![\"newborn](\"https:\/\/www.kiddies-kingdom.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Cost-of-Living-2.1.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nRemind Yourself of What\u2019s Important<\/strong>\u00a0<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nThat ever-so-special moment of bringing your precious addition to the world<\/a> is a moment you\u2019ll never forget. It can be easy to get lost in the excitement and want to buy absolutely everything there is available. The shoes you\u2019ve seen in the shops may be irresistibly cute and teeny tiny, but let\u2019s face it, your newborn can\u2019t really move much, let alone walk anywhere. You may also spend every waking moment designing the picture-perfect nursery for a little one who\u2019s too young to appreciate the effort. Plus, it\u2019s recommended that the safest place for your newborn to sleep is in the same room as you until they\u2019re 6 months old<\/a>.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nWhat matters in those first few months<\/a> is contact and bonding with your little one. Instead of overwhelming yourself with things you think you need to buy, think about when your baby is going to first curl their teeny tiny fingers around yours, or when they\u2019ll first show you that beautiful smile that makes you fall in love with them all over again. Talk and sing to them as much as possible during this time, noise and interaction in these early months will set the foundations of how your baby communicates and interacts in the future. After being squashed up for so long in mummy\u2019s tummy, in the first few months they\u2019ll begin to realise they have mini arms and legs. This is an exciting time so make sure you do all you can to encourage development. You can do this by putting a rattle or toy in their hands so they can begin to learn how to grasp objects.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nWhilst it\u2019s nice to go all out and spoil your new addition family, they\u2019re not going to be able to make sense of much at their tender age, and they\u2019re going to grow out of a lot of products at lightning speed. Instead, focus on creating that special bond that will last them a lifetime.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Focus on the Essentials<\/strong>\u00a0<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nIt\u2019s easy to get carried away with online shopping but resist the temptation or you\u2019ll end up with a bunch of stuff that\u2019s not necessary or that your little one will soon grow out of. Make a list of the must-haves instead. Here are the key things you need to think about:\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
\r\n- Child\u2019s car seat<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong><\/li>\r\n
- Pushchair<\/a>\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/li>\r\n
- Cot bed, Moses basket<\/a> or crib<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong><\/li>\r\n
- Nappies\u00a0<\/strong><\/li>\r\n
- Feeding equipment<\/a> if you\u2019re planning to bottle feed\u00a0<\/strong><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
The Breastfeeding Experience\u00a0<\/strong>\u00a0<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nIf you decide to breastfeed your little one, there’s no need to spend all your baby bucks on specialist nursing equipment. Breastfeeding can be challenging, tiring, and sometimes overwhelming but it can also be a beautiful, intimate, and rewarding experience. There are of course things that will make breastfeeding more comfortable. For example, nursing bras<\/a>, pillows<\/a>, cushions, and breast pads<\/a> to help with leaking. And muslin cloths<\/a> are not just handy for spillages but they\u2019re a one-stop shop for many other scenarios such as:\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n- Covering up if you want privacy whilst feeding in public<\/strong>\u00a0<\/li>\r\n
- Shading your baby from the sun<\/strong>\u00a0<\/li>\r\n
- Doubling up as a lightweight blanket<\/strong>\u00a0<\/li>\r\n
- Doubling up as an impromptu changing mat<\/strong>\u00a0<\/li>\r\n
- Cleaning up baby burps and sick\u00a0<\/strong>\u00a0<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
But one thing\u2019s certain \u2013 you don\u2019t need to go buy a whole new wardrobe dedicated to nursing your baby. Anything with easy access in your wardrobe, tops, and dresses with buttons, zips, or wrap fronts, will be your best friend. And hold off on buying a breast pump until later \u2013 unless you\u2019re planning to express milk from the start or go back to work within a few weeks after giving birth. In fact, health professionals recommend breastfeeding for 6 to 8 weeks after birth before expressing milk<\/a>.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nIf you have questions about breastfeeding, we spoke to Breastfeeding Mentor, Danielle Facey<\/em>, who offered her expert breastfeeding tips<\/a> to help ease you into the wonderful journey.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nChoose Experiences Wisely\u00a0<\/strong>\u00a0<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nIt\u2019s no secret that family days out can cost a small fortune. But let\u2019s be realistic, your littlun isn\u2019t going to remember the days out you splurged on. If you don\u2019t believe us, then take it from the parents we spoke to:\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
