Money Savers For New Parents
Tips for Raising Baby Without Breaking the Bank!
Diapering: While many parents today cringe at the thought of washing old-fashioned cloth diapers, the savings may make you reconsider. Price comparisons of Just Behinds cloth diapers in Ottawa, ON and Pampers disposable diapers show that you can save almost $400 per year by going with cloth diapers. It’s a little more work but a lot less waste and money spent.
If you must go with disposable diapers, many parents find the cheaper store brands to be just as reliable as the more expensive brand name ones. You can also buy inexpensive inserts that will turn a regular diaper into a more absorbent nighttime one. Be careful with stocking up on diapers unless you know that they can be returned. Often, babies grow out of one size and into the next overnight. Diapers are often on sale if you shop around.
Most hospitals also recommend using a washcloth with soap and water instead of baby wipes for at least the first two weeks that your baby is home. It creates laundry however it is gentle on the baby’s sensitive skin and also saves money.
One Mom’s tip: Make your own baby wipes using thick paper towels, water and baby soap. Also, try different brands of diapers. The most expensive aren’t necessarily the best. Coupons will also save you money. Karen Huenefeldt, mother of Grace and Jackson.
Toys: Almost any experienced parent will tell you, the more expensive the toy, the less likely their child was to play with it! While you may feel you are shortchanging your baby if you don’t buy him/her the latest educational toys, the truth is your child can do just fine with less – especially until they get older and start wanting what everyone else has. Garage sales and thrift stores are full of toys that were very expensive but got little use. Buy those!
One Mom’s tip: Don’t buy books or videos, borrow them from the library. If your library doesn’t carry them, check with friends or start a mommy-group ‘library’ so you can all share the expense as well as the books. Most parents only need certain books for a short period. Deb Thornton, mother of Faith and Allison.
