Having a baby is a life-changing event, but unfortunately, bringing a beautiful baby boy or girl into this world can also have other impacts that are slightly less welcome. Chiefly, there’s the cost factor. Studies have shown that parents spend, on average, more than £10,000 per year on raising their child from 0 to 18.
That would be a pretty eye-watering amount at the best of times, but it’s even more anxiety-inducing at a time when the cost of living seems to be ever-increasing. The good news is that while it’s very much possible to spend a small fortune during your baby’s first year on this planet, it’s not guaranteed. There are plenty of little and large money-saving strategies that, when put together, can lead to significant savings. Take the following tips on board, and you should find that your bank balance is nearly as full as your love for your newborn.
Second-Hand Clothing
It’s nice to see a young baby in fresh, new clothes, but on balance, is it really worth the expense? In some cases, your baby will only wear an outfit once before they’ve outgrown it.
Buying clothes second-hand is an easy, environmentally-friendly way to keep your costs down. This tip alone could result in saving hundreds of pounds a year if you’re especially thrifty.
Reusable Nappies
Given the advantages of reusable nappies, it’s surprising that more parents don’t use them. They’re much better for the environment, they’re high quality, and you can save significant cash, possibly as much as £1000 – £1,500 during your baby’s nappy years. Modern options, such as bamboo reusable nappies, are soft, fast drying, and durable enough to withstand messes for years. Indeed, they’re so long-lasting that you’ll likely find that you’re still using them for any subsequent children that you have.
Make Your Own Baby Food
With jarred baby food, you’re not paying for anything overly special. You’re just paying for the convenience, and, on balance, it’s probably not worth the money.
Making your own baby food is a lot easier than you might think, it’s really just blended adult food, and costs significantly less. You might easily spend a few pounds/dollars a day on jarred baby food. When you make your own, that expense will go down to pennies. Plus, taking this option ensures you’re fully in control of what your baby eats, which is especially beneficial if you have concerns about the preservatives, salt, and sugar that you’ll find in the baby food that sits on supermarket shelves.
Buy What You Actually Need
You know how people pack extra clothing when going on holiday, yet only end up wearing half the clothing that’s in their suitcase? New parents can be the same when buying for their baby, especially before he or she arrives. There’s a chance that you might need every item under the sun, but there’s also a chance that you don’t, and if you don’t, then all you’ll have done is wasted money. The bottom line? Buy what you actually need, not what you might need.
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