Buying For Baby On a Budget

Having a baby can be one of the most exciting times in your life, but it can also be one of the most expensive. The list of things a new baby needs can seem endless, but with a bit of careful planning you don’t have to blow your credit card limit.

Prioritise your needs

Before you go and raid the baby shop, think carefully about what you actually need or want for your baby. Ask yourself things like do you want the baby to have a bassinet so they can sleep in your room to start with or are you happy for them to go straight into a cot. This will cut down on the things you need to buy and stop you buying items which will sit unused in the cupboard.

Think second hand

Some items for new babies such as cot mattresses are best purchased new but others are perfectly acceptable even if they are pre-loved. Babies grow out of clothes so quickly and need so many that it is easy to find plenty of choice. You could try second hand shops, but these days it is more popular to sell things on online auction sites. Browsing the baby listings will find clothes and all manner of goodies for your little bundle of joy. Friends and relatives with older children can also be a good source of second hand items.

Don’t be afraid to accept things

If your parents want to spoil their new grandchild then why not let them. Try asking in a polite way for them to buy something you know will be useful rather than just piles and piles of cuddly toys. Ask for a donation towards a cot or other big ticket item. If your friends want to throw you a baby shower then gratefully accept any gifts they might buy you.

Don’t be fooled into thinking you need all the trendiest labels or the latest gadgets and toys

Babies don’t care what they look like and won’t know if they are dressed in the trendiest label. In all honesty, at some point they will probably just throw up on it or drop food down it. Equally if you give a baby a cardboard box or a wooden spoon to play with they will probably be just as happy as if you give them the latest all singing, all dancing electronic toy. Making your own baby toys can definitely reduce your budget and is generally easier than it seems.

Plan ahead

You have nine months before the baby arrives so don’t leave everything to the last minute, particularly for more expensive items. If you see things like cots or buggies in a sale then get it while it is cheaper and store it until you need it. You could also ask stores if they run a lay-by scheme so you could pay in instalments. Even buying a packet of nappies every so often in your grocery shopping will mean you won’t have a huge bill when the baby first arrives.