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Top Tips to Save Money As a New Parent

New parents spend thousands of dollars a year for the first few years of their newborn’s life on medical bills, baby clothes, nursing equipment, and nursery essentials. Although nothing can compare to the wonders of becoming a parent and raising a beautiful baby, there’s no denying that they are expensive!

Whether you’re a new parent who has just given birth or you are currently pregnant and trying to plan ahead, getting your finances in order is important. Creating a budget and figuring out how much money you can spend each month on your baby will ensure you don’t overspend or buy unnecessary items.

Despite the cost of being a new parent rising each year due to inflation and the increasing cost of living, there are ways that you can cut costs and save money as a new parent. Here are some top tips to help you save money as a new parent so that you can minimize stress and worry around finances. 

Swap Clothing With Your Friends

If you have friends with newborns or young children, doing a clothes swap is one of the best ways to cut costs and reduce waste. Instead of throwing out your baby’s clothes when they grow out of them, swap them with a friend in return for larger or looser fitting clothing.

Ask around and see if any of your loved ones have spare clothing that they no longer need. If none of your friends have infants or young children, see if there is a local community-wide baby clothes swap for you to join. 

Stick to the Essentials

Newborns require a lot of different things, from diapers to formula to sleeping equipment. It’s easy to overspend when there is a long list of things to buy and several variations of each of these items.

But by sticking to the essentials, you can avoid spending too much money on unnecessary and extravagant items. Resist the temptation to buy anything and everything that you come across to keep your costs (and your clutter) to a minimum.

Make sure to stock up on the following essentials for your newborn:

  • Cot or crib
  • Soft blankets and fitted crib sheets
  • Clothing sets and onesies
  • Nightgowns
  • Hats, socks, and booties
  • Diapers
  • Changing pad
  • Baby wipes
  • Breast pump
  • Nursing bras and pillows
  • Breast pads
  • Infant formula
  • Plastic bowls, plates, and cutlery
  • Feeding bottles

Focus On Quality

Make sure you buy high-quality items that are going to last you a long time. Sometimes, the higher quality items cost a little more but it’s sometimes worth spending those extra few dollars to get something that will survive several months or years of usage.

For example, buying an organic baby clothes gift set will last longer than a cheaper alternative. Spending money on a sturdy cot and quality baby stroller means you won’t need to replace these items after just a few months.

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Kardashian Kids coming to Babies“R”Us beginning March 15th

Kourtney, Kim and Khloéé Kardashian Unveil Their First-Ever Collection for Baby Girls

NEW YORK, NY (FEBRUARY 19th 2014) – Kourtney, Kim and Khloéé Kardashian, in collaboration with Jupi Corp, will soon debut designs for girls up to 24 months at Babies“R”Us, the nation’s leading juvenile products retailer.  The Kardashian Kids collection features much adored motifs including butterflies, shimmering stars and a uniquely sweet take on the Kardashian’s signature animal print.  The line ranges from newborn onesies, snuggly caps and cozy blankets, to stylish and functional two-piece sets, jackets and dresses.  Kardashian Kids will be available exclusively at select Babies“R”Us stores across the U.S. and online at Babiesrus.com/KKids beginning March 15.

“Since becoming a mom, I’ve been so inspired to create Kardashian Kids with perfect prints, heavenly fabrics for a baby’s skin and to bring fashion to the baby world that is affordable,” said Kourtney, mother of Mason and Penelope.

The sweetly sophisticated pieces include delicate details of layered lace, pearl-embossed buttons, georgette appliques and leatherette.  Pastels, touches of gold, calming neutrals and pops of color are all a part of the collection’s color palette.  Cherished items include a playful white cotton onesie with girly tulle ruffles, soft gold polka-dot leggings and darling butterfly-printed bloomer shorts. From newborn must-haves to luxurious special occasion pieces, the line offers gentle fabrics in delightful and tender designs.

“Our grandmother opened a children’s fashion store, and from an early age I adored baby fashion.  Later when Penelope was born, my sisters and I had so many ideas for how we wanted to dress her, but didn’t always find what we were envisioning.  Now, as a mom, I cherish the time my baby and I spend together getting her dressed.  The items in this collection are exactly what I have imagined for her,” said Kim, mother of North.

“With our ever-expanding family and our wide circle of friends having children, designing a baby collection was the next natural progression for my sisters and me. We hope the charming patterns and the uniquely stylish items are gifts new parents will be delighted to open,” said Khloéé.

“The line was designed with fashionable parents in mind, and although trend is at the core of the collection, we never let it compromise quality and functionality. We always want to ensure we are offering our customers the finest quality at the best possible price and knew Babies“R”Us would be the perfect fit,” said Bruno Schiavi, Jupi Corp Chairman and Founder.

