Baby money saving: Borrowing and babysitting
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3. Borrow, beg and buy cheap
There's no shame in asking friends and relatives for hand-me-downs. Babies grow out of clothes so rapidly that spending large amounts of money can be a waste.
Also, take a look at the National Childbirth Trust's site who have regular nearly-new sales of children's and baby clothes.
4. Babysitting fees
Babysitting can be expensive so why not save cash and start a babysitting circle. Get together a group of friends who also have kids that need babysitting.
How does it work?
Everyone is given a token, which is exchanged for a night of babysitting. The babysitter is paid with a token, so that they can cash it in for a babysitter and enjoy a night out.
5. Ignore the baby books
Ok, don't ignore all the advice in the baby books, but you don't need to buy every single thing that they tell you to. Plus, some of the things you need can be bought second-hand.
What do you really need?
6. Try re-usable nappies
It might seem like a lot of hassle but disposable nappies cost an average of £950 over three years, whereas re-usable ones (cloth nappies that you have to wash) cost around £350 for three years.
Of course, you also have the cost of washing them, but this still makes it cheaper than buying disposable nappies - and it's better for the environment too. Visit www.wen.org/nappies for more information on reusable nappies.
By Louise O'Connell
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