A friend of mine recently announced her pregnancy and I could not be more thrilled for her. She also shared her concern that she would not be able to get all the frills she’d seen in another friend’s nursery. What’s a mommy-to-be to do when handcrafted sleigh cribs, designer duds, and Cadillac strollers just aren’t in the budget? If you think babies have to be super expensive, think again!
Budget Baby Rule #1: Fancy clothing is optional.
Let’s get real here; most of those cute baby outfits do nothing more than slow down diaper changes and irritate new baby skin. All you really need to clothe your newborn are onesies, knit hats, soft swaddling blankets and booties or socks. Sleepers are also a nice option. Once your baby has a nice layer of body-warming fat, you’ll find yourself slapping on a diaper and a onesie and calling it a day. Many babies prefer to be naked and run around in their diaper. It feels good.
What to Buy on a Budget: A week’s worth of onesies, sleepers, socks, knit hats and swaddling blankets.
Budget Baby Rule #2: Your face is more entertaining than that $20 baby toy.
It’s a fact, newborns love to look at faces. Your baby won’t even notice toys until she is three or four months old, and even then, she may still prefer to play with your fingers or her toes. Currently my son is five months old and his favorite “toy” is a bed sheet. I discovered this while folding laundry recently. A bed sheet will keep him entertained for fifteen minutes, which is the equivalent of four hours in “adult time.” If he’s not playing with a bed sheet, he’s chewing on links.
What to Buy on a Budget: Teething rings and links. Everything else can wait until your child is much older.
Budget Baby Rule #3: Your baby doesn’t care if she has her own room. (Gasp!)
Truth be told, my son didn’t even sleep in his room until he was three months old. He didn’t start playing in his room until he was four months old. If you don’t have a spare room, don’t fret. All your baby needs is a safe place to sleep (such as a bassinet or crib, but pack-and-play’s are okay, too). You can put the crib in your bedroom or the home office; you can even put it in an empty walk-in-closet. If you’re concerned that you can’t paint because you rent, remember that nursery decor is more for mommy than baby. By the time your baby is old enough to care about what his nursery looks like, you’ll probably redecorate it anyway.
What to Buy on a Budget: Skip the paint, designer curtains, matching furniture and wall art and invest in a pack-and-play that serves as a bassinet, a crib, a changing table and a play area.
Budget Baby Rule #4: There is more than one way to move a baby around.
Contrary to what Mrs. Jones next door might say, you don’t need a fancy stroller to take your baby to the mall. I actually prefer my $25 umbrella stroller because I don’t have to worry about it fitting between those tightly arranged clothing racks. I can also put it in my trunk and still have room for groceries. Many times, I skip the stroller and wear my son in a wrap or carrier. He loves the view!
What to Buy on a Budget: Buy six yards of jersey knit fabric (slightly stretchy and soft, yet supportive) in your favorite color or pattern and trim it so that it is about 20″ wide (about a third of the original width). Share the other two-thirds with friends. There are tons of videos and tutorials online that will teach you how to tie it so you can wear your baby in a number of different positions. Then head to your favorite baby department and grab a cute compact umbrella stroller for under $30.
Budget Baby Rule #5: Breastmilk is free.
Consider breastfeeding. It’s cheap. It’s easy once you learn and get past those first few weeks. It’s very healthy for your baby and you’ll save tons of money on bottles, formula and all the accessories. The nursing bras will pay for themselves in the first week.
What to Buy on a Budget: If you’re worried about modesty, all you need is a nursing cover or light blanket to cover up. Invest in a few good nursing bras that will last the duration of your nursing days. Don’t worry about nursing tops or pillows and other accessories.