How to Prepare for Your Baby's Arrival on a Budget by Emily Graham
photo by: Unsplash
When you see those two lines on the pregnancy test, everything suddenly changes. You’re filled with excitement and fear all wrapped in one, and your life quickly becomes consumed with preparing for the new baby. Unfortunately, all this prep comes with a price tag, so how can you keep prices down while still ensuring you’re fully prepared for your baby? Here are a few tips:
Don’t Buy a Second Wardrobe
During pregnancy, your body is rapidly changing. Over time, your t-shirts can turn into crop tops. Maternity clothing is pricey, and once the baby arrives, you’re left with a second wardrobe you really don’t need. You can turn some of your regular clothes into maternity wear using some DIY clothing hacks, and the alterations can come in handy post-baby while your body is recovering. Browse some tutorials and ideas online to create your own belly band, expand your jeans with a hair tie, or expand your bra. Resist the urge to give your baby a designer wardrobe as well. Babies grow quickly, so that newborn tutu you bought won’t last long. Opt for staples such as onesies, and keep costs down by having a clothing swap, shopping at consignment stores, or buying clothes out of season. It’s hard to resist looking at all the cute baby clothes, so try to avoid that area of the store if you’re tempted.
Save on Pregnancy Traditions
Nowadays it seems as if no pregnancy is complete without bump dates, maternity photos, and a baby moon. The good news is you don’t have to forego participating to save money. For those weekly bump date photos, grab a small chalkboard and update the number each week, or get your spouse, partner, and/or kids involved and have them paint the number on your belly. You may want to have maternity photos taken to remember this special time in your life, but a photographer is costly. Think about taking your own photos or recruiting a friend or photography student.
You might consider taking a babymoon, too, to soak up this time pre-baby. Instead traveling to an expensive resort, stay local and head online to browse the vacation homes in the Los Angeles area. According to Turnkey, your options include staying on the beach in Santa Monica or staying downtown near the Staples Center where you can catch a Lakers or Kings game. Wherever you decide to stay in L.A., there’s bound to be a vacation home for you.
Don’t Get Sucked In
There are baby items and gadgets galore, so it’s easy to get sucked in when you want your little one to have the very best. Does your baby really need a wipe warmer, though? Probably not. Peruse the list of items on How Does She to get a clear picture of the ones you need and those you can do without. If there are luxury items you really want, add them to your baby shower registry, or suggest it as a gift from family and friends. Apply this same minimalist concept to the nursery as well. Choose pieces that can grow with your child such as a convertible crib that transitions to a toddler bed, day bed, and full-size bed, or a changing table alternative, using a unique, modern, or vintage dresser you can find and repurpose at a consignment store. Don’t be shy about asking friends or family members if they have any baby items in storage taking up space, or put some feelers out on social media. Many people are willing to part with stuff for free or super cheap if you pick it up or pay for shipping.
Expecting a little one is filled with all sorts of new emotions and experiences. Don’t let the expenses you’ll encounter put a damper on things. With the right mindset and some searching, you can enjoy your pregnancy without spending a fortune.