Baby registry cost got you feeling a little down? I feel ya.
There’s pretty much nothing more frustrating than wanting to feel ultra-prepared for your new baby and then getting serious sticker shock when you add up how much it’s going to cost you.
The second time around, we were preparing for twins. So, we really needed to be frugal!
Here are the top things I did to save money on newborn essentials for my twins.
Affiliate Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means that if you click on the link and purchase an item, I will receive a commission at no extra cost to you. All opinions are my own and I only recommend stuff I actually try and love.
1.) Utilizing Amazon’s “Open Box” Items
Okay, so I didn’t know about this part of Amazon for the longest time and I have been seriously missing out. Amazon gets tons of returns from people who bought items, opened the box, and changed their minds.
You can buy these like-new items for a steep discount on the Amazon Warehouse section of their site. Depending on when you shop and what’s available, you can save a huge chunk of the retail price by choosing to buy the open box version.
We just bought our twins a brand new double bassinet play yard for half price just because the box had already been opened. It showed up in perfect condition with all of the pieces. Score!
Try searching for some of those splurge items on your baby registry to see if there are any open box listings available for you to snag. You can also use Amazon Warehouse to get extra discounts on electronics, home + kitchen essentials, and pretty much anything else you can think of.
2.) Stockpiling diapers during clearance sales and using coupons
Diapers and wipes are just some of those things you’ll probably need. Stacking as many of these things as possible will help you save the most money:
- Coupons
- Rebates via apps like Ibotta, Checkout 51, etc. (Sign up for Ibotta with my code: URFHPGI and you can get a $10 bonus after scanning a few grocery receipts) Right now, there’s a rebate in Ibotta for $3 back on any size package of Pampers diapers! You can use this in addition to any manufacturer or store coupons you have on-hand.
- Store sales and deals. Target, for example, often has deals where you can receive a gift card after buying a certain number of related products. They frequently also have deals where if you spend $100 or more in the baby section, you’ll get a $20 gift card during checkout. this definitely adds up and you can use it on more than just diapers!
3.) Looking into cloth diapering
This is the only tip on the list that I’m not personally taking advantage of, but a list on how to save money on newborn essentials wouldn’t be complete without it!
If you think it’s something that will suit your lifestyle, check out cloth diapering and do some cost comparison. You will likely save money by choosing cloth diapers – in turn, you’ll sacrifice some convenience.
I don’t know too much about cloth diapering, but you can find really cute cloth diapers on Amazon, Etsy, and by searching for cloth diaper sellers on Instagram! Get more info about cloth diapering from this blog all about cloth diapering!
4.) Create a baby registry
Starting a baby registry is a great way to keep track of what you want for your baby and to save some money at the same time. Amazon gives you a nice discount on anything left on your registry after a certain date (your due date or close to it).
So, whether or not you plan to have a baby shower, create a registry, use it to keep track of everything you buy or receive, and then take advantage of the completion discount to grab everything left at a low price. I like Amazon’s registry the best because you can add items from any website.
5.) Get a breast pump through your insurance
If you have health insurance, there is usually a way for you to receive a free breast pump rather than spending $100-$250. Here’s how to go about doing that:
- Visit the website of various breast pump manufacturers. Some of them have a simple process for this! Here’s Medela’s site and here is Ameda’s.
- Talk to your doctor about getting a prescription for a breast pump. Your doctor’s office will likely have to fax the prescription over to your insurance before you can receive your pump.
6.) Shop online sales for baby clothing – there are plenty of them!
Kid’s clothes go on sale ALL THE TIME. If you’re shopping for baby clothes online, it’s way too easy to overspend. Brands like Baby Gap, Old Navy, The Children’s Place, and Carters have 30-40% off sales frequently.
I know it’s hard not to snatch up cute baby clothes as soon as you see them, but you can save so much money by waiting for a sale to pop up. Here’s what I do to stay on top of sales for baby clothes:
- Sign up for their email list. If you’re someone who hates a cluttered email inbox, create a new email account specifically for this kind of thing! This is honestly the best way for you to stay in the know about sales from your favorite brands. You’ll also get a feel for just how often brands drop prices and you won’t feel the need to buy immediately!
- Follow online deal hunters on social media. If you’re REALLY committed to saving some money, follow people who live for it. Use hashtags like #babydeals or #clearancedeals to find accounts on Instagram who post coupon codes and deals for baby clothes – they’re out there and they’re super generous with their time!
- Use a rebate website when you shop. Before you go on your online shopping spree, search for the brand/website on Ebates or a similar site to check out what kind of rebate they’re offering. I regularly get 1-10% back on all of my online shopping just by using Ebates. even though I’m using the word “rebate” here, you don’t have to do anything to receive the cash back. Search for the brand and you’ll see the current cash back being offered (sometimes it’s up to 25%!). Then, click through to the site from Ebates and after completing your order, you’ll see the cash back appear in your Ebates account in a few days. You can receive your cash back via check or PayPal. Don’t forget that you can use any coupon codes you have on the website on top of the rebate!
7.) Try shopping secondhand
Ready to save the planet together? Well, maybe not exactly. But babies outgrow clothes before they wear them twice, half the time. It’s obscenely wasteful, but I totally understand how it’s hard not to buy EVERYTHING for your baby.
If you’re not opposed to it, try shopping secondhand. It’s better for the environment and your wallet. And you’d be surprised at how many brand new items you’ll find in secondhand shops!
Especially after the Marie Kondo craze, people are willing to let go of things they bought that they never used. Here’s a list of places to try – some of these even offer coupons or additional discount days!
- Once Upon a Child (Most locations allow you to sign up for text or email coupons and sale notifications)
- Goodwill
- Salvation Army
- Local children’s resale stores (Try asking on Facebook for recommendations, especially in local mom groups.)
8.) Sign up for coupons if you use formula
Once your baby is here and you get into the groove of what formula you’re using, sign up for coupons for that formula. Visit the brand’s website to do this – they’ll mail you coupons every so often.
If you use a generic formula rather than a brand, use apps like Ibotta to save money when rebates pop up. For a while, my daughter was on the generic Walmart formula. Rebates for $3 off each container popped up weekly – it added up!
If you’re a Target fiend, you can even try stacking Ibotta rebates with Cartwheel offers. Just install both the apps and jump on the deal when you see matching offers!
9.) Take advantage of the Facebook Marketplace
When people move or decide they’re going to do a major clearout, they’re usually fine with getting rid of items they no longer need for a tiny price.
Facebook is an amazing place to find baby gear for super cheap. I’ve scored several $100+ baby things (A swing, a rocking chair, a stroller) in great condition for $20-$30, without having to barter for them.
These tips will help you save money on newborn supplies before and after your baby is here – I really hope you use this list to help cut down the cost of your wishlist!
Learning to save money on newborn essentials is something you’ll likely be thankful for down the road. I know a lot of moms who wished they’d spend a lot less money on baby stuff.
Just try to start thinking about your wishlist early on in your pregnancy, take things slow, and buy when you find the best deal on each item.
