Babies are expensive. There are tons of things to buy: diapers, clothes, cribs and strollers, just to name a few. If you have ever looked at the cost of a hospital delivery, your jaw probably hit the floor! For instance, the cost to hook me up to the monitors for a couple hours? Over $500! I didn’t even see a doctor or eat any of their food!
I have a few strategies that I have used or plan on using the next time around to offset the cost:
Pregnancy = Part Time Job
I vowed to my husband, “next time I find a positive pregnancy test staring back at me, I’m looking for a weekend job.” I would love to find something to do on Saturdays that has limited stress and put every single paycheck into a savings account marked “baby.” If I can snag a position at a store that sells diapers or baby goods and offers a discount, even better. My goal is to set aside enough money to cover all copays and deductibles. If I have money left over, we can stock up on diapers and possibly even splurge on a brand new Ergo.
Garage Sales
Garage sales are a great place to find baby gear in good condition for minimal cost. When people decide that little Johnny is going to stay the baby of the family forever, they’ll do anything to rid their basement of all the swings, changing tables, exersaucers and everything else that is blocking the pool table. Go early to get the best deals. Figure out ahead of time what you are looking for and bring a buddy to help scope out each sale. Don’t waste any time if you don’t see what’s on your list; move on! There are great deals to be had, but they go fast!
No False Alarms
As I mentioned in the first paragraph, the first time I visited the hospital I did not leave with a baby. I walked out with just a bill for $500 and orders to rest and wait patiently. (I was in labor, but I was progressing very slowly.) Next time I will save myself five hundred bucks by staying home until I’m clawing at the walls.
Watch for Sales
I highly recommend signing up for Babies R Us’ rewards program. If you buy 9 Pampers Value Boxes of diapers, you get the 10th free! If you watch for a coupon, you can get even more savings. When you see a sale, take advantage of it and stock up. If you’re not sure which sizes to get, ask friends if they remember how quickly their babies grew through each size as a reference.
Are you a thrifty mama? Share some ways you have found to offset the cost of your little one in the comments below!