When I learned I was expecting, I was immediately swamped by the sheer amount of items I realized a newborn would require.
With our limited finances, there was no way we could afford every single thing on our ever-growing list of needs and wants.
Luckily, with some research and generous help from friends and family who’d already raised children, I managed to save a bundle and still secure the essentials for our little one.
Below are practical tips to help you do the same!
Save On Clothing and Gear
Infants go through clothes, safety items and other gear rapidly during their first year, so don’t waste money on brand-new pieces. Use these suggestions to keep costs down.
1. Fill Out Baby Registries
Whether or not you plan to host a shower, set up registries at Babies R Us and Amazon.
After your shower or once your due date passes, each retailer issues a coupon to purchase remaining registry items. Amazon often offers up to 15% off and Babies R Us about 10% off.
Both stores require you to use the discount in a single visit.
Babies R Us also provides 10% back for purchases from your registry, so it’s smart to include everything you might want. Plus, keeping a long registry doubles as an ongoing checklist of items you still need!
2. Accept Baby Showers
If you’re expecting, chances are friends or family will want to host a shower (or a couple). Let them!
Every gift is something you won’t have to buy, and if your registries list the things you truly need and want, guests will have clear options.
3. Return What You Don’t Need
Even with a registry, you’ll probably end up with duplicates (or triplicates) and belongings you won’t use.
Return them!
If a gift came with a receipt, returns are straightforward. If not, take items back for store credit you can spend on essentials — hello, diapers.
Tip: If you don’t know where an item was purchased, Google the brand to find retailers that carry it.
4. Use Your Health Insurance
Thanks to the Affordable Care Act, many insurers now provide a free breast pump. Models like the Medela Pump In Style or Ameda Purely Yours are commonly covered.
Some insurers allow you to receive the pump before delivery; others require you to obtain it after the baby is born. You may need to pay first and request reimbursement, or the insurer might pay the supplier directly — sometimes via a medical supply company.
Policies differ, so contact your insurer or visit the Medela and Ameda sites for details. This can save you roughly $150.
5. Connect With Local Parents
Join local listservs, Facebook groups or Freecycle. Parents often clear out gently used clothing and baby gear at low or no cost.
Ask neighbors about groups, or search Google and Facebook for your city plus “swap.” Most communities have at least one local swap group.
6. Tap Your Personal Network
Friends and relatives with kids might have stashed gear, toys and clothes in attics or basements that they no longer need.
Ask around to see who has items you can borrow or take. Offer to return them when your child outgrows them, or offer a small payment.
You’ll often get items free from generous loved ones familiar with the costs of raising children. Just do a quick check to ensure nothing has been recalled.
7. Claim Freebies
Expectant parents are a target market, so free samples are plentiful when you know where to search.
Look through curated lists of free items — detergents, diapers, coupons and more!
If you’reexpecting multiples, there areeven morefreebies and discounts available.You can get complimentary diapers, formula and other supplies simply by mailing copies of your babies’ birth certificates!
8. Watch the Sales
If you frequent certain stores, subscribe to their email lists and track their sale patterns.
Carter’s, babyGap, The Children’s Place and others often slash clothes by 40% or more before items hit clearance.
Retailers frequently start big markdowns before season’s end. Don’t pay full price!
9. Visit Local Consignment Shops
Baby gear is typically lightly used because infants outgrow things quickly.
Check out kids’ consignment stores for items like high chairs, strollers, walkers and other costly equipment. You can find these for as little as half the retail price — just verify on your phone that items haven’t been recalled via recall listings.
When you’re finished with items, consign or sell them back for store credit. Use that credit to buy clothes, shoes and other necessities.
10. Shop Thrift Stores
Thrift stores are great for finding secondhand clothing at bargain rates.
The quality at thrift stores may vary from consignment shops, but I’ve discovered gems at Goodwill and similar places for a fraction of the cost.
Note that the best finds are often in thrift stores near wealthier neighborhoods. Be selective about which stores you visit.
If your local thrift store isn’t upscale, don’t worry: babies will stain and outgrow clothes quickly. Spending pennies on rompers and bodysuits makes sense if they’ll be worn only a few times.
11. Become a Yard Sale Pro
You may uncover everything you need right in your own neighborhood. If you’re willing to do the legwork, scouting yard sales can pay off.
You can find clothes, toys and even big-ticket items like strollers at prices often lower than consignment shops.
Save on Car Seats
This essential, high-cost item can set you back hundreds, but there are ways to reduce the expense.
12. Buy Used Carefully
Purchasing a used car seat can be economical, but proceed with caution. If buying secondhand, buy from someone you trust.
Car seats involved in crashes are unsafe. Avoid buying from strangers who might not disclose the seat’s history.
