“Here comes the baby, there goes our budget!”
Does this phrase sound familiar? First-time parents, young families, or families with children in urban areas might be aware that providing for one’s offspring isn’t cheap, especially in this day and age. Parents spend thousands and thousands of ringgit to ensure they can fulfil their children’s needs to the best of their abilities.
Fortunately, there are some nifty, practical ways to save money and avoid overspending, especially for new mums and dads. Here are some recommendations.
1. Don’t buy too far ahead
First-time parents are prone to overspending. Although the need to make sure all bases are covered is understandable, it’s important for mums and dads not to buy too far ahead when it comes to baby clothes, nursing garments and feeding bottles.
Many top brands come with high price tags with little to no guarantee that they will be liked by baby, as different infants have different preferences. To save money, make sure your child will accept that particular feeding bottle, for instance, and feel free to go for those that aren’t “branded”!
2. Skip designer outlets
On a related note: high-end baby-apparel companies may have charming marketing campaigns, but you’ll save bigger bucks if you skip these designer brands. After all, your two-year-old will not appreciate her RM250 tutu skirt, and your children do not need to be “in” or hip, as long as they’re comfortable and safe.
3. Remember, babies grow fast
Babies grow out of their clothes in a matter of weeks, so it is not necessary for them to have 20 pairs of mittens and different-coloured hats for each occasion. Nor do they need different jacket styles or shoes when they are not even walking yet. (As a side note, studies show that infants progress better when they are barefoot while indoors!)
4. Really, stick to the essentials
This is a mental trap for most first-time parents when you start listing the things you “need” to have. The reality is, your baby starts off requiring very few essentials: diapers, a few comfortable sleepsuits, blankets, booties, mittens, a hat, bathing equipment, and a car seat will probably suffice.
5. Go for sales and bulk buying
For long-term necessities such as diapers, wet wipes and bathing essentials, it is worthwhile to purchase in bulk or even stock up during sales to help you save money.
6. Look for multipurpose products
Seek out items with different uses – for example, a stroller that lies flat so it can serve as a place to nap, or a travel system that features a detachable car seat. There are also strollers with extendable multi-compartments to allow you to seat more than one child.
Get a backpack that serves as a diaper/carry bag to save you from lugging multiple bags on an outing. Consider furniture such as cots that can be turned into playpens, or toy boxes that serve as a table for the kids.
7. Pre-loved, barter trade and hand-me-downs are awesome
First-time parent or not, don’t hesitate to go down the pre-loved route: second-hand stores and yard sales are awesome places to find items in very good condition that will save you more money in the long run.
Also consider bartering or borrowing from friends and relatives, as well as hand-me-downs. Even dedicated items such as breast pumps are available for rent from hospitals – an option worth considering if you don’t plan on breastfeeding long-term.
If you must buy new, go comparison shopping, and check out reviews and forums for the best products that match your preferences and budget.
8. Pick gender-neutral colours
When it comes to clothes and toys, go for non-gender-specific colours so you can pass them on to your next child. Even if you don’t plan on having another one, it will be easier to find someone who will benefit from your gender-neutral preloved goods or hand-me-downs.
9. Join parents’ community and support groups
Consider joining an online community group for parents so you can benefit from a network that shares information and advice such as buying tips, group purchases, and other money-saving tricks.
There is so much to be gained from mums and dads looking out for one another!
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This article was written by Dessy Barnaby for makchic, a Malaysian-based online site for chic, curious, and spirited parents. makchic has been providing trustworthy and authentic family-related content since 2013. For diverse stories of parenthood that inform, support and uplift all families, visit makchic.com and follow them on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter (X).