Money Saving Baby Care Tips

In the first year of your child's life, you will spend more than $6,500 on things for your baby. These include baby food, disposable diapers, clothing, and various accessories. Start adding that up and you realize that having a baby can be very expensive. However, there are some money saving tips that all new parents can use to make those newborn years a little easier on the wallet. You will not only save money, but will also help to save the planet with these eco-friendly tips.

Save Money on Baby Care by Feeding Sensibly
Most mothers know that breastfeeding is the healthiest way to feed your newborn. It is also the best way to save money and continue to be eco-friendly. Breast milk not only gives your baby the best in nutrients, it also saves money that would be spent on formulas and bottles. Its eco-friendly as it eliminates the need for bottle washing as well.

Other ways to save money on baby care feeding is making your food from scratch. When your baby is ready for solid foods, consider using your food processor more often. Grind organic oats, steam and puree organic fruits and veggies that can be frozen in ice cube trays for feeding your baby as needed.

Save Money on Baby Care by Not Overheating
Many new parents worry that their newborn will need to stay warm. However, overheating a child can sometimes lead to serious health issues. More than exposing them to slightly lower temperatures. By decreasing the heat in your home by as little as 1 degree, your home will use about 3 percent less energy.

Save Money on Baby Care by Using Cloth Diapers
Even if you take into account the cost of washing and drying reusable cloth diapers, you will still save much more money. The estimated cost of washing and drying reusable cloth diapers for two years is about $250. The cost of disposable diapers over that same two-year period is about $1,800. Add to that the environmental impact of not adding about 1 ton of disposable diapers to our landfills.

When choosing to use cloth diapers, there are a few tips on saving money. Buy cloth diapers secondhand. Check diaper services or consignment shops for secondhand deals. If you do choose to buy new, look for organic fiber cloth diapers. Always wash your cloth diapers as a full load, using cold water on a heavy cycle. To save more energy, consider line drying.