Budgeting with a Baby: 7 Tips to Help You Save Money

Being a parent is costly. It requires you to sacrifice and keep using your money on your child’s requirements. In fact, in 2012, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, a middle-income, two-parent family was expected to spend more than $241,000 to raise a child from birth to 18 years of age.

 Fortunately for any parent, these annual reports do not dictate what you MUST spend on your children. It mostly predicts what parents at a certain income level spend. The difference is, when it comes to spending on your kids, you can either use the cash on things everyone purchases or take another route that enables you to save your money.

 Therefore, if you are looking for ways to help you save money during your baby’s first year, you can try a few of these budget conscious suggestions.

#01.Breastfeed

Some parents have trouble with breastfeeding especially when in the public domain. If you are having trouble with breastfeeding, keep in mind that it is not all or nothing. Breastfeeding instead of using formula just a couple of times a day is not only healthy, but it will also help you save 50% of your money in your angel’s first year.

 #02. Powder Up

 The first prize is always to breastfeed, but when it is time to offer your child baby formula, opt for the powder version rather than those ready-to-feed cans. You can use more time in mixing it, but it is not only super easy to travel with but gives you 50% savings than when you purchase the extra expensive formulas.

 Powder formula is an easy option to take with you when you’re out for a walk with your baby in their stroller and they need a feed as you can take everything pre-prepared with you. 

#03. Coupon Up

 Coupons, coupons, coupons-these should be your shopping saviors. You might not have the time or energy to comb through the Sunday papers, but there are plenty of rewards, programs and coupons at your disposal online.  Baby brands like Pampers and Gerber reward most parents for just signing up for their emails or rewards programs by offering you deals galore. The coupons aren’t just limited to smaller items, you can make huge savings on bigger items such as a convertible car seat or a travel system if you prepare in advance and sign up for retailers email newsletters.

 You can even trade the coupons you may not need with other moms on various sites. Couponing is almost the number one saving tip, and it will make you a happy parent in the long run.

#04. Stock-Up Your Freezer with Meals

 Most of us throw out food when we get tired of having the same food consistently. Well, instead of throwing away food, freeze it up and save yourself those takeout bills. If you do this four times in a month, you will save yourself a significant amount of cash. 

#05. Choose Cloth Rather Than Disposable Diapers

 Cloth diapers are not only eco-trendy and friendly, but they are also more comfortable with your budget. The only shortcoming is that you need to do the laundry yourself, but you will end up saving a lot more.  

#06. Ask Your Family to Help You Baby-Sit

 Your family can quickly turn into your most valuable child care resource. They do not only save you financially but you can trust them with your child, and you need not keep worrying about what is happening to your child. You should call them once in a while so that you can get out on the town with your partner for a date night.  

#07. Make Your Own Baby Food

 Infants grow, and there is a time they will need more than just formula. When your baby starts to eat solids, you can always toss the veggies you cooked into your blender with some liquid and keep the meals in ice trays. The amount of money you will end up saving will make it worth the extra effort.

Having an infant is without a doubt an expensive endeavor. One thing, however, is that with a little planning and creativity, you can end up saving money that would have quickly been spent otherwise.