\u201cDon’t waste money on expensive days out that a baby will not remember, a trip to the park will give the same experience.\u201d<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nYou can have just as much fun on family days that don\u2019t cost a penny such as a trip to the park to feed the ducks, the beach, or even a stroll on a lovely summer\u2019s day. Save the fancier days out for when they\u2019re old enough to remember the experience. Even then, to save money, you could limit the more expensive days out for special occasions like birthdays and school holidays, or as a special treat.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
There are plenty of other budget-friendly ways to get out of the house too. Why not check out your local Sure Start Children\u2019s Centre<\/a>? Lots of them run baby sensory or massage groups, especially for parents with little ones. You could even have a cinema day! Cineworld runs ‘Cinebabies<\/a>‘ film screenings for parents and babies. Don\u2019t worry, they\u2019ll also dim the lights and lower the sound so you can have a no-stress movie day with your babe in your arms. And if that wasn\u2019t enough, they\u2019ll even store your pushchair and provide nappy changing facilities (not available in Brighton) \u2013 happy days!\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nWatch Out for Baby Marketing<\/strong>\u00a0<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nNo, you don\u2019t need that special baby laundry detergent or special baby body lotion. Fragrance-free gentle detergent is exactly what your little one\u2019s delicate, gentle skin needs. In fact, everyone\u2019s skin could benefit from it! So, why not switch to a fragrance-free gentle detergent overall and wash the whole family\u2019s clothes at the same time? That way you won\u2019t have to buy separate products for separate members of the family, and you can make some savings in the process. The same goes for soap and body lotion as well. You should always buy gentle, fragrance-free brands that will be kind to your baby\u2019s sensitive skin.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
One of the parents we spoke to also warned mums and dads to not fall for buying an expensive changing bag:\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
\u201c\u2026I spent over \u00a3300 on a designer changing bag, which was so bulky and heavy.\u201d<\/strong>\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nA hefty price tag doesn\u2019t always mean good quality! There are lots of affordable changing bags to fit your lifestyle and get the job done, from stylish multi-functional options Maxi Cosi offer<\/a> to practical solutions<\/a> with pockets and pouches for all your baby essentials.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nBe Smart with Baby Food<\/strong>\u00a0<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nYou don\u2019t need to buy expensive jars of baby food to get your littlun\u2019s tastebuds tingling! Think about doing baby-led weaning<\/a> instead, where babes six months plus munch away on finger foods instead of purees. We\u2019ve even got tasty weaning recipes<\/a> that will be sure to introduce your baby to the wonderful world of food in the best way!\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nYou could even make your own baby food in bulk from leftovers or fruits and veggies, and then store it in the freezer. Life hack \u2013 freeze the purees you make in ice cube containers. Once they\u2019re frozen, just pop them in plastic bags, and when it\u2019s time to eat, defrost them in good time and heat up \u2013 voila!\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Our tips \u2018n\u2019 tricks don\u2019t just stop there when it comes to baby food! Sign up as a friend of \u202fElla’s Kitchen<\/a>\u202fand you’ll be rewarded with vouchers for lots of yummy freebies like veggie pouches and melty puff snacks. There’s also a free wallchart and superhero mask for your bub included! And mums or dads on certain benefits (see full list<\/a>) can bag themselves an\u202fNHS Healthy Start scheme<\/a>\u202fcard \u2013 money is popped onto it every four weeks to swap for goodies like milk, fruit, and veggies. The vouchers can add up to as much as \u00a3442 per child<\/strong> and they\u2019re valid at 30,000 shops in the UK including supermarkets and corner shops.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nThe Nappy Debate<\/strong>\u00a0<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nBecoming a parent will make you realise how many nappies such a tiny human can go through in a day. If you really want to get your money\u2019s worth, try ditching the disposables and go for reusable nappies instead. In fact, the government’s Money Advice Service<\/em> estimates that using reusable nappies can save you more than \u00a31,400<\/strong> throughout your little one\u2019s first two and a half years<\/a>. Of course, any reusable product requires an initial investment, but over time you\u2019ll get that back, especially when you can reuse them when you decide to add another little cutie to the family!