Baby Bump On a Budget: Tips to Keep Pregnancy Prep Costs Down

As a soon-to-be new parent, you’ve probably already been warned about all the money you’ll spend on diapers and wipes, but no one gave you a heads up on the costs that come along with pregnancy prep. There’s baby and nursery items, maternity clothes, and overwhelming advice from others suggesting expensive necessities. It all adds up pretty quickly, but there are ways to keep the costs down.

Spend Less on the Gender Reveal Party

Having a gender reveal party can be costly, but there’s no need to forego the celebration. With a little creativity, you can spend much less on the occasion and turn it into a unique event. You can choose from a variety of ideas provided by Kindred Bravely, such as having a family member wear a statement T-shirt that indicates the baby’s gender. Or, you can plan a photo op and post the big announcement on social media. Deliver the message in the form of blue or pink chewing gum bubbles, or spell it out with Scrabble tiles. No matter how you choose to announce it, the reveal will be a memorable, exciting day for everyone involved.

Get What You Need From the Shower

Baby showers are a wonderful way to celebrate the arrival of your little one, as well as get the baby items you need. Many moms use a baby registry to list the exact item and brand they are after. However, if you’re worried someone will go off the cuff and buy safari-themed nursery décor instead of the neutral pastels you wanted, consider using these polite ways to ask for gift cards instead. If this isn’t your first child, you might feel uncomfortable having a full baby shower, so take advantage of a baby sprinkle instead. The idea is that the new mom is sprinkled with the essentials she needs to stock up on such as diapers, wipes, diaper cream, baby bathroom items, etc.

Don’t Splurge On a Complete Maternity Wardrobe

As your waistline (and other areas) grow, you’ll soon find that your clothes don’t give you the right amount of coverage anymore. You don’t want to buy a new wardrobe that will be rendered useless after the baby comes. Instead, look for maternity pieces that can double as both pre- and post-natal clothing. Mainstay pieces such as maternity leggings or a wrap dress offer comfort for your changing body, and can be worn long after your little one arrives. If you’re feeling a little crafty or simply want extra savings, head here for an awesome list of DIY maternity clothing ideas such as making your own belly band, using a hair-tie as a pants extender, and even borrowing from the men in your life.

Resist the Urge to Create a Pinterest-Worthy Nursery

You’ve been browsing the Internet for nursery ideas and the options are oh so adorable, but that price tag isn’t cute. Sure, the crib with the canopy and intricate wood details is fit for a prince or princess, but is it really functional? The best nursery items will grow with your child, like a convertible crib that transforms into a toddler bed, day bed, and full-sized bed. Yet another pricey piece is the changing table, but it’s easy to convert a dresser into a changing table with this tutorial. You’ll have plenty of storage for diapers, wipes, and baby clothes, and the changing pad can be removed once your child outgrows it to convert it back into a dresser. As for nursery décor, search Craigslist and eBay for discounted items and check out your local consignment store. Instead of a colorful (and expensive) nursery theme, add pops of color with wall decals, lighting, decorative knobs, and handmade artwork.

Be Careful When You Go Shopping

It’s fun to ooh and aah at all the cute baby things, but when you’re the one buying them you might start groaning. Family, friends, and even strangers will all have opinions on what they considered pregnancy and baby necessities, leaving you convinced that maybe you really do need that wipe warmer. All it takes is a quick Internet search to find a list of true baby necessities (and potential subs) from a fellow mom. Then it’s up to you to stay away from the items you don’t need. Be mindful of “picking up a few baby things” every time you go to the store, as this adds up terrifyingly fast. Remind yourself that you have what you need, or stay away from the baby section altogether if you’re too tempted.

Pregnancy can get pricey if you don’t know what to expect when you’re expecting. Thankfully, there are ways to keep costs down and enjoy the wonders of pregnancy. No matter what, the beautiful baby at the end is worth every penny and then some.