How to Have a Baby on a Budget

Babies do not need to be expensive.

Here is how we have saved money with babies because really, the baby stage is the cheapest. Save your money for when thhey are teenagers and much more expensive!

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Get Your Freebies and Discounts

The Bounty Bag is the obvious one most people know about.

On top of that, numerous companies which sell baby products offer samples and freebies.

If you plan to use disposables, specific creams or anything, this can be a great way to test them out.

There are so many discounts too.

Check out how to get a discount on everything. No need to pay full price, especially when you have months to prepare.

You might also want to consider using the discounts from meal delivery services for after birth.

Get up to $200 off with HelloFresh, spread across your first 6 boxes for new and returning customers. Conditions apply.

Get easy meals from $2.19 per plate with this discount from EveryPlate.

45% off your first box with Marley Spoon and further discounts.

Up to $140 off Dinnerly, spread across your first few boxes.

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Think Sustainably

Rather than using disposables, try reusables such as modern cloth nappies, cloth wipes etc.

The initial outlay isn’t too bad if you use them consistently instead of disposables.

When it comes to lotions, creams and the massive list of things you will be told you need, don’t buy into it.

For the most part, you don’t need 100 different products or a fully decked out nursery.

What Baby Products Are Needed?

A basic soap e.g. goats milk soap or a natural one which is soft on baby skin and coconut oil is all you need.

Take care of their skin now, do not introduce them to heaps of products and they will be better for it. As will your budget.

The first few days the baby poo is thick, black, sticky meconium so harder to clean so you might want disposables then.

For your body, it is usually about a week to 10 days after birth things ease up for me and other mums have said similar.

What Baby Furniture Is Essential?

A cot with a mattress, mattress cover and two sheet sets.

A pram, car seat and in some cases, a babt monitor.

A change table can be nice, storage such as a tallboy or wardrobe to put the baby items. A chair for breastfeeding.

It is up to you what you deem essential but more often than not, most things are not needed or if you really want them, they can be sourced on Marketplace for a better price.

Fed Is Best

You often hear “Breast is Best!” however, breastfeeding isn’t easy for everyone.

Breastfeed if you can, use the support available such as lactation consultants, courses, Facebook groups, mothers groups etc.

However, there are some instances where it isn’t possible or despite your best efforts, it doesn’t work.

If that is the case, it is ok. Fed is best!

Use formula with bottles.

For baby food, it is so cheap and easy to make your own instead of buying the pouches. It is better for the environment too.

Image of couple, woman is pregnant and man is kissing her belly. Text reads how to have a baby on a budget.

Baby Clothes, Toys and Other Items

You will be given so much that you probably won’t need to buy much at all.

Especially if you have a baby shower.

When it comes to clothes, they grow so quickly.

Get a few items, some bibs, burping clothes and don’t go overboard with 000 cute clothes.

They will be in 00 before you know it.

Other items we use include wraps, face washers, bottles, 2 soft towels for baby, first aid items including a snot sucker and thermometer, a lavalava (long wrap) to use as a baby carrier and that’s pretty much it.

There are huge lists of things you need but realistically, you don’t need most of it.

Maternity Items

Convertible, multi-purpose clothing can be great for your pregnancy.

For maternity specific items, check eBay and marketplace.

Good maternity bras are important and you can get them on sale.

Your boobs will grow so get a size or two up.

Your body will change so much. Get clothes and shoes you are comfortable in but realise, you don’t need to spend a fortune.

Feeling attractive and comfortable in your clothing will help though so get items you like.

Labour and Hospital

Public vs private is a personal choice and can vary significantly.

Do your research well before you get pregnant so you know your options, the extra costs and can plan accordingly.

For labour and the hospital, you can pack what you have.

You don’t need to buy anything special for it and if you go public, the cost is your tax dollars are paying for it.

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Other Considerations

Aside from the costs of setting up, pregnancy, medical etc.

There are other factors when it comes to having a baby and how that impacts your budget.

Maternity/Parental Leave

If you take time off work, check your maternity leave options through your work and through the government.

Have the other parent of your child check what they are entitled to as well.

Superannuation

Maternity leave means you will still get superannuation paid, usually.

However, for those who aren’t eligible for it or who don’t have options, your partner (if you have one) can contribute to your superannuation so you don’t miss out while taking time off.

Childcare

Childcare expenses need to be split across both wages and not only yours.

Too often, women take time off with the birth and to raise the children.

Then, they miss out on superannuation and career growth.

When they decide to go back to work, their income is put against the cost of childcare instead of the overall cost going against BOTH wages.

As a result, women often end up staying home longer or feeling it’s not worth it to go back to work.

Do what works for your family and what is best for you personally when it comes to returning to work but do not only put the expenses against your income.