Diapers, clothes, the stroller, the changing table ... The arrival of a baby home is an important financial outlay for all parents.
Of course, for some more than others, they do contemplate saving measures, so that a moment as happy as motherhood does not become a waste of money for the family.
If you want to be one of them, We propose tricks 'tested' by other parents, who save, and we talk to you about the kakeibo method, a Japanese accounting system that helps control expenses.
Five other parents' tricks that help you save
1. Baby clothes. Think before you jump to get all the little clothes that make you so funny. Babies grow very fast, so it's no use being a foresight and buying lots of clothes.
In addition, it is usually a very typical gift from family and friends who come to cobocer the newborn.
And, even if you don't see it now, there will always be someone who has an older child and passes you his clothes.
You have to be aware that the baby grows rapidly and it is no use buying a lot of clothes.
So wait to see what you are going to have and buy only the essentials of the newborn: two or three pajamas (at first you will spend a lot of time sleeping) and two changes to go out. Only when you know where you are from, can you go out and buy what is really necessary.
2. Diapers The most common option is to use disposable, more comfortable. If that is your choice, you can anticipate its birth and buy when you find an interesting offer for newborns and the following size.
And the same idea, when you already have him in his arms. Of course: without going crazy buying 'bags' of diapers, because you do not know when it will grow and need another size.
But also cloth diapers can help reduce expenses during the first year of the baby. The investment may seem larger at first, but it is amortized immediately. In addition, the panties to put them are also very beautiful. This Bambino Mio, on Amazon, can cost € 9.90.
In Babies and more Cloth diapers vs. disposable diapers, which ones to choose?3. Childcare
Really think about what you are going to need and make a list, before entering a baby store and going crazy, taking things that seem essential and then you never use them. Mother's word!
Weigh the option of buy second-hand accessories or furniture. If you take a look at the Internet ads, you will see that everything is sold, everything you need.
AliExpress Do you buy online for your baby? Keys to make the most of them and make them safeYou can borrow some things, at least the most expensive, from a family member or friend who has recently had a child. At least, expensive objects that last a short time: such as the cradle or bassinet, or the walk cuckoo, which can only be used until the baby begins to move and turn.
Another good option is the convertible furniture, which grows with the child: cribs that become a bed, changing tables that become a table or bookshelf, hammocks on chairs ...
4. Baby shower or 'birth list'
Everyone will want to give gifts to the newborn. So you better anticipate what you need, so as not to find duplicates of the same object or mountains of clothes that the baby will not have time to use.
Although here in Spain the idea of creating a shopping list for the baby is not yet fully extended, as are wedding lists, most of the guests at the Baby shower (usually before you are a mother), the feast of Welcome or baptism, they will thank you. And the savings for parents is considerable.
5. Search and compare prices
For everything: diapers, bottles or the stroller, which is one of the strongest investments when a baby is born. Taking advantage of an offer, or choosing the cheapest establishment, can result in considerable money savings.
In Babies and more The best tips to save (a lot) with the arrival of the baby Saving in the traditional style in Japanese version: the Kakeibo method
Kakeibo pages. Photo Tendencies He Kakeibo method (pronounced kakebo) is a Japanese accounting system that helps control our expenses and save.
It is a return to the traditional methods of cost control, since it is based on a small book of accounting and finance. Of course, structured in a specific way. In Amazon, for example, you can find some very nice, for about € 13.
This is to write down at the beginning of each month the income and fixed expenses such as mortgage or rent, electricity, community ... So we can know when money is available for the rest of the expenses we have during the month.
In Jakeibo Jared. The Japanese savings formula that is triumphingEvery time we make a purchase or pay something, it should be noted on the day and the corresponding section: food, clothing, toilet ...
The important thing about this system is to be constant and meticulous. You can't leave anything without writing down, however small the expense may be, or it won't help.
Only pointing in detail in what we invest our money is when they come to light those small superfluous expenses that we can do without and that are those that do not help us save.
It is based on two very simple ideas:
Planning. You have to have a starting idea of how much we are going to spend and convert it into figures.
Analysis of what was spent. After a month, for example, it is necessary to check whether or not the initial plan has been fulfilled, and if there has been a deviation from the road (we have spent more), for what reason.
Kakeibo on mobile
It is true that the system of the notebook is fine when you are at home, but in the end you do not take it everywhere and there may be small expenses on the street that you do not write down. And, as we have said before, if you are not precise and constant, the saving method does not work.
We know that from the mobile you do not ever separate, so if you find it easier, you can opt for an app of the Japanese method.
Kakeibo for Android, on Google Play.
Zoe's Kakemoney, for iPhone and Android. More complete than the previous one.
Photos | iStock
Kakebo: Account book to save and manage your expenses without stress (Leisure and free time)
Today in Amazon for € 13.20
Bambino Mio Miosoft - Diaper cover, Surcaciles design, size 1, <9 kg
Today in Amazon for € 11.95
