Save on baby
expenses
If you plan to have a second baby the experience that came with
the first one will surely guide you in many ways from saving money to being
prepared for things that came as surprises with the first one. But the surprise
factor still stays. The very first surprise as second time expecting parents my
husband and I received was to find out we were going to have twins. All the
financial planning seemed ineffective all of a sudden as out our estimated
budget wasn’t ready for two at once. We had to think of more ways to economize
more areas and I want to share what we discovered along the way that worked for
us and can work for you too.
Subscribe to
discount programs and freebie sites
For extensively used items like diapers and wipes getting a
discount subscription is the best. Amazon and all free stuff are good choices and
saving a cent or two on each piece doesn’t appear very cost effective at first,
you’ll save a good amount over a year’s span especially when you have twins.
Divide the
baby sitting cost
Do it with another couple and you both have to pay less as your
babies are taken care of together. Another cost effective method is swap the
baby sitting duty with other couples, so when one have to go out the other
agrees to babysit in exchange for doing the same the other way round.
Try day care
prepaying programs
If you have no other option than day care, then prepayment program
is for you where upon one time full advance payment you can be offered a
considerable discount. If you motivate other fellows and friends to check out
the same day care as yours you might be offered some kind of incentive too, but
check first.
Be smart
while shopping
Off season sales are great place to buy baby clothes in advance. A
stroller can be bought second after checking it is in good condition. This goes
for cribs and high chairs too. Just never buy a used car seat as safety should
not be compromised. Craigslist and amazon are great places to check second hand
stuff sale or older models that are on sale for fewer prices.
Check out
the Rewards club
You know raising baby is a time where you constantly buy certain
items. Certain companies offer reward programs to promote brand loyalty and
then is a great time to find one. Bonus points and coupons etc. all come in
handy when you get new additions in the family.
Breast feed
Yes breast feeding has its own challenges but it’s a no brainer
that it’ll save you big bucks at the end of the year.
Accept hand-me-downs
Friends and family willing to clear the baby gear that is of no
further use to them are good options to ask. Not just the clothes but things
like baby swing and toys all can prove to be valuable once the new set of
babies arrive home.
