10 Ways New Moms Can Save Money Effortlessly

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting my blog!

Getting Started: Saving Money as a new mom

The rising cost of living has led many young adults to reconsider starting a family. With thoughtful planning and resourcefulness, parenthood doesn’t have to break the bank. I have always been frugal and prioritized needs over wants. When I first learned I was expecting, I felt a mix of excitement and anxiety about the expenses that come with having a baby. But with thoughtful planning and resourcefulness, I discovered ways to save money while preparing for and raising my baby. Here are 10 practical tips I used to save money while preparing for my baby.

1. DIY Maternity and Newborn Photo Shoots

Professional maternity and newborn photo shoots can cost hundreds of dollars. When I was pregnant, I wanted to capture those beautiful moments without spending a fortune. When my son was born, I contacted a photographer for a newborn shoot. I was quoted almost $500, which motivated me to explore DIY options instead.

Using basic props from Hobby Lobby—like a basket, cushions, and fake flowers—I created a cozy setup. Natural light near a window and my camera allowed me to take personalized photos. I loved how personal and unique the photos turned out, and I saved a significant amount of money. You don’t need professional experience—just creativity and a little patience. Pinterest is a great source of ideas.

2. Skip the Gender Reveal and Baby Shower (or Keep It Simple)

You can save a significant amount of money by opting out of a gender reveal and baby shower. If you have family helping with costs or it’s a tradition, then go for it. I wasn’t planning on hosting a baby shower but was surprised by my coworkers with one. It helped me stock up on essentials like diapers.

If you still want to celebrate, consider these DIY options to reduce costs:

• DIY decorations
• Potluck-style food
• Low-cost venues like home or a park

Alternatively, create a baby registry so friends and family can contribute essentials.

3. Focus on Essential Baby Items

As a new mom, I had to learn what was truly necessary to cut cost on unnecessary things. For example, I opted out of buying baby shoes, as babies grow rapidly in their first year. Focus on essentials like onesies, swaddles, diapers, and a car seat.
Always ask yourself, “Do I really need this?” This mindset helped me avoid overspending. After all, the baby products industry was valued at $320.65 billion in 2023, and it thrives on upselling.

4. Shop Second-Hand for Baby Clothes and Gear

I found great deals on baby clothes and gear through second-hand shopping. Babies grow quickly, making second-hand items almost like new. Thrifting saved me money and felt sustainable. Below are some of the stores that I went to and still visit when buying new items:

Second-Hand Shopping Options

5. Use Cloth Diapers

Cloth diapers saved me a lot of money, especially on a single income. Although they require extra washing, the reduced cost is worth it. An average box of disposable diapers costs $21.90, while cloth diapers can be reused for multiple children or passed on.

You can search through Facebook parenting groups to see if anyone is giving away cloth diapers. Additionally, sites like Temu tend to sell the same items as amazon at a cheaper price. Higher-end brands like Charlie Banana are also great for long-term use.

A great tool to have if you are using cloth diapers to make rinsing the diapers before washing a lot easier

Amazon

If your place of residence allows it, this handheld sprayer will make rinsing the diapers easier.

Amazon

This is a great choice if you are not a fan of Temu. It brings 6 cloth diapers with 12 inserts.

Amazon

6. Breastfeed if Possible

I previously mentioned Aeroflow Breastpumps and their birthing classes in my pregnancy apps article. Initially, I planned to breastfeed my son to avoid formula costs but lacked knowledge on how to start. Aeroflow’s breastfeeding courses provided me with the tools to better prepare me. When hospital nurses pressured me to give formula due to low milk supply, I advocated for myself persistently.

With education and support, breastfeeding can be achieved, saving money and empowering mothers. Many insurance plans cover breastfeeding supplies like pumps – check your benefits! If possible, take classes or seek support to make breastfeeding easier. Even if you were not successful at breastfeeding with your first pregnancy, you can try again during your next one.

