5 thrifty ways to save money as a new parent

1. Budgeting for baby expenses

We know, it sounds obvious, but getting your baby budget sorted is a game-changer.

It’s best to plan your budget ahead of time (ideally before your baby arrives) so you’re ready for those extra costs – think nappies, baby clothes, and the occasional sleep-deprived takeaway.

Try the 50 / 30 / 20 method

A great rule of thumb for tackling budgeting is the 50/30/20 method:

• 50% on essentials (like rent, bills, and food)
• 30% on wants (treats, subscriptions, fun days out)
• 20% on savings

When you’re planning, factor in baby-specific expenses like:

• nappies and wipes
• baby-friendly toiletries
• clothing
• baby classes (singing, swimming – whatever floats your boat!)
• emergency costs (hello, unexpected doctor visits!)

Keeping track of spending early on means fewer financial surprises later.

2. Sell on any old clothes

Babies grow fast – and their clothes barely get a chance to be worn before they’re too small. Rather than hoarding those adorable onesies, why not sell what doesn’t hold sentimental value?

Here on Team TRB, we love a bargain (who doesn’t?) and we know there’s a huge market for gently-used baby clothes. By selling online, you’re not just making a bit of extra cash – you’re also helping other families and reducing waste.

Try these platforms to sell your baby’s outgrown clothes:

• Facebook Marketplace
• Vinted
• Depop
• eBay

Related Article – How to Help Ease Pregnancy Pains With This Perfect Body Butter Recipe

3. Seek out affordable baby-clothing brands

Once you’ve sold off those too-small outfits, it’s time to find affordable replacements. Many of the same platforms you use to sell can also be goldmines for scoring second-hand baby clothes.

If you’re after brand-new but budget-friendly options, PatPat is a favourite for affordable baby clothing bundles.

Editor’s tip: Try the “one up, one down” hack for feeding. Just wear a vest top under your usual jumper – pull the vest down and the jumper up for easy access. No need to buy pricey nursing tops.

4. Stockpile the essentials

Stocking up on non-perishables like nappies, wipes, and baby shampoo when they’re on offer can save you loads in the long run. The same goes for your own personal care products too, mama. Toothpaste, pads and toilet roll are all great bits to keep stocked in your cupboard when you’re postpartum.

One thing to watch out for? Sizing. Don’t make the mistake of buying too many newborn nappies – your baby will likely outgrow them in no time. Instead, grab a mix of sizes to see you through those first months.

A great app to help you find nappy deals is Bum Deal. It compares prices from big retailers like Tesco and Asda so you always know where to get the best bargain.

They estimate you could save up to £500 in your baby’s first two years just by shopping smarter.

5. Reusable nappies

Reusable nappies are making a comeback – and when you think about it, it’s easy to see why. They can save you a small fortune compared to disposables.

While the upfront cost might seem steep, you’ll only need around 25 to 30 reusable nappies. These can even be used for future children, potentially saving you hundreds (or even thousands) of pounds.

Many councils in the UK offer incentives like vouchers or cashback to parents who choose reusable nappies – check your local council’s website to see what’s available.

How do reusable nappies work?

Here’s how they work: just pop in a clean liner, change as you would with disposables, and wash the used liners in your regular laundry at 40 degrees. Easy peasy.