“8 Ways to Save Money When You Have a Baby was made possible by iConnect and Luvs. I was provided compensation to facilitate this post, but all opinions stated are 100% mine. All posts may contain affiliate links.”
Just in case no one has told you, babies are expensive! The latest statistics say that raising a child from birth to age 18 will cost you over $230,000! Now that is just the average, so if you are more frugal and do things to cut your costs, you can save a significant amount of money. And really, even if it cost much more than that, I know we wouldn’t trade our kids for any amount of money. Here are a few easy ways to save money when you have a baby.
8 Ways to Save Money When You Have a Baby
- Borrow or buy baby furniture at a second hand store. Now, you don’t want to borrow or buy a used car seat, but things like swings, cribs in good condition, bouncers, diaper pails and high chairs are all things on which you can save a significant amount of money.
- Save on baby clothes by not overbuying! You can buy baby clothes used to save money, but if you buy a whole bunch, you’re still not saving a lot. Though it is fun dressing up your little one, they don’t need a lot of clothes.
- If it is at all possible, breastfeed your baby! Not only is it healthier for your baby, you will save so much money on bottles and formula.
- Make your own baby food using a blender or Magic Bullet. If you wait until the recommended age to start baby foods, you’re going to save a lot anyway. Be sure to check with your doctor before starting your baby on food. Back when I was a baby, they made us eat when we were only 6 weeks old! No wonder I was screaming all the time (mom!).
- When you need a babysitter, trade services with a friend! If you’ve got friends with young ones too, I’m sure they’d appreciate being able to grocery shop without taking the kids along every time. If you don’t have someone to trade with, ask grandma and grandpa! I’m sure they’d love to help out.
- Don’t buy expensive toys. You’ll find that your baby will be more happy playing with pots and pans than they are with costly toys.
- Make your own baby wipes. Check out this tutorial on how to make your own baby wipes.
- Use coupons! It may seem like common sense, but when you find a high value coupon for something like Luvs. In fact I’ve got one to share with you. If you click on the image below, you can go print a $1 off of Luvs coupon right now! You can use this wherever Luvs are sold. The coupon is good for 30 days after you print it.
What Makes Luvs Great
Experienced moms know that Luvs are great. I used them with my kids and loved them, and now they are even better with Ultra Leakguards.
- Featuring Super Absorbent Leakguards and NightLock Plus™, its largest absorbency area ever, Luvs Diapers lock away wetness and absorb even more than regular Luvs.
- With the large refastenable stretch tabs, fastening Luvs diapers is super easy for moms. You can rest assured knowing that you’re giving your baby a secure, snug fit again and again.
- Luvs knows that between laundry, play dates, snack time, and nap time, you don’t have time for leaks. Luvs makes life easier for busy Moms by helping to keep leaks in the diaper where they belong, so baby stays dry and comfortable, even overnight.
- A contoured shape hugs your baby for a great fit and a super soft cottony material. They are softer than ever before.
- Luvs provides a money back guarantee, They feel so strongly about Luvs that they guarantee them! If you aren’t satisfied with the leakage protection of Luvs, they will refund your money. Go to www.luvsdiapers.com, for details on the refund.
- Luvs diapers are available in sizes newborn through 6, feature fun designs in every pack, and can be found at mass, discount and grocery stores where baby care products are sold.
Veronica Lee says
Babies are expensive! Thanks for sharing these great tips.
robin masshole mommy says
I always used Luvs diapers when my boys were babies! I was always very happy with them.
Christy Maurer says
Me too!
Jeanette says
We did a lot of these tip when our son was born. I loved making his food! I knew what he was eating and I could save money!
Christy Maurer says
That’s great! Making baby food is a good way to save.
Alli Smith says
I always used Luvs when my babies were little. They’re all grown now, but you’re correct – kids are expensive but worth every penny. My weakness was always those cute baby clothes. I’m sure I overspent on clothing. At least I handed them down to my sister for her kids. Great tips for saving money!!
Christy Maurer says
Baby clothes still get me when I walk by! Someday I’m sure I’ll get grandbabies way too many clothes.
Terri Beavers says
These are really great ideas and tips. I think thrift shopping is smart and saves money. I used Luvs on my kids, loved them.
Christy Maurer says
Thrift stores are great!
Jacqui S says
These are great tips! Having a baby is so expensive, to begin with, so trying to save where you can is the best way to manage expenses. I, unfortunately didn’t have any friends with babies close to my daughter’s age, or they didn’t have babies at all, so I couldn’t try the trade services!
Christy Maurer says
I almost never went out, and when I did, my parents were there to help thankfully!
candy says
Like all your ideas on ways to save when having children. Diapers and formula are big expenses. We used cloth diaper and I nursed. Only used disposables when we went out which wasn’t often.
Christy Maurer says
Breastfeeding saved me a ton of money!
Annemarie LeBlanc says
These are all excellent tips to save. When my kids were babies, I did not get a lot of clothes for them because I received a lot of hand-me-down baby clothes from my cousins. Diapers were the biggest expense and I used coupons a lot to cut down on costs.
Christy Maurer says
I got a lot of hand-me-down baby clothes too, but it was still tempting to buy new!
Dawn McAlexander says
I learned all these things the hard way: I had to figure it out on my own. I wish that helpful blog posts like this one had been around back then to help me out.
Christy Maurer says
Me too!
Jenn @ EngineerMommy says
It’s so important to find ways to save money when having a baby. THere are so many unexpected expenses along the way. We always loved Luvs diapers!
Christy Maurer says
Yes, every penny counts!
Lisa Favre says
This post couldn’t come at a better time for me. I noticed how fast we’re going through baby wipes. Love the fact that you included a DIY for baby wipes here… thanks!
Christy Maurer says
You’re welcome! It saved me money making my own!
Mimi Green says
Breastfeeding was my biggest cost savings period. I breastfed both of my kids for 14 months each. When I thought I couldn’t do it any longer I would check the price of formula and go back home and breastfeed. Lol
Christy Maurer says
I agree! I can’t even imagine the cost of it now, it was bad enough 22 years ago!
adriana says
I love your tips! They’re all very helpful and practical. Coupons do sound pretty common but it’s important and you really can save so much!
Christy Maurer says
I agree!
Kita Bryant says
We always have family who are ready and willing to babysit at any time for free. I know not many people have this luxury but I’m sure glad we do!
Christy Maurer says
That is so helpful when you’ve got family close!
ricci says
I don’t have kids but I have several nieces and nephews and most of them have used Luvs! They are a great brand for the price!!
Christy Maurer says
It is! It helps to save every where you can!
Catvills says
great tips! it’s always been hard to save money especially if you have a baby but this one will surely a big help for the new moms!
Christy Maurer says
Yes, everything is so expensive even when you don’t have a new baby!
Anosa says
I knew having kids was expensive but I didn’t think it was that expensive and that’s when someone is being frugal. Awesome tips
Christy Maurer says
Yes, it sure is expensive!
Peachy @ The Peach Kitchen says
I agree with you that babies are expensive. One of the things I did to save money is indeed buy second hand baby furniture and of course look for quality baby products that doesn’t cost as much.
Christy Maurer says
Yes, if you buy quality, you can always use it again or resell it later down the road!