YEY I'm Pregnant! Frugal tips?

Butterfly_Brain

:TCongratulations

I would not buy newborn stuff always go for larger because babies grow so fast they will outgrow newborn within 2 weeks.
If someone offers to knit for you accept gratefully because hand knitted is warmer and lasts a lot longer than shop bought woolens.
start by getting a few bits and bobs every week (baby lotion sudocreme, baby bath,cotton wool etc and even nappies) once the baby is here they go through loads.
Don't bother with a changing mat - I used a soft folded up towel
If you have any old sheets cut them up and hem them for cot/pram sheets.
Again if someone can knit or crochet ask them to make some baby blankets/shawls.
Baby baths are another thing you can get by without use a washing up bowl for the first couple of months or even the sink.
I wouldn't buy a moses basket/ cradle again because the baby is out of them in the blink of an eye get a cot instead and that will last.
Invest in a good quality baby seat.
That is all I can think of for now - Hope everything goes well x

Rummer

Congratulations! I agree with the other posters if you have space then start stocking up on a few basics like baby wipes (look out for the big box of 6). Own brand nappies are great and less expensive if you do not want re-useable ones. Keep an eye out of freecycle because we gave away all our baby things on that and there are always people wanting to clear things. Gumtree is good too. I got maternity clothes from H&M which were stylish and good value.

loobyloo0302

Don't buy a million brand new sleep suits, clothes etc and definately few expensive items.. within a week, they've grown out of them!!

lolababy

Congratulations!. instead of baby wipes you can use cotton wool and put a small blob of baby lotion ,works really well for wiping the babies bottom. Baby socks instead of mitts duel purpose. One tip is to make sure that the toes of a sleepsuit are not tight. My two were big footed and although the babygro fitted in the body they were tight in the foot area.
Have lots of baby groes to hand. Baby tends to go through them at an alarming rate. Dont worry about dressing the baby up. Babys dont worry about being in style.Let other people buy the fancy clothes. Ask people to buy the next size up or even a few sizes up. Baby grows really fast.
Invest in a pinny if you have a baby who throws up feed . Okay not fashionable but easy to whip off when people call.Dont buy small baby bibs the larger the better Baby sick goes everywhere.
Buy supermarket own brands of baby shampoo ect. They usually come in bigger sizes and cost less. Baby gro bags are good for keeping a baby warm as most kick blankets off.
Buy liners for curtains so that the light is blocked out in the babies room Helps teach the baby sleep patterns ie dark means sleep light awake

meg72

Congratulations All the things I would have suggested seem to have been covered, but
cant resist a jokey one, dont eat for two. seriously its such an exciting time hope you enjoy every minute

esmf73

Sounds silly - but when your baby is born you'll be pleased - start cooking an extra meal for the freezer. That way when you come home with your new cutie all you have to do is remember to take a meal out of the freezer in the morning and put it in the oven in the evening.

But do think about the time of year that you're cooking for!!!

And remember to put oven trays underneath - or you'll end up with casserole all over the floor - like I did!!! lol

pickle

You can buy folic acid supplements from the saver stores which is much cheaper than a lot of the supermarkets.

tandraig

i would just add - charity shops and pound shops are a great source of baby items. maternity items sometimes available but not often!! do people hang on to them or wear them after the birth or something? i couldnt wait to get out of mine and give them away! also think outside the box - do you really need that expensive baby bag when shops are almost giving away beach bags now??? my babies didnt care what i lugged their stuff around in and i found some fabulous bags which worked just as well as they were plastic lined!

Lokolo

Don't need to buy condoms and have as much sex as you like?

huston_kw

Look into the surestart maternity grant (500 quid), you may qualify and also the start vouchers (you can get milk tokens if you are preggers)

Bit earlier for this but, apply for an application for child tax credits & working tax (if applicable) - I had my part filled out ready to fill in rest of details when they where born, so they got posted straight away.

Good luck