Motherhood is a life-altering, most worth-while experience, after all who wouldn’t want to snuggle with little cherub? With the baby coming you want to make sure you have each and everything for the well-being of little munchkin. However with babies comes tons of responsibilities and somehow your hard earned dollars sprout wings to fly. Raising babies is very demanding and exhausting. It is already hard enough to look after your babies to further add micro-managing your finances at the same time. To make life easier for budget conscious moms, all the new mommies across the world have thus compiled the list to raise your babies without going completely broke.
Map-out
The first and foremost step is to plan out. List down all the overheads you currently have and all the costs which will be soon be added on the arrival of little bubba. Fix an amount you have to spend on every month on you and your baby utilities plus fix a sum that goes directly from your salary to your saving’s account. Create a plan and stick to it, you will soon see the difference yourself.
Must-have list
List down all the essential items needed for newborn babies and young toddlers. You might be tempted to include all the fluffy cute baby items and toys on racks in baby sections, on the other hand a little of this and that will pile-up your cart and will eventually end up causing dent in your account. Look through the baby fundamentals list on websites and compare it with what items you already own and which items you need to purchase. This will prevent you from hoarding unwanted items which are useless in long run. Get your items during the flash sale from stores like 50% off popreal flash sale for limited time.
Trim down extra’s
By jotting down all your monthly expenditures you may be able to pin the extra expenses which you didn’t realize before. These extra outlays include renting movies on Netflix, 2-3 times dining out in fancy restaurants, visit to Starbucks frequently, unnecessary subscriptions of magazines, cable, extra amount going in over-due bills and rent. Cutting down all these payments will significantly contribute to your savings account.
Buy in Bulk
The following step will make your life 10 times easier. Buy in bulk whether they are clothes, food or diapers. Buying in bulk saves considerable sum of money as well as you save you from the running to pharmacy again and again just because you were out of diapers. Prepare beforehand to spend most of your time with little angel.
One-size big rule
You cannot keep your eyes away from the sequined frilly frock or star studded shoes on the rack, however think again do your munchkin care about fancy skirts and embellished caps? The answer is plain and simple “No”. Vital to your baby caboodle happiness is comfort, buy clothes that are comfy, minimalistic and do not require extra effort to get them out of it. As baby clothes needs to be frequently changed because of food and poop stains. Babies grow amazingly fast in first few months and outgrow their baby clothes, therefore do not fill carts with piles and piles of clothes. Follow one-size bigger rule that will last for few months at-least.
Home-made baby food
The baby formulas can cost your arm and legs. Opt for organic fresh items in bulk and prepare your baby food at home. Processing fresh fruits and vegetables at home can be stored by freezing and lasts up to 2-3 feeds. In this way you know exactly what is going down your cherub stomach is fresh and healthy, it saves your money because organic items barely costs much in addition the time that is required to prepare formula again and again.
Hunt down sales
Being frugal is not a crime, Effective money-managing means to save every penny you possibly can. Hence while shopping look out for discounted items, sales coupons, promotional codes, seasonal sales anything and everything you can get your hands on. There are online websites and stores that put sales on baby essentials and mom items such as maternity clothes and breast pumps, soothing gels and creams. By hauling these sales your expenses will promptly reduce to half.
Embrace pre-loved
Your babies mature in blink of eye and get too big for everything you collected for them, grazing your heels in stores night and day. Baby basics such as car-seats, high-seats, basinets, strollers, cribs, swaddles and front carriers are often too pricey and go out of use in 3-4 years. There are various yard sales who put out these pre-loved items on sale. Save your bucks by purchasing from yard and garage sales. Although before buying thoroughly check these items if they are safe and sturdy enough and have not been worn out or infected by previous use.
Dodge baby-sitters
Being a mom is 24/7 duty which is very exhaustive and all-consuming. Although you adore your little bubba and wish to spend your every moment with tiny bundle in your arms, nevertheless from time to time you also crave for little “me” time in which you can pamper yourself and catch-up with your favorite activities. Baby-sitters seem the perfect solution however this solution tends to be pricey, especially for moms with constricted budget. By dodging baby-sitter we do not imply to cut-out your “me” time or dinner date with your significant other, instead ask from your neighbors, friends and family if they can look after your baby for few hours. This is free of cost also eases your mind since you know your little angel is in safe hands.
Friends with other moms
This is the last but nonetheless most important step for all the new mommies out there. You can never predict all the troubles you are going to have with your baby, no matter how much you have prepared yourself in advance. The experience of other mommies will pave your way to easy motherhood. You can ask them about your problems regarding little cherubs and their requirements. Fellow mums are the best counselors and advisors at hand. Look around for new moms in your friend’s circles and neighborhood this will also keep you up to date with the baby and new mom’s problems and what not.
All these tips have been trialed and tested; follow them to have an amazing, stress-free motherhood.