Pregnancy is an expensive time but, in reality, it is only as expensive as you allow it to be.
I'm pretty sure I can say I've been there, done that and wore the t-shirt when it comes to being frugal during pregnancy.
As a mum of four, I can honestly say I loved nothing more than finding a great bargain when I was expecting each of my children.
It's an expensive time but, in reality, it is only as expensive as you allow it to be.
If you are expecting a baby, here are my top tips to save money as you prepare for motherhood whether it is for the first for the fifth time.
1. Make a list
What exactly do you need? Are you planning on co-sleeping, breastfeeding and how will you get out and about? When you decide, make a list of the essentials and go from there.
2. Do your research
When you have narrowed down the essentials, shop around. Look online, compare store prices using Price Spy and sign up to any newsletters websites offer you. Most brands and businesses offer a mailing list discount so you may save a tenner or two when shopping for your pending arrival.
3. Buy secondhand
Never be too proud to buy secondhand or accept hand-me-downs. During my first pregnancy, I was, and I ended up spending an absolute fortune. I shiver at the thoughts of the stuff I bought - half of it went unused too. Look on Adverts, Gumtree, Zero Waste pages on Facebook and ask friends and family to keep an eye out if you are looking for something in particular. I sold my cot, Moses basket, baby bath, buggy and a heap of other stuff for little or nothing on Adverts, the rest I gave away. You will be surprised how many people do it too and the quality of the stuff does be excellent.
4. Breastfeeding
If you plan on breastfeeding, you will pretty much only need a box of Hobnobs, tea on tap and a good nursing pillow to be completely honest. Breastfeeding is also the cheapest option. I've only breastfed my youngest child and I can completely vouch for this. If you plan on formula feeding you will need bottles, sterilizers and heaps of formula. It doesn't come cheap.
5. Maternity clothes
I've had many emotional breakdowns in fitting rooms across Ireland trying to find something half decent to wear. However, in my last pregnancy, I found high street stores like Penneys, H&M and New Look had really upped their game when it came to pregnancy fashion. Also, it will do no harm to ask friends and family who have previously had babies if they still have their maternity clothes laying about somewhere. I can guarantee you they will be thrilled to see them get used again, pregnancy is so short and our bumps grow so quick that we don't get much time out of clothes.
6. Always think ahead
When shopping as an expectant mum, we sometimes only think about what we will need when our baby is born. Realistically though, we need to think ahead into the months and years after birth. When shopping for a car seat, think ahead and buy one that will grow with your baby. It may be expensive at the time of purchase but trust me, over time, you will save an absolute fortune.
If you have any other little tips to save money as an expectant parent we would love to know.
Written by Kellie Kearney staff writer at FFHQ who also blogs at www.mylittlebabog.com.