7. Prepare Homemade Baby Food

Making your own baby food ensures preservative-free ingredients and peace of mind. With a steamer basket and blender, you can prepare nutritious meals. Websites like BabyFoode.com offer easy recipes for purees and baby-led weaning. You can also find affordable tools at second-hand stores like Goodwill.

If you prefer store-bought baby food, use the Yuka app to avoid harmful chemicals and find healthier alternatives.

8. Avoid Subscriptions for Baby Products

Subscription boxes for baby items may seem convenient but often include unnecessary products. Look up reviews before subscribing. Instead, buy products as needed to avoid overspending. Instead, take advantage of the Free Pregnancy Sample boxes that are out there to discover new products and stock up on necessary ones.

Don’t let societal expectations push you to buy unnecessary educational toys or gadgets (lovevery, kiwico, etc). You can find most of the toys on these websites on Temu or second hand websites like Mercari and cut the cost. Always ask, “Do I need this, or is it just marketed well?”

9. Minimize Baby Gear Purchases

I learned the hard way that not all baby gear is necessary. I purchased a baby carrying wrap and jumper but barely used either one. To avoid clutter:

• Wait and observe your baby’s preferences as they grow
• Test items in-store before purchasing to ensure they’ll get used
• Let your baby try toys at the store. If they lose interest quickly, skip the purchase.

10. Maximize Your Insurance Benefits

One of the most critical aspects of pregnancy planning is understanding your insurance coverage. A simple phone call to your insurance provider can save you a lot of money after birth. Coverage varies depending on the type of birth you have—natural, C-section, birth center, etc.

Tips to Maximize Your Insurance Benefits

1. Regularly Confirm Coverage: Call your insurance provider to confirm coverage for pregnancy-related services, including prenatal care, birthing classes, and postpartum care.
2. Consult Your Doctors: Ask your doctors about the necessity and coverage of tests, procedures, and services during prenatal visits. This helps you avoid unexpected costs.
3. Delay Non-Essential Services: If you’re unsure about coverage, delay non-essential services. Ask your provider if you can schedule them later while verifying coverage.

Take Advantage of Covered Benefits

Many insurance plans offer benefits that can significantly reduce costs:

1. Birthing Classes: Aeroflow Breastpumps provides birthing classes and one-on-one birth planning sessions.
2. Breastfeeding Supplies: Insurance often covers breast pumps and lactation support.
3. Postpartum Services: Explore additional services, such as physical therapy or counseling.

Avoid Scams

Be cautious about sharing personal information. In some states, insurance debt may become public record, making it easier for scammers to target new parents. Always verify billing details with your hospital and never provide information to unverified callers.

Understanding your insurance plan can save you a significant amount of money. Don’t hesitate to ask questions and explore all the benefits available to you. Many birth classes include Q&A sessions—take advantage of these to clarify what services are necessary and covered.

• Birthing classes (e.g., Aeroflow Breastpumps)
• Breastfeeding supplies
• Postpartum services

Delay non-essential services until coverage is verified. If a service isn’t covered, ask about payment plans instead of high-interest credit cards.

Final Thoughts

Becoming a parent can feel financially overwhelming, but with careful planning and creativity, it doesn’t have to be. Focus on essentials and shop second-hand. Make your own baby food. Explore cost-saving measures like cloth diapers. You can save significantly without compromising on your baby’s needs.

Remember to take advantage of available resources like insurance benefits and free or low-cost educational opportunities. Parenthood is a journey, and finding ways to balance expenses is part of the process. Each small decision adds up to significant savings over time.

Join the Conversation

I’d love to hear from you! What money-saving tips have worked for you as a parent? Share your insights and experiences in the comments below.

Don’t miss the next article: “Essential Items for Your Baby Registry—A Comprehensive Guide.” Subscribe now to stay updated and get more practical advice for parenting on a budget! “Essential Items for Your Baby Registry—A Comprehensive Guide.”