5 tips for baby shopping on a budget

The cost-of-living crisis is hitting us all, and if you’re expecting a baby soon, finances might be extra tight. We’ve put together a quick guide on our top ways you can save some dollarbucks while still getting all the bits and bobs your little one will need to be safe and taken care of.  

Tip 1: Buy in bulk where possible

It’s a no-brainer, but buying in bulk usually allows you to spend less per item, saving you money in the long run. Some of our baby-shopping favourites to bulk-buy include nappies (you can always get an extra box in the next size if you’re worried about getting too many) and, of course, baby wipes. For bonus savings, pick them up during a sale – here’s one we prepared earlier, just for you!  

Tip 2: Stalk the sales for bigger items like car seats  

Speaking of sales, if you have the luxury of time before the newest member of the family enters the picture, it’s well worth waiting for big sales to purchase higher-cost items like your car seat and pram.  For these purchases, savings can be into the hundreds, especially if you’re buying seats for multiple cars or children at once.  

For cost-conscious parents looking for a great option right now, you can’t go past the Mother’s Choice Infinity car restraint. This 0-8 car seat can take your little one from birth to approximately 8 years old, and is extended rearward facing, converting to a forward-facing fully harnessed seat when your little one is the size of an average 2.5-year-old. With a saving of more than $300 on offer for this seat during the catalogue period, it’s an economical way to ensure your baby travels as safely as possible while you’re out and about. 

Tip 3: Figure out what products you will and won’t compromise on  

If quality is top of mind for you, you might be struggling trying to figure out how to get the exact items you’ve been eyeing off for your parenting journey. It’s obvious, but if you can compromise on a few things, you can save some serious dollars.

The good news is that the choice isn’t only between expensive, high-quality products and cheap, poor-quality items – there are plenty of brands that offer quality products at a price that doesn’t make your eyes water. The trick is knowing what you’re willing to compromise on! Some people feel strongly about having brand-name clothes for their baby, while others will be happy with a cheaper version knowing their baby won’t wear it long. Some parents know that having the perfect nappy bag will make their life easier, while others will be happy to toss all their stuff into a tote and be on their way.

There’s no right or wrong answer, it’s simply about taking a moment to view your shopping list with a new perspective.    

Tip 4: Avoid ‘just in case’ purchases  

You might hear some products sold for ‘just in case’ – like, “make sure you get a breast pump before your baby is born, just in case!”.

When funds are tight though, don’t worry about all that stuff you may not even want or need. If your baby arrives and you decide you do indeed want it – great! Order one online or grab one from your nearest baby shop; generally, you can get your hands on these types of products very quickly if you need them. But often, parents end up buying things they never really use, or that their baby simply doesn’t like. Focus on the necessities first and then the rest can wait.  

Tip 5: Make a registry, or ask for gift cards from friends and family who want to help out  

For those lucky enough to be surrounded by supportive friends and family, don’t be shy about asking for exactly what you want or need. People love to give gifts you will use and love, so using a gift registry is a handy way to give some direction so everyone feels good about the gift – and you won’t be forced to do a never-ending fashion-shoot with your baby to send a pic to every person who bought a 0000 onesie for your baby.

Gift cards are another way to let everyone feel good about helping out, and even a few vouchers can feel like a great discount when you hit the cash register for those bigger shopping trips. Just make sure you specify what gift cards you want so that you can use them on the things you’ve got on your list.  

We might be biased, but we highly recommend a Baby Bunting gift card or eVoucher.