The average middle-income family spends about $12,000 on child-related expenses in their baby’s first year of life! That’s a lot of money! So as August approaches, I am looking for ways to save on baby products that I need for when our baby boy arrives. Here are some tips to save money on baby products.
1. Shop at Second-Hand Stores and Yard Sales
When I found out we were having a boy, I was excited. I also realized that I needed to purchase baby boy clothes. I have bags of baby girl clothes in my basement, but I only have a few outfits for baby boys. Purchasing clothing, as well as other items, can be expensive, but if you shop right you should be able to pick up some good deals. Try finding new or gently used clothing and other baby items at these places:
- Children’s Consignment Stores – Stores such as Kid to Kid, Just Between Friends, and Once Upon a Child buy and sell new and gently used children’s clothing and baby items.
- Thrift Stores – They offer a wide selection of clothing for children. It may take some time to search through the racks, but you should be able to find clothing that is still in good condition.
- Yard Sales – These can be a great place to find children’s clothing and baby items inexpensively. Since babies grow out of their clothing before they wear it out, you should be able to find outfits that are in good condition at yard sales. To save time, try to plan your trip during neighborhood sales so you can stop by more places at once.
This past week, I headed to a second-hand clothing store in my area that sells new and gently used clothing for children. I looked through all of the 0-3 month baby boy clothes and picked out 23 pieces of clothing for about $60 (see photo above). If I would have spent that $60 at a store like Target, Kohl’s, or Old Navy, I would have only been able to purchase 6-10 pieces of clothing. I now feel I have enough clothing for when our new addition arrives.
You might also want to read the post How to Save Money On Children’s Clothing.
2. Borrow Items and Accept Hand-Me-Downs from Family and Friends
If someone offers you free baby clothing or items, take advantage of the offer and say yes. You might not know if you will use it at first, but there may be items your baby will use and clothing your baby will wear. With the items that you won’t use, donate it or give it away to someone who will use it.
And be sure to ask family and friends if they have baby items that are sitting in storage that they might let you borrow. Most of the time, family and friends are happy to loan items to help you out. I’ve been blessed to have family members give me baby clothes that they no longer are using. I also had a friend give me a changing table that she was trying to get rid of. This helped me so I didn’t have to spend as much money on baby clothes and items.
3. Purchase Diapers on Amazon
One way I’ve saved a lot of money on diapers over the years is by purchasing them on Amazon.com
If you haven’t already signed up yet, and if you are a parent, expecting children, or are a caretaker, then you’ll want to sign up to be an Amazon Mom Member
- An additional 20% discount on select diapers and wipes when you sign up for Subscribe & Save delivery (you can cancel or change shipments at anytime).
- 3 months of FREE Two-Day shipping with Amazon Prime.
- Exclusive discounts and deals for Amazon Mom members.
After a three-month free trial, you will be automatically upgraded to Amazon Prime for $99 a year, but you can opt out online after the free trial so you don’t have to pay.
4. Be Patient
Don’t feel that you need to pick up everything right now for the baby. Purchase the items that you really need such as diapers, blankets, clothing, and a few of the other necessary items. It’s okay to wait until after the baby is born to pick up any additional items you need. Because having a new baby is exciting, don’t rush to purchase items that will end up being unnecessary or you find out you won’t use it or need it. Learn to be patient and watch for sales on items you need.
5. Baby Deals
Here are some other deals to help save money on baby products. I recently ordered the free car seat canopy and nursing cover in the mail. These would also be great gift ideas for new or expecting mothers.
Score a FREE CarSeat Canopy ($49.95 value!) from CarSeatCanopy.com when you use the promo code ENBABY at checkout. You just pay shipping of $12.95. I was going to make my own car seat canopy like I did when my girls were babies, but by the time I purchase fabric and spend time sewing, the price of shipping really isn’t too much.
Receive a FREE Udder Covers Nursing Cover ($35 value!) when you use the code ENBABY at checkout. You’ll just pay for shipping, which is $11.95.
Get a FREE Seven Slings Baby Carrier ($40 value!) when you use the code ENBABY at checkout. You’ll just pay $11.95 for shipping.
Score a FREE Nursing Pillow ($40 value!) when you use the promo code ENBABY at checkout. Just pay shipping, which is about $12.
Receive 5 FREE Pairs of Baby Leg Warmers ($50 value!) when you use the code ENBABY at checkout. Just pay shipping and handling.
Pampers Gifts to Grow is a rewards program where you can earn points from the diapers and wipes you purchase, as well as obtaining free online codes such as the one above. Once you earn enough points, you can redeem them for prizes like gift cards. If you aren’t a member of Pampers Gifts to Grow yet, sign up here and you will receive 100 points just for signing up!
What are ways you save money on baby products?
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