Save a bundle on your new bundle of joy II

Make a budget

Your numbers may be just an estimate since you won’t know exactly what you’ll get in gifts and hand-me-downs. However, between maternity clothes, strollers, car seats, baby clothes and decorating the nursery, the cost of preparing for a baby varies greatly, based on your self-control and of course your wallet. This of course does not include hospital bills, daycare or all the miscellaneous expenses that come later.

You can definitely spend less – a lot less – with creativity and some help from family and friends. But there will always be stuff you need, so set aside enough money to cover those basic expenses. Splurge on excesses when you’ve got disposable funds, otherwise reduce the stress of your baby’s arrival by not adding a huge debt to your worries.

Accept donations

New parents will say that only new things will do for their baby. However, the truth is it has never been reported that wearing second-hand clothes can cause illness or death among children. We live in a country where very few can afford to purchase everything new, so extend the practice to clothing and accessories for your baby.

Chances are your friends and relatives would be happy to load you up with their outgrown baby clothes if only you’d say the word. So accept, sort, clean and pass along whatever you can’t use (with the original donor’s permission, of course). You’ll make your friends and family happy, you’ll save money and you’ll put a little less pressure on your already overstressed environment.

Get maternal

Maternity clothes can be a budget-breaker. It’s easy to spend $10,000 or more just to look and feel presentable for the office. Even when you have a fairy godmother, you’re still likely to have to supplement your wardrobe as your belly grows, the weather changes, and you get sick, sick, and sick of wearing the same black pants every single day.

Other mothers are great sources of recycled clothing, if any of them are between pregnancies. Also, check out some of the stores for sales and purchase affordable clothing in larger sizes. I recall buying size 12 clothes although I was, note, I said was a size two.

You’ll probably also need to get at least a couple pairs of new shoes (one set for the office, one for casual use) by your third trimester. Get slip-ons, so you don’t amuse your husband too much trying to buckle your shoes or tie your laces.

One of the open secrets of motherhood is that your feet grow – and often, they don’t shrink back – so be prepared to accept larger shoes from friends and be prepared to return the favour.

Check the Classifieds

You may not be aware of the power of shopping through the classifieds. Each week there are garage sales where you can find just about anything in worthwhile buying condition. You can find brand name items of clothing, toys and other baby gear for a fraction of the price of new items. Toys can be cleaned with a bleaching solution and disinfectant spray. Why spend a bundle when the kids grow at such a rapid rate, Maybe the last time they looked so great was immediately after taking them home from the hospital.

Keep receipts and do not wash new items right away

In a frenzy, many parents will do what they think that they are supposed to do, which is to wash and make clean everything that may come in contact with the baby’s skin. More experienced mothers will tell you that it is smart to wash only a few of your newborn’s items, since the baby is likely to quickly outgrow them and you can take the unopened ones (with receipt) back to the store for a refund or exchange. Some stores have time limits for returning items, so ask about their policy and write it on the back of the receipts.

Expect a few splurges

On a related note, it’s not just the mother-to-be who can wreak havoc on a budget. The daddy-in-training can also lose his mind occasionally. It is therefore wise to discuss purchases and if the daddy is willing, take him along on your shopping trips.

If you must, spend some cash on massages, manicures and pedicures for yourself and the daddy-to-be, as this will definitely release any anxiety. If these luxuries aren’t within reach, make sure you make some nice dinners for each other at home. Learn a few massage techniques before the baby arrives. It is said that the latter come in quite handy in the labour and delivery room – and beyond.