Congratulations, you’re pregnant! Now fork over a bunch of cash for doctor’s visits, vitamins, organic food, maternity clothes and things baby will need immediately like diapers and a crib. Yay?
We’ve all heard that kids are expensive, but no one really mentioned all of the expenses that come before the baby’s even here. But don’t panic – stress isn’t good for the baby anyway – because we’ve got several ways you can save money.
1. Go In-Network.
This is your baby and your body, so obviously you want medical help that you feel comfortable with, but insurance companies often offer huge advantages for choosing someone in-network. For example, advantages may include paying only a $250 deductible for your hospital delivery expenses versus covering 50 percent of everything. Even if you have to try several in-network providers before you find one you like, it might be well worth your while.
2. Frequent farmer’s markets.
Organic at the supermarket sometimes costs double – or more! But if you’re lucky enough to have a local farmer’s market or two, the price is usually much more reasonable. Plus, the food is generally fresher and tastier. Just make sure to confirm the vendor is in fact organic and doesn’t spray.
3. Utilize hand-me-downs.
If you have friends or relatives who have just had kids, don’t feel bad about asking if they have anything they’d mind you using. Babies outgrow clothes and toys (even things like cribs and car seats) so quickly that most new parents have plenty of things just laying around taking up space. And it doesn’t have to stop with junior – if you’re close in size (and it isn’t too weird), they might even be willing to let you have old maternity clothes that they’re excited not to need anymore.
4. Do your research.
A variety of baby brands offer free trial products and coupons for new parents, so get Googling and see what’s out there that you can sign up for. Just a few of the free products available include diapers and baby food, which are pretty essential when you’re just starting out.
5. Go au naturel.
It might not always be the easiest or most comfortable thing, but breastfeeding can save you lots of money. Not only can you skip buying expensive formula, you’ll likely visit the doctor less and your baby will be healthier, meaning less medicine to make them well and fewer days you’ll have to miss work.
6. Depend on the kindness of (non)strangers.
Much like a wedding registry, you will be surprised who comes out of the woodwork to buy you things – even things you probably thought were way too ridiculously expensive when you created the baby registry. And even if many of the more expensive items are left to you, remember that even the little things can add up and they are what you will be buying on a continual basis.
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