Whether you are expecting a newborn or you have just added a new member to your family, congratulations are in order! That’s a really big deal.
With all the excitement around the birth of a newborn, it is easy to go overboard when spending money on baby clothes. We forget that these tiny humans don’t really need that many clothes, especially over the first few weeks.
If you want to save some money while shopping for your newborn, here’s how to do it.
1. The importance of having a budget
To have more control over the expenses that are associated with buying baby clothes essentials, consider mapping out a budget. By planning, you can keep track of costs. Come up with a comprehensive list of all the essential clothing items you need and avoid diverting from it.
2. Avoid buying from branded stores
You may be tempted to buy fashionable outfits from branded stores, but clothes from these retailers are usually unreasonably pricey. Dressing your little one in branded clothing may initially seem like a good idea, but when you consider that the expensive onesies which you splurged on will soon be covered in spit-up, it's not worth it in the long run.
3. Take advantage of gifts
When a baby is born, gifts come in overwhelming numbers. You can turn this into a money-saving strategy with a bit of guidance. Most of the people giving gifts for a newborn go with their instincts, so while there are some hits, the misses are certainly not to be overlooked. To avoid this, you can guide friends and family on your preferences for gifts. To save money on clothes, you can let people know beforehand that you would prefer to get them as gifts.
4. Don’t overlook thrift stores
One of the easiest ways to find newborn baby clothing essentials cheap is to purchase them secondhand. Because babies grow rapidly, they tend to outgrow their clothes way before they wear out, so you are likely to find secondhand garments at thrift shops that are still in top condition. As long as you wash everything you buy from these shops thoroughly, you shouldn’t have to worry about germs.
5. Go for neutral styles and colors
If you plan to have more than one kid, choosing gender-neutral clothes is the way to go. Neutral colors that you may want to consider include black, white, beige, light yellow, orange, etc. This strategy is especially sensible if you don't know the sex of your unborn child and don't plan to find out.
6. Take the hand-me-downs
If you have family members and friends who already have children, then it is highly likely that they have wardrobes full of baby stuff that they are dying to give out. If they offer you a bag of newborn baby clothing essentials, then accept. After all, you can always sort through it and find what works for you.
Final Thoughts
If money is tight and you are expecting a newborn soon, one of the areas where you can effectively rein in your expenses is baby clothes. Before you get started with shopping, have a clear plan of what you need, and try to stick to it as much as possible.
Additionally, ensure that you set your budget and track every purchase that you make to keep yourself from going overboard. Do this and stick to the tips outlined here and you will be pleasantly surprised at just how much you are able to save!