\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nSome councils offer free reusable nappies in the form of free starter packs or vouchers\/cashback to help your family save on the cost of buying them. Plus, it reduces the amount of waste going to landfill at the same time, so you\u2019re not only saving baby bucks but you\u2019re doing it in a greener way too! Check with\u202fyour local council<\/a>\u202fto see if they offer a similar incentive scheme.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nIf you don\u2019t want to use reusable nappies and you\u2019re planning on going down the disposable route, make sure you swot up first before buying. Comparison site\u202fBum Deal<\/a>\u202fis a great place to do your research as it instantly shows you disposable nappy brands’ cost at retailers like Asda, Morrisons,\u202fSainsbury’s, Tesco, and more. You can also compare the price of baby wipes on there too.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nKiddies Kingdom Top Tip<\/strong> \u2013 dry reusable nappies in the sun to get them squeaky clean and free of stains that won\u2019t come out in the wash.<\/em>\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nResearch Potential Perks Before Your Baby Arrives<\/strong>\u00a0<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nIf you\u2019re a mum-to-be, or you\u2019ve just had your little one in the past 12 months, you can get free NHS dental treatment as well as prescriptions \u2013 a handy little freebie, right? So, make sure you make the most of it while you can!\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Remember to keep an eye on websites like\u202fLatest Free Stuff<\/a>, where they round up freebies that retailers are offering in exchange for signing up to newsletters or liking them on socials.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nFree Emergency Water<\/strong>\u00a0<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nSome water companies offer free emergency water supplies for vulnerable customers (for example Anglian’s WaterCare) in case your water supply is disrupted. This includes mums-to-be or those with little ones under 12 months old. So, if you’re worried about cut-offs when you have a baby to look after, contact your water company and ask to be put on its special assistance list.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Consumer Council for Water<\/a> also has a list of water company contacts \u2013 just get in touch with them if you have any issues making arrangements with your water company. Don\u2019t forget, bottled water isn’t advised for making baby formula. But if you have no other choice, NHS Choices<\/a> provides all you need to know on what to do.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nToddlers: Money Saving Tips\u00a0<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n![\"Two](\"https:\/\/www.kiddies-kingdom.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Cost-of-Living-3.1-1024x684.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nChoose Baby Gear that Grows with Your Child<\/strong>\u00a0<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nSome highchairs<\/a> convert into seats for cheeky tots and older kids \u2013 and Tutti Bambini<\/a> offers this and more. And that\u2019s not all! Some cots can be turned into toddler beds<\/a> so you can save on having to buy another bed as your baby grows up. When you\u2019re on the hunt for baby products, look out for products that have 2-in-1<\/strong>, 3-in-1, <\/strong>or bundles<\/a> included in the name. A little research goes a long way! It can mean buying items that your cherub can enjoy for far longer than you anticipated.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nLook for Budget-Friendly Days Out<\/strong>\u00a0<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nWhen your not-so-little one becomes a cheeky tot, if you want to mix things up a little more than the usual walk in the park to feed the ducks, you could look for church playgroups in your local area. They\u2019re not always free, but you can generally get in for a couple of pounds \u2013 plus most of the time the entry fee includes free tea and biscuits too!\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Focus on the Fun Factor, Not Cost<\/strong>\u00a0<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nWe all love receiving presents. But all tots care about is how fun and entertaining their presents are going to be, not how much they cost. This is tried and tested as it was a common theme with parents we spoke to, with one saying:\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
\u201cToddlers are not bothered about ‘the latest toys’ so don’t be caught up in the hype. Toddlers soon forget.\u201d<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nYou may even find your little one playing with the gift wrapping more than the present itself! In fact, Martin Lewis put this to the test after he mentioned it on his TV show \u2018The Martin Lewis Money Show\u2019 \u2013 <\/strong>what followed was a sea of mums and dads tweeting and emailing photos of their littluns having a blast with cardboard boxes they’d been given for Christmas. And the proof is in the pudding on his blog<\/a> where you\u2019ll find lots of smiley-faced tots with boxes!\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\u00a0
