While a newborn is a source of joy for many parents, it can be financially stressing as well. Some of the expenses that come with a baby range from baby food, diapers, and even clothing. This makes parenthood relatively expensive. An average two-parent family can spend more than £190,000 from when a child is born until he/she attains 18 years of age.
While raising children may be expensive, it all depends on with the kind of upbringing or lifestyle you choose to live. Just because a report says you can spend £190,000 for the 18 years for one child doesn’t mean you necessarily have to. Instead of doing what other (most) parents do, you can choose to take an entirely different route to save money in the process, here are some tips on how to get free stuff. Here are a few ways in which you can make/save money on the first year with an infant.
- Do not upgrade your space: Many first-time parents choose to upgrade from say a one bedroomed out to a larger house (say two bedroomed house) just before the baby arrives. While this may seem like the way forward, it isn’t necessary. Young children take up very little space hence do not need the extra room. In addition to this, 30% of all your household expenses will be on the baby’s well-being. Why spend more money for an extra room you do not need while you can save it for later?
- Buy less baby stuff: The number of baby-related products has been on the rise over the recent past. Although most of these gadgets may seem fancy and necessary, you may not need them at all. Buying less stuff, and just what the baby needs can save you a fortune in the long run. Before you can spend any money on a new gadget, think about it carefully before dropping any cash on it.
- Shop for multi-purpose items: Do not be moved into buying a Pack on Play or a crib, or a bouncy seat and swing either. If you have to, go for the Pack on Play instead of all the other three. The Pack in Play can be used as a bed at home and while traveling as well.
- Consider used items: We get it, you need your newborn to have new and fancy clothes. While this may be a good move, it would be wise to shop for secondhand clothes and even toys that are in a good state. You will be surprised at how much you get to save for excellent quality items that were used maybe once or twice. You can even buy larger items on Craigslist or eBay at a much lower price. Bouncers, swings, and high chairs can come in handy especially for your child. You however need to be wise and smart when shopping for second-hand items. Learn to wash or disinfect these items before giving them to your baby.
- Buy things as you need them: It can be hard to tell what your baby will need once he/she gets older. To avoid buying something he/she may not need/like, just wait until you get there. A good example of such items is a swaddle. Some babies actually hate being swaddled while others love it. Using a swaddling blanket at first to see whether the child likes it or not would be a nice approach.
- Cloth diapering: Although it may seem a little gross and old-fashioned, cloth diapers can come in handy especially when trying to save some money. You, however, should be prepared to do some serious laundry with these. As a parent, you should get used to yucky situations hence never feel embarrassed about using baby diapers. If possible, consider going for reusable diapers as these will save you so much more. You can also try free nappies here.
- Learn to prepare your baby’s food: Baby food is unbelievably easy to make. As a matter of fact, you only need 10 minutes to prepare your child’s food. With canned foods considerably more expensive, preparing food for your baby will be much cheaper, and even healthier.
Some of the easiest foods to make include steamed vegetable puree. The other interesting thing about preparing baby food is that there’s no special formula for it. You only need a blender or a steamer to help make the food smooth enough for the baby. The only thing you need is some creativity and your hands.
