As a stay home mom myself, when I had my baby we had only one income coming in each month. We therefore had to find ways and means of making do with the little that we had whilst not denying our baby any of her necessities. I have compiled a list of 7 practical, tried and tested ways which does help save money when you a baby. Please read and enjoy and hopefully try!
1. BREASTFEED
Breast milk is best for your baby. It is Nature’s perfect food with the right amounts of all the essential nutrients which are needed for a baby’s healthy growth. So breastfeeding has enormous health benefits for your baby. Apart from saving money on formula, if a mother chooses to breastfeed, it helps her bond with her baby due to oxytocin hormone; which is known as the love hormone released during lactation. Breastfeeding may also help some women shed off their baby fat.
2. DON’T BUY EVERYTHING AT ONCE.
In the first weeks and months of a baby’s life, they grow up so fast in size and weight. So if you buy 50 pairs of size 1 socks and 100 size 1 onesies, your little one most likely won’t wear a quarter of them before they grow into size 2. Buying just a few clothing in your baby’s early days will save you a lot of money.
3. YOU DON’T REALLY NEED ALL THAT…
There are a lot of stuff sold in babies’ shops you absolutely don’t need. Don’t be swayed by the attractive and brightly coloured toys and gadgets on display in the shop. For instance, you don’t need a cot and a playpen and a Moses basket and a playing mat and a swing set all together at the same time. A good cot can serve all the purposes of all the others. Look out for multifunctional gadgets when buying, like a car seat that can also be used as a baby carrier. And I never did get why a baby who doesn’t walk yet should wear shoes.
4. KNOW WHEN TO SCRIMP AND WHEN TO SPLURGE.
Saving money is not the same as being cheap. You need to know the difference. If you invest in quality diapers for instance, you are better off than buying cheap and inferior ones. Because if you would use say 3 quality diapers a day, you might use 15 `low-grade diapers` a day. Do the math! Not to mention the high probability of diaper rash which will be uncomfortable for your baby and expensive for you to treat. Also why not invest in a good and durable car seat which you can use till your baby is a toddler and over?
5. BUY IN BULK.
This goes for items you use a lot and which are non-perishable such as diapers and wipes and soaps and so on. You’ll use them anyway and they won’t spoil. It is cheaper to shop this way as you can bargain for wholesale prices on large quantities. Plus if you live in a country like Ghana, you will definitely pay a higher price for a diaper tomorrow than you would today.
6. MAKE YOUR OWN BABY FOOD.
When your little one starts feeding on solids, do their foods yourself. It’s not rocket science to steam fruits and vegetables and puree them. Or to mill and cook cereals into porridge. This way, you know what your baby is eating and it’s cheaper as well.
7. ASK AND YOU SHALL RECEIVE.
You’re not the first person to have a baby. There are things you could easily borrow from trusted family and friends. I use a high chair which my auntie used for my cousin. I have a stroller for my baby which was used by my husband’s auntie for her daughter. You can equally borrow that walker your friend is no longer using. There’s nothing sinful about that. Even Jesus borrowed a colt.
I do hope you find these amazingly simple tips useful. I know I did!
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