“At Babies“R”Us, our customers love sweet and sensible looks for their little girls, and always appreciate a good buy – something with fashionable flair and an affordable price tag. That’s just what Kardashian Kids offers,” said Tom Via, Senior Vice President, General Merchandising Manager. He continued, “Kourtney, Kim and Khloéé each have their own, unique perspective and bring their individual strengths to the table. This has resulted in an adorable collection that pays close attention to the details that moms – and gift-givers – look for, and we’re thrilled to launch this line exclusively in March.”

Kardashian Kids items will retail from $15 to $30 and will be available at all Babies“R”Us stores and online at www.Babiesrus.com/KKids. Fans can stay up-to-date on the latest Kardashian Kids news by following on Facebook (facebook.com/kardashiankids), Instagram (@KardashianKids) and Twitter (@KKidsOfficial).
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Introducing Purex® Crystals for Baby {Review & Giveaway}

Hi everyone! I wanted to introduce you to the newest product in the popular line of  Purex Crystals, made specifically for babies. Purex Crystals for Baby was developed with babies' gentle skin in mind.
Just like the other Purex Crystals, they are 87% natural. You add the hypoallergenic, dye-free crystals directly with your laundry detergent. The scent is very soft and baby-inspired. I LOVE it! It's not overwhelming and our clothes came out so soft. Even if you don't have a baby, it is wonderful for all clothes, sheets and towels. It is a great addition to the Purex Baby detergent. Of course, you can't beat the great value! Purex Crystals for Baby would make a great add-on item for a baby shower gift. Purex Crystals for Baby will be available at Walmart stores in early February.

Right now you can enter Purex Crystals for Baby- Welcome to the World Sweepstakes. One grand prize winner will receive $1,000 while 250 additional winners get FREE Purex Crystals for Baby.

How would you like to win a coupon to try out the new Purex Crystals for Baby for FREE? Enter below (3 winners)
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Giveaway is open to US Residents only and will end on February 3, 2013. Three winners will be chosen at random and will be contacted via email. Momfiles is not responsible for any lost or stolen prizes. Good luck!

Purex provided me with a sample of Purex Crystals for Baby in exchange for a product review. However, all the opinions expressed here are my own.
Shelly, Mom Files
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Buying for Baby: Adorable Babygrows


There’s nothing nicer than buying for baby, provided it doesn’t break the bank of course! Don’t let a big shock at the tills ruin your purchasing pleasure – it’s perfectly possible to find adorable babygrows, bodysuits and more at teeny, tiny prices.

The humble supermarket is one place to find great deals on all the basics needed to kit out your tiniest tots. George at ASDA has a fantastic range of cheap yet cheerful essentials from ‘tiny baby’ size upwards, helping you to keep the cost of this expensive time manageable.

Buying baby essentials from the supermarket is also a fantastic time-saving option for busy mums. Simply throw baby’s new wardrobe additions in the basket or trolley while you shop – or shop online at ADSA Direct if braving the supermarket seems too much of a daunting prospect with your precious newborn.

What to Buy?

Babygrows
There’s no need to spend lots on little outfits for a very young baby – as tempting as it may be. Little ones love to be comfortable, and soft, comfy outfits are perfect for sleeping, rolling, sitting and crawling in. Babygrows (or sleepsuits as they are also known) are ideal not only for night time, but also for casual days spent relaxing at home. They are also great for putting on under a pramsuit or snowsuit for cosy and comfortable trips out in the pram.

As your little one grows, simple babygrows are ideal to wear at night. They’re unable to ride up like pyjamas, keep feet warm and cosy and have easy popper openings to make those night time nappy changes a doddle.

Pretty, detailed babygrows are great for showing off in the daytime, so stock up on sweet patterns and fun character designs. When it comes to nightwear babygrows, fleece is a good choice of material for winter – it will keep baby snugly, warm and cosy (although be careful to check baby for signs of overheating).

Bodysuits
Bodysuits are another baby wardrobe essential, and are likely to be worn under every outfit until your tot is out of nappies. Like a vest, but fastening under the nappy, a bodysuit adds an extra layer of warmth and comfort. During the summertime they also make ideal nightwear, to keep baby cool yet covered.
There’s really no need to spend a lot on patterned or character design bodysuits, as they are worn under clothes the majority of the time so not seen. In summer, you could however pair a bodysuit with a little skirt or pair of shorts, for a cute yet cool and comfortable hot weather outfit.

Outfits
Of course, you’re likely to want to buy some sweet little outfits for those special occasions, days out or trips to playgroup. Keep your baby’s comfort in mind with soft fabrics and designs that allow for flexibility of movement and your baby can look great without feeling hindered by cumbersome clothing.

Enjoy shopping for your baby but don’t let the basics break the bank. Choose quality baby essentials from the supermarket for the easy way to fill baby’s wardrobe with adorable babygrows, bodysuits and more!

Sponsored post/I was compensated for this article

Shelly, Mom Files
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