When I found out I was pregnant my brain immediately started calculating the cost of preparing for this baby. They need a lot of stuff, and I'm not talking extras... I'm talking basic essentials. My youngest was going to be turning 18 shortly after this little one was born. I had nothing other than a few special things I kept back from my other kids. I had to start over. I also knew that I wouldn't be having anymore after this either. The challenge to do this as frugally as possible began.
I decided to start figuring out what I would absolutely need once the baby was here. I made lists of essentials and wants. From this I decided I would need a plan. I decided I would start as soon as possible, even though I was high risk for a variety of reasons.
My search slowly began. I knew this would give me time to gradually spread the cost over a longer time. I also knew that it was unlikely that I would have a baby shower. I decided to figure out a way or ways to collect everything I needed without having to rely on gifts from others. This was a multi-step process that required patience and work.
First of all I started stopping at local thrift stores. Babies outgrow things really fast. Buying inexpensive used clothing was my goal for almost all of the clothing I needed. In my area there are only a couple of thrift stores with baby stuff that is inexpensive. I checked in these stores repeatedly, only buying what I found was a good price for the item and its condition. Also, calculating about the sizes the baby would need based on the seasons.
Another good resource was creating online gift registries. Even though I had not planned to have a baby shower, I discovered that some retailers give you a free gift box or bag once you complete your registry. Some places charge for delivery. Those I avoided. I ended up doing Amazon, Walmart, and Target. The gifts had samples, full size bottles, onesies, a blanket, etc in them.
I signed up for rewards programs for different baby companies. I received free formula from similac and enfamil in the mail along with large value coupons. Granted, I planned on breastfeeding until I went back to work, but I knew I would need to wean to a formula after a month or two. This came in handy recently with a baby that was having breastfeeding issues. I was able to try formula out without purchasing a full size container.
Watching weekly sales at local stores saved me a lot of money. I purchased a pack and play when a store ran a 30% off as well as a promotional credit off your next store purchase if you spent a certain amount. I signed up for a rewards program for a store that has in store coupons every week. There are regularly coupons for baby products in this program.
For new stuff I checked the clearance racks of Kohl's, Meijer, Target and Walmart. For Kohl's I was able to stack offers. I have their credit card, receiving percentages off my purchases. Sometimes they will send you additional coupons. These can all be used on the clearanced items. I was able to get some really nice new clothes at really really cheap prices. Meijer, Target and Walmart were hit and miss. I just regularly checked their baby departments clearance areas. I was able to purchase quite a few items steeply reduced.
As for Amazon, I managed to save a bunch of money. Purchasing items through the baby registry eventually earned me an additional discount. You are able to add things to your registry and then move it to your cart from there. This counts as a registry purchase. I waited until I unlocked my extra discount and found a crib and mattress that I wanted for about the same price as found locally. With the extra discount it was a lot cheaper and free shipping. No figuring out how to haul it through a store and home. Win win in my book. Especially being pregnant.
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