Buying For Baby

Happy Tuesday friends! Everyone knows that babies/children are not cheap, but they don't necessarily have to be super expensive either. I have always prided myself on a good deal, and buying for our baby is no different. Below are my top 5 ways to keep you from blowing your budget! What is one way you save when shopping? 

1. Register and subscribe. When we created our baby registry, someone along the way gave us the genius advice to register for diapers and wipes, and not just newborn or size 1, so we did. We registered for diapers all the way up to size 3, and we were so fortunate to receive enough diapers to last us over 9 months. That's right, we just bought our first box of diapers and it's been close to a year. Yes, I realize that diapers and wipes are not the fun gift to give at a baby shower, but I promise it will be so appreciated! Also, once our diaper train ran out, I did my research and went and ahead and subscribed through amazon for our diapers and wipes. This way we keep a stock pile, and avoid having to go out and buy and then lug boxes of diapers home. They are dropped on our door step and we save. 

2. Buy used clothing, and in advance! Now, I'm a girl Mama and I know how much fun it is to dress my baby, but it can also be pricey! Almost all of Everette's clothes are used, and sometimes we are the third or fourth owners. The day after our gender reveal one of my girlfriends added me to multiple baby resale groups, and that's where I have purchased ever since. I keep my eye out for certain holiday outfits and always buy in advance and put back for later. You are so much more likely to save money when you aren't in a hurry to get something for next week. That being said, I try to keep her clothes in great shape in hopes of reselling in the future. 

3. Borrow it. One of my girlfriends so graciously loaned me her entire maternity wardrobe, and because we are the same size, and our babies were due during the same time of year, it was a huge savings for us! Maternity clothes are expensive, especially cute ones so consider borrowing something from a friend for that wedding you are attending, instead of purchasing something new to wear maybe twice. The same is true with baby items, borrow first! If you aren't sure if your baby will like something, ask to borrow from a friend and check it out before you make the purchase. 

4. You do you. Obviously breastmilk is free, making it much cheaper than formula, so if nursing is easy for you, and works well for your family, it's a savings. However, you can't put a price on your sanity, and it's worth a lot more than the formula. The same is true for baby food. When Everette started solids, I began making her baby food because I was meal planning and cooking anyway, it worked for us, and it was a huge savings. However, I am firmly in the camp of you do you, and if buying baby food makes your week run smoother, do it all day long. 

5. Memberships vs. more things. Everette is only 10 months old and I already kind of feel like our house is overtaken by baby. Every parent knows that anything can be a baby toy, so instead of purchasing the latest and greatest, look around your house and see what you already have. Did you know that it's actually better for a baby's development for them to discover everyday items as a toy? Also, for  Everette's first birthday we are thinking of purchasing a yearly membership to our children's museum and aquarium. Why buy more items when you can invest in an experience. It's the gift that keeps on giving! 

These are just a couple things that we have implemented, and I am sure as we go we will find more! Veteran mamas, what is one way you save vs. splurge?