This is a collaborative post.
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Raising a child is expensive. According to the Child Poverty Action Group, it will cost you £75,233 to raise a child by eighteen. But, there are ways to save a bit of money, and why not start early!
Stick to the Essentials when Shopping
It is easy to get carried away with online shopping, but it is important to resist the temptation because your house will be cluttered before the baby arrives. So, make a shortlist of essential baby products and think about whether or not you will use them.
- Baby Car Seat: This is essential. You will not be able to get the baby home without it, so this is a necessary pre-birth purchase.
- Pushchair or Pram: To be suitable from birth, a pushchair must recline completely flat or come with a carrycot, so this needs to be considered when looking to purchase one. A sling or baby carrier can also be a relatively cheap alternative to a pushchair.
- Cot bed, Moses basket, or baby crib? In the first few months, your baby may prefer the cosiness of a Moses basket to the vast expanse of a cot; you can use a Moses basket until your baby is about three to four months, and afterward, it’s best to move onto a cot. It is important to do research to figure out what suits your home and budget; if you are often on the move, then a travel cot may be worth the investment.
Save Wisely for Your Baby’s Future
It’s all fun and games buying nice items for them once they have been born, but it is very important to think about the baby’s future. Every little helps, and it may be a good idea to put a little money aside each month to build up savings for your child. Whether it be Junior ISA’s or children’s savings accounts, it is good to have a nest egg ready for them.
Save on Nappies and Toiletries
Whether you are buying nappies and formula for your baby or toiletries for yourself, there are always ways to save.
You can usually buy non-brand products for lower prices, and there is often little difference between products. And, if you are feeling up for it, why not ditch the disposables and try reusable nappies and baby wipes!
Join Clubs for Discounts
So many baby essential shops such as Boots Parenting Club hand out extra advantage points when you buy baby items and offer free gifts at key stages of your baby’s development. Members of the Asda Baby & Toddler club are alerted first about discount events in the supermarket.
Find Fun Activities
It’s a good idea to get you and your baby out into the world to socialise. There are many budget-friendly ways to do this; local libraries may have nursery rhyme sessions to help you meet other parents and your baby mix with other babies their own age. Other playgroups may come with an entrance fee, including a tea and a few biscuits.
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