It’s a known fact that raising kiddos is an expensive ordeal. They need clothes, food, and shelter which all adds up over time. But while that is true, there are also some ways to cut costs and still provide for your kids in amazing ways. Just because you need to raise kids on a budget doesn’t mean you can’t give them the world.
My husband and I were seniors in college when we welcomed our daughter. We were living in a tiny college apartment when we found out she was on the way. B was working full time in healthcare while also going to school full time. I was going through a rigorous music therapy program and working a hosting job when I could. We were not rich or even middle class at the time, but through the generosity of others as well as a lot of resourcefulness, God provided for our needs. Here are some of the things I’d recommend to penny pinching parents like us.
Read on to hear my tips for how to raise kids on a budget!
Use Facebook Marketplace, OfferUp, etc. to find the baby basics
There are quite a few supplies that are recommended parents own when caring for a baby and raising a child. Things like high chairs, clothes, baby seats, jumpers, cribs, and mattresses are present for free or low prices in abundance on these platforms.
If people want to throw you a shower, say yes.
Community is a crucial element to successful parenting, one that’s not always easy to find. But if you are blessed to have it, savor every bit of it. There is NO HARM in accepting help and gifts, especially when becoming a parent for the first time.
Just Between Friends Consignment Sales and thrift stores
For the clothes we’ve needed as our girls have grown, we’ve LOVED JBF sales. There are many throughout the country and in our area. Moms and caregivers consign their baby-kid clothes and gear at low prices that even get marked down to 50% near the end of the sale. We’ve bought an entire sizing’s worth of clothes for under $100. This is an environmentally-conscious and low cost way to meet your family’s needs while on a budget. If you don’t have consignment sales like JBF near you, Goodwill and similar thrift stores are also a fantastic option. Babies don’t need fancy or new things. They need love, clothes, a few items, etc. but most of all they just want and need you.
Cloth diaper in place of disposable diapers
I have a three part series on this topic, if you’re interested. I was able to buy an entire set of cloth diapers for under $300 that we’ve been able to use intermittently throughout our three girls’ infancies and toddlerhood years. It may not be the most glamorous option, but it does save money.
Use discount grocery stores or buy in bulk
In northern Colorado, we have an awesome discount grocer called Esh’s (read their about page, seriously!). They are a Christian company that sells food that is close to expiration, would spoil otherwise, or didn’t sell on the main shelves for various reasons. Our family does have some dietary restrictions, and we’ve found this store to help greatly with even those. Not to mention our regular grocery needs. Everything from meat, to snacks, to dairy/eggs. If you don’t have a discount grocer near you, buying in bulk from stores like Costco or Sam’s Club can also be incredibly helpful. On that note, making meals at home and consuming fresh produce more than pre-packaged snacks can stretch your money dollar even further. I’m sure I’ll write about that soon too!
Allow a shift in mindset to take place.
My husband and I are by no means fancy people. We aren’t wine and cheese or luxury type folks. So simple living and minimal spending comes a bit easier to us. But I think it is an incredibly helpful mindset to work towards as a parent. Of course it’s natural to want nice things, eating out, hotel stays/vacations, and date nights, but if money is tight there are also ways to enjoy simple pleasures at home or on the cheap. If you’re looking for simple date ideas to do as parents, I blogged about it here.
Kids are a huge blessing. And while raising them may be expensive and sometimes exhausting, it is also very doable and incredibly rewarding. I hope you find these tips and suggestions helpful, friends!
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