Good afternoon, everyone!
Pinterest probably led you to this blog, and you can find my first post about budgeting a few articles down. I would like to share some more thoughts. Months have gone by since I wrote that article, and I have a lot more to say now that I have some more experience.
Tip #1: Give this idea to the person that is organizing your baby shower. Any guest that brings an unwrapped pack of diapers (aside from the gift they're giving you) has their name entered into a drawing for a gift card. I did this for my sister, and she didn't need to buy diapers for months. I assessed what would be most valuable to the guests at her party, and I decided to go with a $50 gift card to Target. Most places are easy to exchange at, and I believe she only had to switch out a couple packs.
Tip #2: Ask your hospital what you will receive during your stay there. At mine, we received the remaining newborn diapers from the pack that was used for my son while we were there. By the time we had finished the pack, he was already in size 1's. I ended up giving away the newborn size diapers I bought myself (I used maybe 3 of them, but he was leaking out of them!). I also received lanolin for free, but I believe civilian hospitals make you pay for that, because its from the pharmacy. For his cord/circumcision care, we got free gauze pads, petroleum jelly, and alcohol wipes. For myself, they supplied me with everything I needed, as well as all the pain/healing medication and creams for at home. Again, your hospital might tack this on your hospital bill. I consider myself very lucky to not have had any medical bills. A little bit of witch hazel from any drug store will help you a lot with pain, and a big bottle of it is only $2!
Tip #3: Call your health insurance company early in your pregnancy. You need to know what's covered and how much of it is covered. There are a lot of ways to cut back on costs, especially if you and your baby are healthy. These three tips stand out to me the most: If you and your doctor see no reason for additional testing while you're pregnant, don't bother. Also, consider going med-free during labor. I tried and failed, but many women have success with this. Lastly, do not spend extra time in the hospital to recover. Always listen to medical advice from your doctor or midwife, but it's important to educate yourself, too.
Tip #4: Don't buy a changing table. Almost always you'll be changing your baby somewhere other than a changing table. In addition, when they start crawling, you'll be changing them on the floor anyways.
Tip #5: Any chair that rocks can be used as a rocking chair. I used our recliner in the living room just as much as I used the chair we purposefully bought for the nursery.
Tip #6: If there's a history of eczema and allergies in either of your families, don't even bother buying traditional baby wash and lotion. Just go ahead and buy the all natural/organic stuff. Its more expensive up front, but its very likely you're going to have to buy this stuff regardless.
Tip #7: If you have something that your baby won't use, try to find a new use for it before you try to sell it or give it away. For example, my son will not and never has slept in his Pack N Play. I turned it into a fort by cutting out one side and putting a fitted crib sheet on top, and he's used it every day since. If a onesie is just a little too short, and you have a sewing machine, then turn it into a shirt. I'd love even more suggestions. :)
Tip #8: Breastfeeding totally sucks at first. Totally. Freakin'. Sucks. You're going to save so much money if you never have to buy formula. This is the main reason we stuck with breastfeeding, and it sure as hell paid off. When it comes time for baby to be eating food, do some research on baby led weaning. Frugal moms swear by it, and also consider making your own baby food. I never did either of these things, but that doesn't mean its not a good idea.
Tip #9: Give up your idea of the perfectly coordinated room for your baby. You're the only person that cares about this, and you probably won't care as much when you're broke with spit up in your hair and sleep deprivation in your eyes. I struggled with this, too. Your baby is only a baby for a year. Likewise I think focusing on more coordination would be great for ages 1-4, when they actually might enjoy it and have an interest in it in general.
Tip #10: Consider cloth diapering and making your own reusable wipes. I didn't do these things, and I kind of wish I did.
Helpful? Please repin this article! Want me to adjust any of my tips or have a better suggestion? Feel free to email me at madde1km@gmail.com or comment on this article! I love helping people, especially in regards to finances, and I hope someone gets some use from this. Thanks for all the support!
<3 Kristin