Also check the expiration date on used seats to ensure there’s enough usable lifespan left for your child.
13. Trade In
Babies R Us hosts annual trade-in events that give 25% off a new car seat when you turn in a used one.
14. Put a Car Seat on Your Registry
If you plan to buy new, add preferred car seat models to your registry. Car seats are common group gifts.
Even if you don’t receive one, you can use completion discounts to secure a favorable deal.
Save on Services
If you intend to breastfeed, lactation consultants are a valuable resource and there are ways to reduce the cost.
15. Lactation Support
Insurers must provide “comprehensive lactation support and counseling from trained providers.”
Coverage varies by plan, so ask your insurer what’s included before your baby arrives.
If in-home lactation visits are covered, find a consultant through the United States Lactation Consultant Association or ask your local La Leche League for referrals. You could save $75+ per hour, depending on where you live.
If your policy doesn’t cover home visits, contact the hospital’s lactation department to learn what services are available during your stay and afterward.
Many hospitals host breastfeeding support groups and offer free consultations with lactation specialists even after discharge.
Save on Diapers and Wipes
Diapers and wipes can become one of the largest ongoing expenses during your child’s first two years.
Save with Cloth Diapers
If you want to cut diaper costs significantly, cloth diapering is the way to go.
16. Buy Used Cloth Diapers
To save upfront, purchase used cloth diapers.
Research and choose the style that suits your household best.Prefolds, all-in-ones, pocket diapers and one-size options each have advantages and drawbacks.
Generally, prefolds are cheaper per unit but require sizing as your baby grows.
Pocket, all-in-one and one-size options cost more initially but will fit as the baby increases in size.
17. Test Before Investing
Those unfamiliar with styles should compare a few types. Try different diaper brands before buying a full stash.
Look for used diapers on local Facebook sale groups or at consignment stores.
18. Launder Properly
A sound cleaning routine helps make cloth diapering economical. See a good washing guide at Fluff Love University.
Prep new diapers or bleach used diapers before using them.
Use the correct detergent, wash temperature and storage between loads.
These practices lengthen diaper life and maintain absorbency.
Save on Disposable Diapers and Wipes
If cloth isn’t for you, you can still save substantially on disposables by shopping intelligently.
19. Get Free Diapers
The cheapest diapers are free.
Before spending a small fortune on disposables, explore several ways to obtain free diapers.
20. Join Brand Loyalty Programs
Major diaper brands and programs let you earn gift cards, free diapers, wipes and other rewards by entering codes online or in apps.
You’ll also receive coupons and exclusive offers that can cut costs further.
21. Use Subscriptions
Amazon Mom, Diapers.com and Target give discounts for recurring deliveries of diapers, wipes, formula and more.
22. Make Homemade Wipes
Depending on brand choice and coupon use, wipes can cost up to $300 a year.
Save over $200 annually bymaking wipes from paper towels and a few simple ingredients.
23. Use Cloth Wipes
Save more by repurposing old T-shirts or towels into reusable wipes.
Spritz with a homemade cleansing mix, rinse, and keep in a wet bag until washing.
Save on Formula and Other Baby Care Essentials
Below are tactics to reduce spending on formula and baby supplies.
24. Breastfeed
Nursing requires time and certain supplies like nursing bras or a pump, but it’s typically cheaper than buying formula.
25. Ask Your Pediatrician for Samples
Baby products and formula are pricey. Before buying full-size packages, ask your pediatrician for samples or brand recommendations. Doctors often receive samples to share.
26. Sign Up for Manufacturer Coupons
Similac Strong Moms offers free formula samples and high-value coupons.
They also provide partner deals on items like birth announcements and photo books.
27. Purchase During Sales
Baby food and care items frequently go on sale at discount retailers.
Look for coupons in local papers or on sites like Coupons.com to stack savings.
28. Use Cashback and Discount Apps
Apps such as Target’s Cartwheel (plus a RedCard for an extra 5%), Ibotta and Walmart’s Savings Catcher can save you money or give cash back on featured purchases.
29. Make Your Own Baby Food
Jars of baby food aren’t the only option. Pre-made purees, especially organic ones, add up.
Preparing your own organic purees can save more than $20 per month and is often quick to do.
30. Try Baby-Led Weaning
Consider baby-led weaning. Skipping purees and offering small pieces of family foods when your baby shows readiness (around six months) can eliminate jars entirely.
31. Claim Tax Deductions
If a breast pump or lactation services aren’t covered by your insurer (some plans have grandfathered rules), these costs may be tax deductible.
New parents areeligible for other credits and exemptions, too.
Consider consulting a tax professional or reviewing IRS resources online before filing.
