12 Tips To Save Money When You Have A Baby Or Toddler

It’s hardly news that having a baby is not cheap. As soon as you spot that second little blue line on the pregnancy test, you’re mentally frittering away your hard-earned cash on dinky baby grows, nursery furniture and that all-important travel system. And that doesn’t stop when they reach toddlerhood – in fact the older they get, the more 'stuff' they seem to need.

However, there are ways you can cut back on costs without, well, going without.

Here are my top tips to save money when you’ve got a baby or toddler.

1. Scour the online marketplaces

Local buy and sell websites and groups – Facebook is full of them – are brilliant for picking up bargain baby wear or toys. Baby and toddler items have a short life so you will often find many items in nearly-new condition, in particular clothes for pre-mobile babies, I mean, apart from the v.unfortunate poonami victims, the majority of Albie’s newborn clothes stayed immaculate.

2. Also try charity shops
Charity shops are equally great for toys and baby furniture and by buying from them you are helping out a great cause. Win win.

3. Make your own baby food

If you're heading down the traditional weaning route, or plan on giving a bit of puree alongside finger food, consider making your own. In the early stages of weaning it is best to give your baby simple tastes anyway, so it makes sense to blend or mash whatever fruit or veg you have in the fridge and serve that up instead of expensive pouches and/or jars. If you’re short on time, batch cook a load and freeze in individual portions. These handy pots from Morrisons are great for making sure you only defrost what you need. 

4. Don’t assume branded is best

Don’t be fooled by clever marketing and fancy-ass packaging. In my experience, supermarket own brand baby products often match or exceed the quality of branded products (Aldi Mamia nappies are a prime example). They are all required to meet the same super strict regulations after all.

5. Buy normal food

You don’t need to buy specific pasta, cous cous, rice cakes or porridge for babies when normal, much cheaper varieties do the same job. Same goes for snacks, for example, instead of buying individual cheese portions marketed for kids, cut up some chunks from a block of cheddar.

6. Stick to sleepsuits

When your baby is teeny-tiny, it's a right old faff trying to dress them in proper outfits, not to mention completely pointless. Save yourself some ££ by just buying sleepsuits/rompers and vests for those early months, it really is all they need. Besides, no doubt some generous relatives or friends will buy actual clothes which you can dress your baby in if an occasion arises.

7. Buy in bulk
You'll save a fair bit of money by picking up those humongous packs of nappies or wipes, it's not like they won't get used after all.

8. Hit up the baby events
Supermarkets and drugstores are always holding events for babies and toddlers, slashing prices on all sorts of things from bottles to clothing. Keep an eye out and you are sure to save on things you would need to buy anyway.

9. Only buy what you need
Beware of the countless 'miracle' and 'must-have' baby products which promise to make your life as a parent as easy as possible - they can be costly and well, unnecessary.

I'm going to use the rather pricey Sleepyhead as an example here. I'm not slating it as a product, (I know a couple of mums who absolutely swear by theirs) but in the past I've seen many influencers advertise it as an essential if you want your baby to have a hope in hell in sleeping through the night.

Well, here's where I call bullshit. Albie has been sleeping through since he was a few months old (Yes, we are lucky and yes I am a total cow bag) and he has only had his sleeping bag in a cot.

So yeah, my advice is to start off by only purchasing the basics and then go from there once your baby is born. Every baby is different and what one can't live without, another won't get on with.

10. Find out what they like
This tip is one for when you're looking for toys to buy. I've previously made the mistake in buying a hyped-up toy based on glowing reviews and well, Albie didn't want to play with it. Great.

Now I look to see what he gravitates towards when we are at play groups or at other peoples houses. If I notice that he seems to be particularly enjoying a toy that he doesn't have at home, I'll make a mental note for later.

11. Look for church play groups or ones held in the local library
They normally cost no more than £1, often 50p and this usually includes a hot drink and a biscuit.

It's worth noting that some baby and toddler groups are better than others (I found some a bit cliquey and unfriendly) so it may take a bit of looking around to find one that you enjoy and feel comfortable going to. It is worth persevering though.

12. Don't go mad on birthdays or Christmas
Your baby will not know nor care what you have bought them to celebrate these special occasions. Obviously buy them something but don't go mad - it won't be too long before they're claiming that they NEED every toy that they see.

Do you have any tips that I've missed? I'd love to hear them.

Until next time,

Albie's Mum