How to save money for a baby on the way
Saving money when you have a baby

1- Bassinet vs cot vs crib:
Ok, they can be sometimes be called slightly different names and not all cots and not all cribs are the same so the whole thing can be pretty confusing so let’s look at them one by one:
The
bassinet (or Moses basket in the UK):
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Bassinet or Moses basket |
The carrycot:
More fancy
and sturdy however more expensive. I don’t really think you need one if you
already have a bassinet. The exception is if you find a good deal on a travel
system that includes a carrycot and not vey expensive, in this case you might
end up better going for one.
The crib or
cot bed:
In my
opinion, this would be the best choice if chosen wisely. Although it is the
most expensive option of the 3, plus it is also much bigger and not portable!
On the other hand, a cot bed will be essential at some point in my opinion and
your baby will use it for a longer time so it would be a good investment. There
are many different types from the small ones that would last up to 2 years to
other ones with adjustable heights and removable side-bars so they can be
converted to small toddler beds. I find this more convenient and practical and
your baby will probably need one sooner or later.
One variation is a bedside crib which would act as an extension to your bed so your child can sleep next to you. This will depend on personal preference, your baby’s sleep habits and available space. Not everyone needs it but you might want to look at one if you have enough space and you want the convenience of not having to stand and walk to your baby to attend to them in the middle of the night. Keep in mind the baby will outgrow it within a few months.
Bottom
line: Get a cot bed if you can afford one. Look for a versatile convertible one
that would suite your baby at least for a couple of years. If you need to carry
the baby in something, a Moses basket would be the cheapest option. There are many people selling a lot of used
bassinets in good condition online or you could try borrowing one.
The best
way to save money for a baby is to try and plan a few weeks or months ahead, to
try and envisage what your needs would be? Ask yourself how much does this baby
item or food cost? You can easily find this out online or by going to your
local shopping area.
Tip: Get a pushchair/pram that is suitable from birth i.e. can lie flat so you don't need to get a cot for it.
Note: A cheap moses basket is better than a carrycot if your pushchair can be used from birth or if you can use the car seat.
2- Clothes:
-The main
thing to remember is that your baby grows very fast in the first few weeks and
months and will outgrow most of his or her clothes so avoid spending a fortune
on clothes for a single age group.
Some clothes
are more important than others: shoes are absolutely useless for the first few
months as your baby will not be standing yet! Also, you will need a lot of baby
vests and other essentials: they get dirty whenever a baby leaks and you might
change a few every day! Big supermarkets like ASDA or TESCO (UK) or others in the US usually offer
good deals on packs of these, instead of going for big brands. Keep the big
brands for a special dress or outdoor outfit.
Another
useful thing can be to ask for specific clothes items as gifts from family and
friends depending on your needs rather than having so many gifts that you don’t
need.
3- UK and countries with national health insurance:
Make the
most of it! If you are in the UK, make sure you know your rights (your midwife/GP
should be able to help). You are eligible for free dental care while pregnant
and for 1 year following childbirth, there are also different antenatal classes
that might be available depending on your area.
4- Salary/statutory pay and benefits:
If you are
working, make sure you sort out your pay during maternity leave and clarify the
amount of money you are eligible for with your Human Resources department.
Check official government websites if you think you might be able to claim any
benefits in your country.
5- Free activities and classes:
Check with
your local council/library/arts center or children’s center whether they have
any activity groups, mom and baby exercise groups, nursery rhyme groups, etc. This
is a good option to get you active and socializing.
I hope that helps. Please share with us if you have any more tips, suggestions or questions in the comments section. Tell us about your experience with the baby budgeting.
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