Contents
Focus on an adapted birth list
Nerdy birth list ? Not at all… On the contrary, opting for a list is a good way to save money. Why ? Your friends, for lack of time and ideas, do not necessarily have the reflex to offer you a useful gift. Result, you fall under the comforters, night lights, and other pajamas in size 1 month. And for the rest, it’s your wallet that toasts. From a list, you choose what you like and your loved ones take care of the rest. An advice : bet on big coins (bed, deckchair, car seat, baby carrier… And think about the future: playpen, play mat, high chair…)
Sorting between useful and pleasant
It’s hard to know exactly what to buy for the birth of your baby and what is less useful, even in some cases superfluous. Of course, everyone sees noon at their doorstep. And not everything can fit into your birth budget. But in the list of products that are not necessarily essential, we can still cite:
- The bottle warmer : water at room temperature, it’s perfect otherwise there is always the water bath. (Be careful with the microwave which causes a risk of serious burns: the edges of the bottle remain cold while the inside is hot)
- Night light / mobile : toddlers are not afraid of the dark and, on the contrary, music can excite them.
- The baby monitor : especially if you live in a small apartment.
- Humidifier : a container filled with water under the radiator will do the trick.
Another dilemma: the cradle. What mother has not dreamed of a sublime traditional cradle …
The catch is the price. Several alternatives: you can put your baby to bed directly in the crib but there will not be the “cocoon” effect of the cradle. What if you opted for the cardboard cradle? In addition, it is recyclable!
We don’t skip bodysuits!
Stock up on bodysuits! It is the essential item of clothing that you need to buy in large quantities. But no need to choose sophisticated brands or models, given the number of laundry that you will have to do. Choose simple models that attach to the front. The good plan: buy lots of bodysuits on resale sites like Le bon coin.
Diapers at low prices
For some time, the rumor has been running…. The cheapest diaper seller would be none other than giant Amazon. Yes, contrary to popular belief, this large online store does not only sell books, but has a whole childcare department. A pack of diapers costs on average 20% less than in a supermarket. Concerning the other products, some are interesting, others less. To Compare. It should be noted that there is also regular destocking of diapers on the sites of Private sales.
Even cheaper: washable diapers. Do the math: a batch of new or used diapers (you need 30) will cost you around 400 euros… but will serve you from birth to potty training. And for your second, third baby… O euros. It’s unbeatable and ecologically speaking, the amount of raw material needed to make a disposable diaper (which only lasts two hours) has nothing to do with the amount of water you need to wash diapers. It is worth it if you have a small budget!
The occasion, sparingly
Second-hand product sales sites are on the rise. And childcare, like baby clothes, is no exception. There are the behemoths, such as Le Bon coin, Ebay. Next to it, there are more confidential sites specializing in the children’s niche. For small budgets, this is undeniably the right solution. The only requirement: make sure that the product is in good condition, that it meets safety standards and check the brand. However, avoid the second-hand car seat. We do not play with the safety of our baby!
Yes to samples!
Even if you shouldn’t put too many products on baby’s skin (the less the better!) You still need a few, such as body and hair soap. The trick for small purses: go to pharmacies near you and ask if they have small samples. This format is more practical to take on weekends.
The pediatrician: quality without breaking the bank
Of course you want the best for your child. However, you do not want to break the bank every time you go to the pediatrician. No need to have it followed by a pediatrician if he does not have any particular pathologies. A general practitioner can perfectly do the follow-up of a baby, from birth to adulthood. While you are doing your “casting” of doctors with your loved ones, take the opportunity to give them a phone call, just to know the price of a consultation. There is no shame in that. As a reminder : if your pediatrician applies agreed rates, the price of the consultation will be 28 or 31 euros. Otherwise, his fees are considered free (and this can go up to 100 euros!). Social Security will reimburse in all cases up to 70% of the agreed price. And mutuals can supplement the rest.