Guest Post* A Guide to Low-Cost Pregnancy Prep

Author: ​mightymoms.net
Expecting parents want nothing more than to create a happy and healthy home for their baby. The costs of infant basics like furniture, food, and clothing can be a shock to many new parents, however. The great news is that there are many simple ways to avoid needless spending while still enjoying your pregnancy and creating a welcoming home for your little one. If you find that you are already stressing about financial issues, review the below cost-cutting measures. They are all easy to implement and won’t break the bank.

Celebrate your baby’s arrival in a budget-friendly style

Announcing the arrival of your son or daughter to friends and family is a joyous moment during pregnancy. Wild gender reveal parties have gotten increasingly popular — and expensive — as new parents want to share the news in the biggest way possible. It includes everything from confetti displays to the use of a crop-duster airplane to release pink powder into the air as guests watch from the ground below. 

You can have a perfectly lovely, memorable, and heartwarming gender reveal without all these bells and whistles. Kindred Bravely encourages you to get creative: You can get cute custom-made T-shirts or simply stage a sentimental photo shoot and post the results on social media. Look to budget retailers for party favors and decorations.

Learn how to make the most of coupons

Coupons can help you cut costs on a variety of baby essentials, from formula to baby wipes. Diapers are among the most expensive items for parents in their baby’s first year of life. This is understandable once you learn that the average baby goes through eight to 10 diapers per day in their five months of life! Luckily, many retailers offer coupons. For example, Huggies allows you to access deals directly on their website after you register with them. 

To cast a wider net and make the most of coupons, browse websites that aggregate offers. They let you search for specials based on product categories and often cover diapers, formula, clothing, food, toys, and more. You can also sign up for such a site’s dedicated email list and have the latest specials delivered directly to your inbox, sparing you the process of searching through the platform.

Trust in second-hand shops

There are some items you should never get used for your child, such as pacifiers and breast pumps. That said, goods like clothing, shoes, and toys are completely safe for a second use. Since kids grow very quickly, these products are often barely used and completely serviceable. If you have friends, family, or coworkers with kids, ask if they might have old items they no longer need that they can pass on. 

If nobody in your immediate circle has children of their own, trust the internet for assistance. Websites like SwapHandMeDowns allow parents to give away, get, and trade baby goods. You can simply post on their forum mentioning the sizes you need ,and people respond if they have appropriate items available. The only detail you have to work out is shipping and handling fees. 

Style yourself on a budget

Pregnancy preparation isn’t only about the baby. When you’re carrying, you have your own comfort to worry about as well. Stylish maternity wear allows you to feel at ease while also looking great—and it doesn’t have to cost a lot. In recent years, retail subscription boxes have become increasingly popular, with offerings such as formal gowns and office-friendly gear. 

Stick to this guide and you should be able to keep money troubles at bay during pregnancy. Research has shown that one in four parents face financial worries—you don’t want to contribute to these statistics. This is supposed to be one of the happiest times in your life. Staying on budget with these tips will help ensure that it isn’t marred by budgetary issues.

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