You Expectant Cheapskate

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A couple days ago I gave you some ideas for natural and frugal beauty products and routines. Well, this is part two…being a natural and frugal expectant mother.

When most moms find out they are pregnant their first thoughts automatically center on how to make sure their lifestyle and home is as safe and healthy as possible. Many times they also start to worry about money. Babies are cute, but they certainly are not cheap. If you have a new addition on the way or perhaps just welcomed one, it’s a smart idea to learn to save money wherever you can.

Most new parents want to run out and buy all new things for their baby. This is a wonderful idea but not very practical or good for the planet. Before you buy, see what you can borrow from other family members and friends. Reusing items is much better than buying new. Not only would you be avoiding toxic off gassing from brand new products, hand me downs are the more sustainable option.

Clothing is another item that you can save money on. They don’t need expensive little outfits – babies can’t read the tag to know whether the outfit came from Gymboree or whether it was purchased at Baby GAP. Instead of investing in many pairs of pants why not buy a few pairs of Baby Legs, which will fit for years. Two of my kids often wore T-shirts, cloth diapers, and a pair of baby legs. They even wore Baby Legs on their arms and years later they still fit. My three year old daughter wears them as tights for dancing.

Clip coupons. Money-saving coupons are available each month in magazines like Kiwi. Mothering magazine also has some great discount codes in the classifieds section. Online, subscribe to websites for new or expecting parents to receive bonus offers and free samples.

Breastfeeding saves money. Not only is breastmilk the healthiest option for baby, every month that you nourish your baby this way, is a month that you do not need to buy expensive formula. If you do have to use formula then contact the makers of organic baby formulas and inquire about free samples. Also, many plastic bottles have toxic plastic in them so look into glass bottles for the first few months when breakage would not be such an issue. They are easier to clean and their sturdy nature means they can be used for your next baby too. Born Free also has a non-toxic baby bottle as well. Reusable bottles that do not require drop-in liners will mean less landfill waste.

Make your own baby food. Don’t buy those expensive little jars of baby food….make your own. It is easier then you think.

Make your own talc-free baby powder, baby wipes, and body lotions. Homemade Baby has recipes for your natural baby.

Use cloth diapers. Cloth diapers can means savings up to $2000 on average and they are a much healthier option for baby and for the planet. If you need help finding cloth diapers or learning about your options visit The Diaper Jungle. If you want to save even more money you can always sew your own diapers too.

And while we are on the topic of sewing for baby…why not sew your own baby sling, diaper bag, nursing pads, or even postpartum pads. Sewing your own is a HUGE money saver and a very enjoyable endeavor. Nothing gave me more joy then sewing dozens of cloth diapers for my last two babies.

Moms, resist the urge to buy trendy maternity clothing. The new fashions are a sight better than what your mother had to wear, but are they practical? Most women don’t need anything different from their normal clothing until they are well into the pregnancy. At that stage, see if you can borrow some outfits from a girlfriend, borrow from your husband, or shop at second hand stores for used clothing.

Saving money before baby arrives means more money will be accessible when it really counts!

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