5 Practical Tips for Saving on Baby Expenses + FREE Baby Stuff

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I originally wrote this post on 3/11/2011 and am now updating it after having 2 kids, ages 13 and 7.

When I was pregnant with my first child, I was saving all I could and felt nervous about not having enough. I never felt financially ready for a baby, but if I waited until I was, it would probably never happen!

Starting a family is priceless. And to be able to even become pregnant is a gift, as it doesn’t happen for everyone.

As a current mom of 2, I can honestly say that I didn’t regret buying anything second hand or getting used clothes and toys from friends and family. I feel very thankful for my generous friends and family!

My kids grew out of clothes SO quickly. Often times, they didn’t fit their current age for clothes as they were bigger. I LOVED that I got lots of clothes from others.

I did buy a few cute outfits and did enjoy seeing my kids wear them. Scroll down to see places to buy cute baby clothes.

Looking back, it was super helpful to buy second hand toys from Facebook, warehouse baby sales, rummage sales. The best things I bought were a play kitchen/diner (worth $199 new) for just $10 and STEP2 toy coupe car for $20!

If there’s any toy that you really want your child to have, just get it! I always wanted a toy coupe car for my daughter and never did. I regretted it so I ended up getting it for my son.

Here are some average set up costs for having a baby and this doesn’t even include clothes, diapers, baby wipes, or formula.

Infant car seat – $100
Extra car seat base – $50
Stroller frame – $50
Bassinet – $100
Crib – $230
Crib Mattress – $100
Crib Bedding – $100
Diaper Bag – $65
Baby carrier – $60
Bouncer – $40
Baby Monitor – $50
Breast Pump – $250
Milk Storage Bags and Supplies – $73
Diaper Pail – $25
Changing table – $120
Nursing Pillow – $30
Bathtub – $20
Bottles – $60
Bottle Brush – $8
Bibs – $12
Baby Washcloths – $10
Pacifiers – $8

Total Cost – $1561 (not including sales tax)

5 Money Saving Tips for Baby Expenses

1. Look for used baby items.

Rather than buy new, we were able to get second-hand baby items from our generous friends who already had kids. Babies only use certain things for a little while, then outgrow them. So why buy new?

Our friends gave us a crib, bassinet, lots and lots of clothes, changing table, playpen, baby carrier, etc. We feel very thankful for our friends’ generosity, as it saved us from buying all this stuff.

There are some things, however, that should be bought new due to safety concerns, such as car seats and breast pumps. But for breast pumps, you can buy new flanges.

2. Create a registry and be strategic.

My friends who already had kids, helped me create a baby registry with things I would really need. The advice from moms who know what works and what doesn’t was invaluable as there are so many baby products on the market.

For example, we added a car seat onto the registry, that came with a base for my car and a 2nd car seat base for my husband’s car. You don’t really need more than 1 car seat.

Then, instead of getting a full stroller, we added a stroller frame (pictured below) which you can snap a car seat into. Genius! So the baby just stays in the car seat. I wouldn’t have known about these items without the help of my friends!

Universal Single Infant Car Seat Carrier with 2 Cup Holder and Covered Compartment

$79.99 $67.99

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3. Have a baby shower.

My wonderful friends and family threw me a memorable baby shower. To help me get started with a supply of diapers, they set up a raffle, where guests who brought a pack of diapers were entered into a drawing for prizes.

This was very successful in helping me get several packs of diapers in different sizes. And I received all of the big ticket items from my registry such as the breast pump, baby monitor, car seat, etc.

Thanks to my generous friends and family! I feel really blessed and thankful. I wouldn’t have been able to purchase these items for the baby on my own.

4. Breastfeed or Pump (if you can!)

Formula can cost hundreds of dollars a month! Breastfeeding is a natural and nutritious way of feeding your baby. Of course, there will be challenges to breastfeeding and the time and missed sleep for mom in order to keep the milk flowing.

If you’re unable to breastfeed, just know that it’s OK to use formula! I was unable to breastfeed, even after seeing a lactation consultant several times. I felt guilty and depressed about it.

I ended up pumping milk when I could. I didn’t pump every 4 hours as suggested, but I did it when I had the energy to do so and enough to not feel engorged. But also supplemented with formula.

After 2 months, I decided to stop pumping as my supply went low. And it ended up being OK and a HUGE relief not having to remember to pump at regular times.

My kids are now ages 13 and 7 and are tall for their ages and healthy. Don’t let the breastfeeding campaign get to you. It’s all about feeding your child, formula or breastmilk. They are both great!

5. See if your family can help with childcare.

Childcare can cost $300 – $1200/mo. You can save a lot if your family can help with childcare, even if it’s a few days a week.

If your parents are retired or you have relatives who can help, that’s helpful. And having family care for your child helps your child create a stronger bond with family members.

Of course, staying at home with the baby is even more ideal, depending on your situation. I ended up staying home with my kids and earning money on the side through this blog. I don’t regret it and am very thankful to be able to be there for all their firsts – first steps, words, etc.

Free Baby Stuff

Take advantage of all the FREE baby stuff you can get. Check out these hand picked offers.

Baby Clothes

Although these clothes are not free, check out these cool places to get cute baby clothes.