Money saving tips for your new family
While nothing will prepare you for the lack of sleep a newborn brings, some savvy prepping can save you plenty of money when it comes to the long list of things you’ll be collecting in preparation for their arrival.
While nothing will prepare you for the lack of sleep a newborn brings, some savvy prepping can save you plenty of money when it comes to the long list of things you’ll be collecting in preparation for their arrival.
Baby clothes
Secondhand baby clothes saves money. With infants and children growing out of clothes so quickly, many pieces available are in near perfect condition. You can usually find a range of brands and sizes to suit your needs at second hand sales. Look out on reselling websites like Flopsyshop, Reborn, Lovely Things, Adverts.ie, Vinted for baby bundles, selling a selection of onesies and newborn clothes.
Asking family and friends can also be a great place to start. Your parents might even have saved your own childhood clothes to be used again.
Secondhand essentials
Saving on pricier items that aren’t needed for long, means you can get a high quality product for a discounted price when you know what you want. Things like prams, baby baths, cots, bouncers, baby chairs can all be found lightly used and second hand. Find out how to buy pre-loved with confidence here. Preloved markets like Baby Market and car boot sales can be a great way to find a range of essentials. Find your nearest upcoming events here.
Choose reusable
Reusables that are bought once can save money over choosing disposable. Although the upfront cost may be higher, savings on money and waste make it worthwhile in the long run. Reusable options are often made of more ‘baby safe’ materials too. Think nappies and using fabric cloths instead of baby wipes. In Ireland, 1.2 million disposable nappies go into landfill every day. Choosing reusable means you’re saving on waste, bin space and the cost of nappies. Find out more about cloth nappies and schemes across the country here.
Avoid overbuy before baby arrives
Get the essentials, wait for the extras until after your baby arrives. Gadgets can be tempting, but sometimes these can just gather dust when bought too early. Waiting to assess your needs saves money in the long run. When you do decide to invest in the extras, find them in pristine condition on second hand websites and online marketplaces.
Free support
Take advantage of free mother and baby groups. Libraries and community centres often hold events and talks. La Leche League are a group that provides free breastfeeding advice and community. The Nappy Market and The Cloth Nappy Library offer workshops and guidance on using nappies.
Toy libraries and book libraries
Borrow instead of buying where possible. Libraries for kids' toys and books are a great place to borrow and meet likeminded parents. Toys can accumulate quickly at home, so borrowing over buying means you can change up playtime while saving money. Some toy libraries to explore are The Toy Library in Cork, Carrickmacross Toy Library and the Circular Square in Clonmel.
Upcycle old furniture
Nursery furniture doesn’t need to be new or purpose built. Getting creative with paint can make your new baby’s space feel personal and familiar. Give an old chest of drawers a new look with lighter colours and swapping out the handles. Sometimes all it takes is a small adjustment or painting something a different colour to refresh your space.