Image Credit: Joy M.
It’s all over the news.
Prince William and his wife Kate, Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are now the doting proud parents of a precious little boy, His Royal Highness Prince George Alexander Louis of Cambridge, the future king. The Royal Mint has produced silver and gold coins to commemorate this wonderful occasion. He has been gifted with many unique presents including an apple tree, a crocodile, and a collection of Roald Dahl books.
While babies in the United States don’t really receive gifts such as these, they are often showered with gifts such as swings, strollers, and clothing. They are also in receipt of some wide smiles from their parents and relatives. Parents need to realize the need to be frugal and save for their own new addition for the future.
Here are some ways to practice frugal living for your own little prince or princess.
- Ask for the free goodie bag: Many baby manufacturers hand out goodies and freebies to mothers with newborn babies. They are typically presented via the hospitals and clinics delivering the babies. Doctors and nurses present these bags often filled with diapers, samples and coupons, to new mothers; but if you don’t receive yours, feel free to ask for the goodie bag yourself. You may be surprised how many goodies you will find inside.
- Host a hand-me-down swap party: Before your baby is born, host a hand-me-down swap party. Your guests and visitors can bring in their gently used baby clothes and toys, along with other baby essentials to swap with friends and give to you, the expectant mother hostessing the party. Some may bring in baby bottles, a stroller or even shoes. As the hostess, you should provide favors, snacks, and beverages for your swapping guests.
- Shop at secondhand stores: Shopping for gently-used clothes and supplies isn’t difficult. After all when it comes to being frugal and saving up for your own royal prince and princess, you should shop at second hand stores. You will likely be surprised at how inexpensive and high quality the items sold in these stores are. Don’t forget to check out the thrift stores as well. With a little perseverance, you can even find brand new baby clothes on the rack with their tags still attached.
- Get coupons delivered to your inbox: If you are having a difficult time finding the coupons you need in the newspapers or magazines, why don’t you go online and sign up for your favorite manufacturer’s newsletter and coupons? You’ll receive loads of discounts for diapers, formula and even for the toys, clothes, and baby accessories.
- Buy diapers in bulk: It will be costly if you buy diapers in small packages. Buy them in bulk and you’ll save a lot of money. For instance you can buy diapers (in bulk) for around $25 which means that each diaper in the package costs $0.27. You can save even more money if you buy generic diapers.
- Get free samples from your doctor: Baby gear manufacturers and pharmaceutical companies stock your doctor’s clinic and hospital with free baby gear and products. When you visit your pediatrician, ask for free samples. You’d be saving a lot on ointments, medicines, lotions and formula.
- Select big items that do double duty. When it comes to baby furniture, there are many options for furniture that grows with your baby. For instance you might purchase a baby crib with a dual purpose; one that can be converted to toddler bed as your little one grows older. There are also car seats that can carry newborns and later convert to toddler seats, all the while keeping baby safe.
- Have the experts with you. If this is your first baby chances are you aren’t sure what to buy them. So when out shopping for your little one, take along a parent-friend who has experience in parenting. An experienced parent can really show you what you need to buy and what you don’t, as well as what brands you need and those that you want to avoid.
- Join online shopping sites. Online shopping sites aren’t just filled with tech gadgets and restaurant gift certificates. There are many filled with baby products, too. Take a few minutes and join these online shopping sites. You’ll get discounts and deals on diapers and other baby essentials – and even free shipping.
- Don’t buy too much too early. It’s a real temptation for first-time parents when they begin looking a baby gear. The likelihood is when you shop early you tend to buy clothes that won’t really fit your baby or supplies that you won’t really need. Just buy the basic necessities before your baby is born and buy the real needs as you go along.
- View Your Credit Report and Score. You may be thinking, what does this have to do with treating my baby royally? Well the truth is – one of the best things you can do for your little one is make sure that you, as the parent, are managing all of the household finances well. As you view your credit report, you can see all your debts in one convenient location, discover any errors that need to be corrected, and make a plan to improve your credit score, all with just one look.
