Whether your pregnancy was a complete surprise or something you planned, it’s hard to be completely prepared for the expenses that come along with carrying a child. In addition to healthy eating, you’ll likely need a new wardrobe and of course those pricey prenatal vitamins. The good news is that there are ways to get through your pregnancy on a budget so you’ll have a little more cash in the bank by the time baby arrives.
Shop Second-Hand
The cost of maternity clothes can add up quickly, but if you shop right you can get a new wardrobe for cheap. Hit up garage sales if the season is right. Check out local thrift stores and consignment shops, which often have a nice selection of maternity clothes for at least half the retail price. When it comes to setting up your nursery, second-hand is the way to go here, too. You can probably find perfectly good furniture and baby gear for a fraction of the cost at thrift stores, consignment shops and garage sales. Ask other mommy friends to borrow some of their gear, too. Just keep it in good shape so you can return it when you’re done.
Skip Prescription Prenatal Vitamins
Prenatal vitamins are a necessity for pregnant women, and often the doctor will write you a prescription for them. Talk with your provider about the option of buying over-the-counter prenatal vitamins instead. You can save some serious cash buying them this way instead of paying for the prescription kind. More than likely your doctor will give you the go-ahead, especially if he knows you’re on a budget.
Say Goodbye to Stretch Marks For Cheap
]Ditch the expensive creams and ointments that claim to ward off stretch marks. Whether or not they work is still up in the air. So if stretch marks are a concern for you, rub olive oil on your skin instead. It costs half as much as stretch mark creams and is just as effective.
Trying to find a name for baby? Looking for advice on becoming a mother? Parenting books and magazines are a godsend, but you don’t need to pay for them. Often times, your doctor’s office will have free magazines for you to take home. If they don’t, browse the web to find free magazine subscriptions. A Google search of “free parenting magazines” will take you to different sites that offer free subscriptions. Instead of buying baby name books and the like, check them out from the library for free.
Clip Coupons
]If you’re diligent with coupons you can really save some money. Clip coupons for things like diapers, wipes and formula. Stock up on these things when you find them on sale and pair them with a coupon. Also use coupons for things you need now while you’re pregnant like food and other household essentials. In addition to getting coupons out of the newspaper, sign up for online coupon sites to get the most savings. You may even be able to claim free baby samples in time for when the baby comes.
Raising a child is expensive and you’ll need all the money you can get your hands on. So start budgeting while you’re pregnant to ensure you’ve got extra cash on hand by the time your little one arrives.
Written by Lisa Smith and experienced freelance writer who is currently representing Win Now an excellent site to enter free competitions.
1 comment:
This is great advice for the first time mom.
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