoured eBay during my pregnancy and found lots of brand-name bargains, many still with the tags on. Second-hand is a smart strategy for special occasion clothes. You can pick up a beautiful dress or a tiny suit for a fraction of the retail cost and chances are its previous owner only wore it once or twice. If buying second-hand cots, prams or car seats, you’ll need to check that the items comply with current safety standards. Even if a secondhand item is in good condition, it may be less safe than a newer model. Keep in mind that second-hand goods bought from a private seller usually aren't covered by consumer guarantees.
2) Road test your pram & carrier Do your research before buying a pram. Ask around for recommendations. Test prams out, make sure that you can fold and unfold it easily it. I tested prams at a baby expo, which gave me the opportunity to try a variety of prams one after another and compare them. When I bought my pram, I considered its weight, ease of use, size, warranty and whether it was suitable for newborns and toddlers. Also check that you will be able to return it and receive a refund in case you get it home, give it a test run and discover that it’s just not right. Our baby carrier was an absolute sanity saver with our youngest, Marcus. It was quick and easy and allowed him to feel settled and connected, whilst I was able to move around and get stuff done. It’s an excellent way to manage if you have both a young baby and a toddler, as it keeps your hands free to play and attend to the older child. Some of our friends only used a carrier and never purchased a pram. Many local communities have babywearing groups that meet at libraries and other various community venues and offer the opportunity to try on different baby carriers. Try searching on Facebook or Google to see if there is a group in your local area. This way you can try before you buy and make sure you have the right carrier for your needs.
3) Australian Breastfeeding Association If you’re breastfeeding, consider joining the Australian Breastfeeding Association (ABA). You’ll have access to a huge variety of discounts including breastfeeding related products. The ABA membership also offers half-price hire fees for breast pumps and access to free information and support.
4) Wait to purchase If you’re going to have a baby shower, or have particularly clucky and generous friends and family, wait to see what presents you receive before buying stuff for your baby. That way you’ll save doubling up. 14 Peninsula Kids – Autumn 2022