How We Save Money On Baby Prodcuts

Our sweet angel only a few hours old.

 One of my girlfriends is going to be a Nana! I am beyond excited for her, her daughter and granddaughter. She asked me what I do to save money on baby products, I've developed the reputation as being the Coupon Queen. So I am writing this blog post in dedication to her and the precious bundle of joy coming our way.

I think the biggest surprise as a new mother was how expensive it is to have a baby. And when I was no longer able to breastfeed, oh gracious... I thought we were going to have to declare bankruptcy just to pay the formula and diaper bills. Here is what I've learned:

1. Use the internet to save major mola.

• Swagbucks. Learn more about it HERE. But earning FREE Amazon gift cards to buy diapers cuts the cost of out of pocket expenses. Think small. Even if you only saved $5 on that pack of diapers, it is still $5 in your pocket.
• Ebates. Sign up HERE. I have saved a lot of money by buying online for our son, and using a site like Ebates helps save even more. Learn more about it HERE
• Buy your diapers and wipes from Amazon. Sign up for Amazon Mom and select Subscribe and Save for 30% off. Also be on the look out for 20% off coupons in magazines like Baby Talk (free subscription HERE). I will try and post the latest deals on this blog. Make sure you're following me on facebook! 

2. Do you really need that many baby clothes? No, you don't. I over-bought for our son. Half of his clothes he didn't get a chance to wear before he grew out of them! I suggest not buying until he absolutely needs new clothes and waiting to see what you receive as gifts. Also ask that no one buys Newborn sized clothes, they only fit in it for 2 weeks or not at all in my son's case. Pre-buying can lead to over buying. 

3. Baby gear, what do you truly need? Make due with less before you buy more.


    Strollers: I know women who have 5 different strollers for their youngster. We have two. We have the travel system stroller that fits the car seat carrier and a light weight umbrella stroller. Unless you are a jogger and will actually run every day, you don't need that fancy jogging stroller.
    Carseats: Don't be tempted to get one per car. While your child is in the carrier carseat, getting an extra base makes sense, but once they are forward facing, installing the car seat is super easy. I am going to time myself one day. Don't forget to price comparison shop! We found Babies'R'Us was cheapest when we could use a 20% off coupon, but always check Amazon, with no shipping or sale tax, it might cheaper.
    Nursery: Your baby does not care if their room is decked out in the latest fashion. Buying sheets separate from the fancy designer sets saves literally hundreds of dollars. Just a few sheets, the bumper, crib skirt, and comforter (WHICH YOUR CHILD DOES NOT NEED) separate from Target was under $50 rather than the $150 -$200 price tag of the bag sets at Babies'R'Us. Your child is only going to be in the crib for 18 months - 2 years. And they are going to leak all over those sheets. I actually decorated my son's room in red, white, and blue and my mom gave me a lot of the wall hangings. I think we spent maybe a $100 decorating our child's room.
    Crib: Many are tempted to go to IKEA, thinking they will get good quality furniture for pennies on the dollar for their little one. I have to say, I have not been impressed with IKEA's baby furniture. Also, their furniture is not the standard American sizes, so you would have to buy everything from IKEA, from sheets to changing table covers to even the crib mattress. I suggest getting your furniture from an American store in standard sizes so you can shop around for the best price. We found a great crib mattress from Wal-Mart for only $60.

There is so much more that we do to save money, but this is a good start. If you ever have any questions please do not hesitate to ask!