Having a baby is an expensive business, but there are ways to lessen the financial burden of preparing and caring for a new arrival. Here are just some of the areas where new parents can save money on baby essentials.
Baby Changing Freebies
Babies use lots of nappies, and the disposable kind are frequent expense for new parents. While it may be cheaper in the long run to buy reusable, washable nappies (a higher initial investment but they will pay for themselves over time), those using disposables can still find a few freebies by doing the following:
- Visit nappy manufacturers websites and sign up to their parents clubs. These often offer free samples by mail on joining, as well as sending out vouchers periodically entitling members to try new products for free or buy their usual choice at a significantly reduced price.
- Think about where nappies are purchased. A supermarket or high street chemist with a loyalty scheme will often give loyalty points for purchases. Over time these may well mount up to enough for a "free" pack of nappies.
- Take advantage of promotions – if a store is offering double or triple points on essentials such as nappies for a limited time then parents should stock up while the going is good. The same applies to limited time buy one get one free offers. Parents should remember, however that baby will grow and move up the sizes, so they don’t end up stuck with unnecessary nappies that are too small for their child.
In the UK, new parents will be invited to join the Bounty Club in their midwife packs, as well as receive a copy of Emma’s Diary. Registering with both of these initiatives will bring in a pile of freebies including nappies, wipes and free nappy wrapping bin.
Free Baby Formula Samples, Food and Feeding Equipment
While breast milk is the ultimate free baby food, eventually there will come a time when other baby foods must be provided. Like nappy manufacturers, baby food companies often offer club membership to parents of babies. Many, including Hipp Organic and Aptamil, will send free samples to parents who register, as well as give away promotional items such as weaning spoons and nappies.
Getting Baby Clothes for Free
Friends and family are the best source of free baby clothes, so new parents should not be shy to ask around, as many families have outgrown clothes taking up valuable storage space in their homes. Networks such as Freecycle are also a great place to find free baby clothes, and families can even request items in the appropriate sizes through their local group. If new baby clothes are purchased, parents should bear in mind that they can redeem some of the money spent by selling used items in good condition through auction sites such as eBay.
Free Photos of Baby
New parents will take numerous snapshots of their new addition, but printing photos can be expensive. Many online printers such as Snapfish and Photobucket will offer free digital snaps to new sign ups, so shop around and use a different printer for each batch. Most of the photo printing sites also offer free print credits for new user referrals, so new parents should take advantage of referral tools to recommend them to friends and family.
Toys and Baby Equipment for Free
Again, friends and family are a great source of free toys and other baby equipment, while Freecycle can be a great place to find essentials such as highchairs and pushchairs, as well as fun free baby stuff like toys trikes and more.
Free Baby Items Help Parents on a Budget
Getting free things for a new baby can help keep the costs down, but it is often a case of “don’t ask, don’t get” so new parents should not be shy to tell people what it is they are looking for. With some forward planning, the smallest of baby budgets can be stretched quite a long way.
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