Top 5 Money Saving Hacks For New Moms

As a new mom, sometimes things can get expensive and finances can get tight. It is totally understandable too, because that new little guy or gal is CONSTANTLY growing and changing, which can get expensive. That is why I decided to write this post for you, to share my tips and tricks I have learned so far as a new mama to cut costs and save some bucks! So let’s dive right in…

#1: DON’T Stock Up On Diapers

Okay, I will admit it. That one sounds a little bit weird when you hear it at first. DON’T buy a boat load of diapers you say? How in the heck does that make sense? Well, I will tell you how.

Babies grow, and they grow FAST. I mean super fast. Therefore, if you buy a huge stockpile of newborn size diapers, and you end up having a 10 pound baby (bless you if you do!) then the entire stockpile of newborn size would go unused.

Of course, you could return them to the store for the correct size, but as a new mama time is not something that you have in excess.

Also, you never know if your new baby will have a sensitivity to a specific brand or not. They may well be able to tolerate any diaper brand, but on the other hand your baby may be more sensitive and break out in a rash with certain brands.

Save yourself the time and the hassle and just buy diapers as they are needed.

Now, I am not saying that stocking up is a bad idea, I do think that it is wise to have a few packages, or one box each of size newborn and size one for your new little bundle of joy.

But definitely don’t spend hundreds on every size of one brand. Save the time and hassle and take things day by day. Of course, you’re the mama so you decide, but that is my personal advice for you.

#2: Shop Thrifty For Baby Clothes

If you have walked down the baby aisle of any store yet, which I am sure you have, then you are bound to have noticed the price tags on baby clothes. How can such a little amount of fabric possibly cost $10 plus dollars per item? Yikes.

Thankfully though, there are ways to save money when it comes to buying baby clothes.

Check out thrift shops or the salvation army. Many of them have baby racks with gently used clothing for lower prices than you would find in the store.

Take a peek on your Facebook Marketplace for your area. I discovered Facebook Marketplace when I was pregnant and I absolutely fell in love. There are so many people who are getting rid of large amounts of children’s clothing in VERY good condition for very cheap. I once found an entire garbage bag full of boys 0-3 month clothes there for $30. That would have probably gotten me 3 outfits at Walmart that baby boy would outgrow in a month anyways.

Use gift cards! If you were blessed with a generous baby shower and received any gift cards, or have any left over from Christmas time, now is a great opportunity to use them and save yourself some cash.

#3: Start Implementing Freezer Meals Into Your Weekly Meal Routine

Not only are freezer meals an amazing idea for new moms simply for the fact that they are super quick and easy to make, but they also will save you money on groceries because you will be wasting less food.

With freezer meals, gone are the days of limp lettuce and rotten grapes. You can purchase only the ingredients you need for the meals, prep them for the week ahead and throw them in the freezer for later.

Because they keep so long in the freezer, you will waste a lot less food. Plus you can just pop them in the oven when you’re ready and BAM! Dinner is served! Total mom win!

#4: Start Budgeting/Tracking Your Spending

Have you ever gotten paid, the weekend has passed, and suddenly you only have $50 left to your name? Yeah… me too. Until I started budgeting and tracking my spending, that was me pretty regularly actually. Here is how it works:

When you track your spending, you know EXACTLY where your money is going. That means you can identify the things you can cut out and prioritize more with your money, making it go farther.

When you begin budgeting, you will know exactly when and how bills are due, and how much down to the pennies. Knowing this will make it easier to make your payments on time, which means you will avoid pesky late fees. In the end that saves you money that is WAY better spent elsewhere. (I despise late fees with a passion!)

#5: Sell Baby Items As Your Child Outgrows Them

This is a super smart hack that I recently just discovered. I live in the Erie PA area, and there is a store called Once Upon a Child near me. It is sort of like a thrift shop, but they only carry baby clothing and children’s items. They sell clothing and accessories yes, but they also buy them.

Every time my son moves up a size now, I will wash and bundle up all of his gently used clothes that are still in good condition, bring them to Once Upon a Child and basically exchange them for the next size up.

It tends to work out pretty well and it kills two birds with one stone. I get to declutter my sons room of the things he no longer uses, while getting a killer deal on the things he does need at the same time. I love it!

I realize that not everyone lives in the same town as me, so not everyone will have a store like that near them. Another great option here is to list the old clothing items on Facebook marketplace, and then use the money from the sale to purchase more clothes for baby there as well. Thrifting at its finest!