Money-Saving Tips for Expectant Moms

Babies are expensive! Nursery furniture, bedding, clothes, toys, bottles and formula, and diapers, diapers, and more diapers … sometimes newly pregnant moms are surprised by just how much money they’ll be spending on their little bundle of joy.

Savvy shoppers have always been able to save money, but thanks to the Internet and online rewards programs, it’s becoming easier for busy expectant moms to take advantage of special offers even before their baby is born.

Here are a few tips to help you save on:

• Furniture, clothes and toys

Citywide sites offerings free items can be invaluable. You may be familiar with Freecycle already.

Craigslist.com has free items available every week. When you go to the site, look for the link that says “free” to find out what is available in your area.

Many of my baby items were purchased on eBay.com. For example, you can spend up to $600 furnishing a room with Pottery Barn bedding or you can go on eBay to get a discontinued set for less than $100!

Amazon.com is an amazing place to find great deals. From diapers to ride-on toys, you will find amazing prices. Plus, if you sign up for Amazon Mom you get free shipping and 15 percent off diaper and wipes purchases.

• Diapers

Every diaper brand you can imagine has a website where you can find coupons by mail. Often free samples are available as well. (Pampers.com, Huggies.com, Luvs.com. and so on).

You can also register for Pampers Gifts to Grow and Huggies Enjoy the Ride Rewards Program. Each program gives you the ability to enter codes from your diaper and wipes containers and trade in your points for sweepstakes entries and rewards of your choice.

• Formula

Of course, breastfeeding it is the most inexpensive choice, not everyone can nurse, and some parents like the convenience of feeding formula along with breast milk.

If you’re in the market for formula, first sign up for samples and coupons of the brands you are going to use (Enfamil.com, Similac.com andNestle Good Start seem to be the most popular choices). Nestle Good Start offers a money-back guarantee.

Plus, ask your pediatrician for samples and coupons. Many times you will find rebates and high-value coupons* for formula, diaper cream, medication and more in your physician’s office.

How did you save money while you were expecting your baby?

By Kim Julian, Money-Saving Blogger for SmartParenting

*Be sure to check out the Coupon Database on STL Mommy!