Having your first baby is an exciting transition. Your life is about to change for the better, but it is crucial to be prepared before the little one is born. Maternity saving tips are a must to keep your savings on track.

In this blog, we are looking for money saving for new families and the top five actionable tips you can use to reinforce your personal finances ready for the baby. Bookmark this page to ensure you can use these tips again! Let’s get started.

1. Create a Baby Budget Spreadsheet

Budget spreadsheets are essential throughout life, especially when expecting your first baby. Once your bundle of joy arrives, you will have many other things on your mind. So creating a comprehensive family budget before birth is critical.

Categories to consider on your first-year budget sheet include:

  • Pushchairs and car seats
  • Nursery furniture
  • Baby food
  • Nappies
  • Childcare (if needed)
  • Clothing
  • Toys and miscellaneous items

You can even download pre-made spreadsheets online to help you prepare. The earlier you get started, the better with this tip!

2. Use A Baby Shower Wish List

Baby showers are an exciting time for new parents to see their loved ones and celebrate their new child. Traditionally, baby showers include gift exchanges. Rather than leaving your gifts to chance, send a baby shower wish list to guests to ensure their presents are what you need, not gimmicky gifts that will gather dust for years.

3. Consider Reusable Products

When creating your baby budget list, research whether you can purchase reusable products. Investing in a reusable baby product will save you from re-buying disposable ones, saving cash in the long run.

However, you will need to spend more time washing the product. For example, reusable nappies work for some parents, but others prefer the convenience of disposable ones.

Other potential eco-friendly and reusable baby products include:

  • Reusable wipes & bathing cloths
  • Eco-friendly tupperware
  • Compostable nappy bags
  • Reusable breast milk storage bags
  • Recycled toys

4. Double-Check Your Maternity Pay

Maternity pay is at the centre of any new parents’ financial planning. So, don’t forget to check over your maternity pay plans. This way, you will be familiar with how much income you will have once the baby is born, further helping you create an accurate expense plan.

You can even check your maternity and paternity pay rights via the gov.uk website. It is better to be sure before the little one is born!

5. Shop Second-Hand

Finally, when you start building your nursery, collecting baby clothes and stocking up on toys, compare the prices between new and second-hand products. New and pre-loved baby products are often the same quality, yet second-hand ones are half the price. You can find second-hand baby products online, in charity shops or by asking your loved ones.

Babies grow up extremely quickly and second-hand clothes can be a particularly great choice as your baby won’t wear them for life. Once they are older, you can start investing in premium clothes and accessories that they will use for longer periods of time.

Want more money-saving tips? Explore the CashASAP blog today for more.