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I won’t deny it, having a newborn is expensive. But there are ways to save. Lots of them actually. I won’t get into saving money on “gear” like swings, bouncy seats, etc. I assume most people register for this kind of stuff. And if you didn’t, well, there are deals to be had. I got a new playard for 50% off a few months ago during their semi-annual baby clearance.
What I am really good at saving money on is diapers / wipes, formula and baby clothes.
Diapers: It goes without saying that you need to scan the Sunday ads for coupons. You’ll be able to find Pampers and Huggies coupons at least once a month, if not more. Also, sign up at Pampers / Huggies websites and they will send you coupons too! But just using coupons doesn’t let you save enough. I always check the CVS / Rite-Aid / Walgreens and Target weekly ads to see if there are any sales. You will sometimes also get coupons on your CVS receipt. Combine a CVS Pampers coupon and a manufacturer coupon (i.e. one from the coupon paper) and a sale, and now you’ve got yourself a deal! And, in my opinion, you save more on the smaller packs than on the big boxes. Do the math. But, my favorite time to buy diapers is when they are on clearance. Every once in a while diaper companies will change the number of diapers in a package / box. This means that stores will clearance out all the old packaging. I have found diapers for 50% off or even 70% off at Target, CVS and Kroger. Combine that with a coupon and that’s a deal! You just need to keep your eyes open. Planning on having another baby? No reason not to stock up now if you find an amazing deal. I bought some newborn sized Pampers years ago at 90% off. Let me tell you, I don’t feel so bad going through a million diapers a day when I know how cheap they were!
Formula: Spare me the discussion on formula feeding vs. breast feeding. I find that debate to be just as dumb as the working mom vs. stay at home mom one. If you are planning to use formula, sign up with the formula companies before you have your baby. You can do it right on their websites (Similac, Enfamil, etc.) and it takes like two seconds. They will send you coupons and formula checks ($4 or $5 off), which totally help! They will also send a sample can or two. Every once in a while, you will find coupons in the Sunday paper too. Make sure to have your neighbors / family / friends, etc. save them for you too! And then wait for a deal (I find Target / CVS / Rite-Aid / Walgreens) and stock up! Yesterday I bought some Similac for W at CVS. It was $24.99. I used a $5 off coupon (thanks to my SIL for sending them to me) and a $5 formula check, which brought my total to a much more reasonable $14.99. Plus, a $3 off Similac coupon printed with my receipt, so next time I will pay only $11.99. That’s over 50% off! SCORE!!!!!!!
Clothes: My best tip on saving money on clothes is to buy at the end of the season. W (and L) have clothes well into the next season and beyond. Listen, if there is a sale at GAP for an additional 40% off clearance prices or whatever, I am there. Sure I could get stuff at WalMart or whatever, but I just love me some BabyGAP! Plus, I feel like the resale value is better. Heck yeah I think about that kind of stuff. And BabyGAP on sale is even better. Never ever buy at full price unless you NEED it ASAP. It will always end up on sale if you wait a few weeks. Or there will be a coupon (GAP always has 20% – 40% coupon codes online). As for W’s $0.79 outfit above, well that was one of my Target 90% off clearance finds. So what if it’s a bit Easter’ish?? I certainly don’t care and I know W doesn’t! It also doesn’t hurt to save two boys born in the same season. Talk about a money saver! Everything that L wore can be reworn by W! And that’s awesome because babies grow out of their clothes SO FAST, so most things look brand new!
Also, don’t forget to sign up for Pampers Gifts to Grow and Huggies Enjoy the Ride programs. I have gotten tons of free stuff over the years including samples, toys and even a mini food processor!
Do you have any money saving tips?? Please share!!!
