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Kids are expensive! In fact, the average cost of raising a child from birth to age 18 is almost $13,000 per year, but learning how to raise a baby on a budget doesn’t need to be complicated and there are great ways to cut costs. Making smart financial choices, even in the first year of your baby’s life, will save you a significant amount of money. 

Below we share 9 ways to raise a baby on a budget that are easy, convenient, and did we mention freebies? 

1. Fine-tune your baby registry

Mom Opening Gifts From Baby Registry List

If you’re setting up a baby registry, really think about what you need the most. Registries tend to include a mix of items moms absolutely need and items moms would like to have, if possible. Start with baby items that you need, like a crib, car seat, or stroller. Also, consider how necessary it is to have luxurious baby items. For example, does your baby need a luxury bath spa or would they be fine with a traditional and simple bathtub? 

2. Samples and freebies are a great way to raise a baby on a budget

Twins Looking At Their New Sibling In A Hospital Bassinet

Samples and freebies make it easier to raise a baby on a budget. It’s awesome how many brands offer maternity and baby samples just for creating a baby registry. Some of the best websites and stores to get baby samples from include:

In addition, hospitals often have samples for you to take home after the baby is born, so don’t hesitate to ask. Moms can sometimes leave the hospital with diapers, swaddles, pump accessories, and post-partum goodies free of charge!

3. Choose cloth diapers or great off-brand diapers

Basket Of Cloth Diapers

Unlike disposable diapers, cloth diapers require a larger purchase upfront so that mom has everything she needs. Cloth diapers may seem like a hassle to constantly wash and dry, but they can save you an incredible amount of money (potentially around $1575) since you can reuse them over and over, even with future children. 

If you would rather use disposable diapers, there are great off-brand diapers out there like Mama Bear diapers from Amazon or up & up diapers from Target. Don’t forget to look for coupons and savings; diapers frequently tend to be on sale or at a discount with a coupon.

(Check out this article: Cloth vs. Disposable Diapers: Everything You Need to Know for more information.)

4. Create a budget to follow

9 Ways To Raise A Baby On A Budget

Purchases for nursery furniture, baby clothes, and other baby items add up quickly. If you need to raise a baby on a budget, creating and maintaining an actual budget will help you save money and let you know how much you can spend, and help you track every purchase. 

5. Check local group pages

Group Of Diverse Women

Local group pages, like those on Facebook or NextDoor, will allow you to find gently used baby items, even car seats, that don’t cost an arm and a leg. Some groups, like a “Buy Nothing” Facebook group, allow neighbors to easily donate items to others in need. If you’re gifted a pre-owned car seat, make sure to check the expiration date before using it and ask questions about its history…like if it’s been in any car accidents

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6. Consider breastfeeding

9 Ways To Raise A Baby On A Budget

Did you know that nursing for the first year may save you around $1,733? Breastfeeding doesn’t work for everyone, but if you’re looking to raise a baby on a budget and want to really cut costs, consider breastfeeding your child so you don’t have to buy formula, at least for some time. As for that expensive breast pump, as mentioned above, you should be able to get it covered per Healthcare.gov.

If you’re having supply issues, get some useful tips on Increasing and Maintaining Breast Milk Supply.

7. Be minimal

Cute Baby Clothes

Babies grow at a rapid rate of speed and as a result, they outgrow bassinets, clothes, and other baby items quickly. A quick tip for raising a baby on a budget: think about how much use your baby will get out of a product before buying it. 

In addition, consider how practical a baby item is before purchasing it. For example, infant shoes are extra adorable but they aren’t practical. Infants aren’t walking yet and most of the time, they’re wearing comfortable onesies or socks rather than shoes.

8. Consider renting what you need

Best Baby Gear Rental Services

Believe it or not, you can rent baby items. Compare the costs of renting (especially if the item won’t be used for long) vs. purchasing outright and you may save yourself some major moolah. This is also a good idea for items that will only be used temporarily, like if you need to bring a crib with you while traveling or vacationing. 

There are many moms who have experienced buying an expensive baby rocker or product for their little one, only to find out their baby refuses to use it. Renting is a great way to see if your baby actually likes a product before purchasing one for yourself. 

9. Make your own baby food

Homemade Baby Food Preparation

Jarred baby food isn’t the cheapest, especially if you’re wanting whole baby food and/or organic jarred baby food. By making your own baby food, you’re saving a lot of money (possibly around $45-$100+ per month) plus you know exactly what your baby is eating. For example, just one medium-sized banana can make ½ to 1 cup of baby food depending on size. That equates to about $0.15 (on average) per cup of banana baby food. To compare, a cup of jarred baby food from the store costs about $0.63 on average. This difference adds up and helps save money over time.

Even though raising a baby isn’t always cheap, it’s certainly possible to raise a baby on a budget if you budget well, take advantage of freebies and previously owned items, and cut out unnecessary purchases. 

Did we leave anything out? Share your budget tips with us below!