The Basics of Economical Parenting

Breastfeeding

Doctor’s don’t just blindly claim that “breastfeeding is best for babies” – they really mean it as a fact. A baby that is breastfed are less likely to get sick compared to one who is fed milk formula. The colostrums which is the first milk when you breastfed your baby, boosts and strengthens the baby’s immune system like no formula can.

This is actually saving you money on potentially pricy medical needs. Apart from this, you don’t have to purchase bottles and bottle feeding apparatus. Furthermore, if you’re breastfeeding, you can delay introducing solids till later, especially if baby isn’t keen on it yet.

Consider cloth diapers

Instead of buying disposable diapers, go for the modern cloth ones which are made from materials that wick away moisture from baby. They make them quite stylish nowadays, with Velcro snaps and other features which not only makes diaper changing easy but also add to visual appeal. Most importantly, they are reusable. Cloth diapers can be bought online, at local thrift stores and baby shops that can be found in your local neighborhood.

This is definitely a money saver!

Tip: If you plan to have a baby shower, let your guests know that you intend to cloth-diaper your baby. With a little luck, you might just be unwrapping some as gifts!

Re-examine your needs

What does your baby really need? Put it down as a list. There are so many expensive baby items that are sold in department stores but if you take the time to look closer, most are somehow unnecessary and some may be even harmful for your little one. There are people in many parts of the world who were able to raise their baby well without the use of things like walkers – which are not advised by pediatricians, swings, changing tables, and many others. In other words, think before you buy.

A lot of mothers found out that a soft-cloth baby carrier or a baby sling is all they ever really needed.

When it comes to toys, make sure to get the simple ones that stimulate imagination. More often than not, these kinds of toys are the ones that are least expensive. If you have old toys back when you were still a kid, you may bring them out, clean it and give it to your baby. Toys don’t have to be flashy or high end, sometimes all you need is a few good toys and some space where the baby can get entertained with his or her surroundings.

Hand-me-downs and pre-loved items

Inform your friends and relatives that you appreciate hand-me-down items. You’ll surely get a lot of it. A lot of baby stuff doesn’t really wear out because they don’t have the opportunity to. Babies tend to grow at a quick pace. However, there are baby items that have been recalled from the market because these products have been found out to be a potential hazard for the baby. So make sure to check if these items have been categorized as one of those. You can browse the internet and get a list of recalled baby items.

One exception in accepting hand-me-downs is a child’s car seat. Always make sure to buy new ones to avoid future accidents. Otherwise, consider shopping at thrift stores, online auctions and consignment shops.

Some mothers would prefer hand-me-downs rather than buying new baby clothes since most baby clothes these days are chemically treated. The chemical used on these clothes might be absorbed into the baby’s sensitive skin, and we don’t have any idea how this would affect our little ones.