Having a baby isn’t cheap. It can cost anywhere from $16,000-$30,000 per year. Luckily, I’ve pulled together some tips on saving money when it comes to taking home your bundle of joy. Adam and I wanted to make sure we were being as smart as possible when it came to our money (who doesn’t?) so we made a list of all the things that made a difference for us and our bank account! Let’s dive in:
15 Ways To Save Money When You Have A Baby (Or One On The Way)
This post is sponsored by Allstate. All opinions are my own.
Take ALL the things from the hospital.
You are able to take things for the baby before you discharge – like diapers, wipes, baby hats, diaper rash cream, nasal aspirator, baby bottles, thermometers and more. It’s enough to get you started when you get home and saves you a trip to the drugstore with a new baby in tow.
Nurse if you possibly can.
Formula is extremely expensive (adding up to over $1500 in the first year). If you are able to nurse, you can save that cost and pocketing for something else (like diapers).
Check your insurance for a free breast pump.
I breastfeed Jack during the day, but at night Adam helps out with bottle feeds so I can get some sleep! That means I use a pump to keep a fridge and freezer stash ready to go. Most insurances will cover a breast pump totally for free – so double check before you shell out $400.
Try not to buy baby clothes super far in advance if you can help it.
If your kid is anything like my son – they will grow like a weed. Jack was out of newborn clothes by five weeks – so all the cool weather 3month clothes I bought for October probably won’t still fit him by the time October actually comes around. Do your best to buy what they need at the time so you aren’t wasting money on clothes they won’t wear!
Buy a dresser & changing table all in one!
It saves space AND saves you money because you only have to buy ONE piece of furniture instead of two.
Don’t buy a bunch of bottles before the baby is born.
Only get one or two of a couple styles. Some babies won’t take certain nipples or have trouble with one bottle vs another – and it would stink to buy 10 bottles only to find out your child won’t drink out of them.
Buy diapers in bulk.
Costco has great options but so does Amazon. You’ll save yourself money in the long run by stocking up on this essential.
Keep an extra diaper bag in your car at all times.
That way – when you inevitably forget the diaper bag on an outing at some point, you’ll have everything you need already in the car. Just make sure you switch the clothing out when they go up a size so you don’t have 3m clothing to try to fit in a 9m old.
Make your own baby food.
It’s super easy to smash up cooked carrots or a ripe banana. Pinterest has a million baby food recipes available to choose from.
Borrow a bassinet if you plan on using one.
We didn’t ever use one for Jack – we put him directly in his crib from day one. But lots of people swear by them. Unfortunately – your baby grows out of them by 3-4 months so don’t buy it if you can help it!
Wait on large purchases like swings or bouncers until you know if your baby actually likes them.
Some babies don’t like swings or bouncers, and then you’ll have wasted $80-$150. See if you can test out a friend’s first before buying! You may save yourself some money.
Band together for child care!
Childcare is anywhere from $400 and $2000 a month (YIKES). One way you can help cut this cost is to share a nanny with other families in your area. Your child gets more one-on-one time this way, too. Plus built in buddies for your little guy!
Consider making a move.
Did you know some states have drastically lower child-rearing expenses? I didn’t! The urban Northeast has the highest, followed by urban West and Midwest. Washington D.C. is one of the lowest costing places to raise your child, with Charleston, SC and Little Rock, Arkansas coming in next!
Don’t buy a bunch of pacifiers.
Some babies won’t even take them – and others are just picky about what kind. Like the bottles mentioned above, just buy one of a few different kinds until you discover which is your baby’s favorite. No need to waste money on things they won’t use!
Create a really in-depth baby registry for your shower!
Be specific with gifts you want people to get your for your shower. Don’t put things like baby clothes or shoes – instead stick to the essentials you know you’ll have to purchase right away like diapers, burp rags, bath supplies, etc.
Hopefully you found this guide helpful and that you are able to save a bit more money than you anticipated with your baby (whether it’s your first or your last).
What kind of money-saving tips do you have when it comes to having a baby?! Let me know in the comments below!
This post was written as part of the Allstate Influencer Program and sponsored by Allstate. All opinions are mine. As the nation’s largest publicly held personal lines insurer, Allstate is dedicated not only to protecting what matters most–but to guiding people to live the Good Life, every day.