A lot of parents want to splash out for their baby\u2019s birthday, especially their first birthday. Yes, it\u2019s one of the most special days, but you don\u2019t need to spend a fortune to put a smile on their face. Studies have shown that \u201cchildren who expect many and expensive gifts\u202fcan suffer negative social and emotional ramifications that extend well beyond their childhood<\/a>.” Of course, that\u2019s not to say you shouldn\u2019t buy them any toys<\/a>, but instead why not consider presents that are going to have positive impact? For example, little ones need lots of quality play to develop fully. Research highlights that through play, tots learn to understand the world around them,\u202fenhancing the development<\/a>\u202fof their cognitive, emotional, social, and physical skills, as well as their health and well-being. A toy xylophone<\/a> will teach them cause-and-effect as well as build their motor skills. Or if you want to wow them with one big (and very cool) present, balance bikes and trikes<\/a> fall into this category. They\u2019re super fun and they help with physical development, balance, and coordination.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nAbove all, it\u2019s not about how much you buy your child or how much it cost. There are lots of affordable tried-and-tested gifts that are sure to put a smile on a little one\u2019s face.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Set Up Swaps with Friends<\/strong>\u00a0<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nSet up clothing and baby gear swaps with your other mummy friends or mummy-to-be buddies. You could meet up at one of your houses or upload photos to a private Facebook group between you all if you can\u2019t get together. Your friend who\u2019s expecting may love your baby bathtub and newborn clothes, and you may be able to snap up toys and clothes in your tot\u2019s current size. Everyone wins!\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Preparing for What\u2019s to Come: School\u00a0<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n![\"Group](\"https:\/\/www.kiddies-kingdom.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Cost-of-Living-4.1-1024x685.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nYour little one may be cute and tiny now but before you know it, they\u2019ll be catching up to your height! Let\u2019s look at some money-saving tips you can keep in mind for when that time comes:\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Join School Forums<\/strong>\u00a0
\u00a0<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nIf you need a helping hand when it comes to school gear, many schools now have forums where parents can buy and sell school attire and equipment in good condition for a fraction of the original price. Not only will this mean more money in your pocket, but you\u2019ll also be minimising waste too \u2013 everyone\u2019s a winner!\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Managing Expectations<\/strong>\u00a0<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nAs little ones get older, they\u2019ll probably start to look at what their friends have, and no doubt they\u2019ll be itching to get home so they can ask the mum and dad to purchase it for them. A smart way to manage such expectations is by teaming up with your child\u2019s friends\u2019 parents for a swap shop. Your child and their friends can exchange toys between them \u2013 not only will they be able to play with the same toys they were eyeing up, but it means you can make some savings too.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
In fact, one of the parents we spoke to even makes sure that between them and other parents, they try and buy similar toys. This helps them to refresh play so that families don\u2019t feel the pressure that they need to buy the toys that other children are playing with:\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
\u201cAs a group of friends, we\u2019ll buy toys which are similar so when they go round each other\u2019s houses they can do swaps.\u201d<\/strong>\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nAnother of the parents we spoke to uses the pocket money method to manage expectations:\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
\u201cOur children recently started doing chores (cleaning out the pets, getting their own clothes ready for the day, making sure they tidy up) and for this, they get pocket money once a week. They can choose to save this up to buy their own things.\u201d<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nTeaching the Value of Money<\/strong>\u00a0<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nRemember \u2013 every little one grows and matures at a different rate. But once they\u2019ve grown out of their cheeky toddler phase and they\u2019re off to school, it\u2019s a good idea to start teaching them about the value of money so that the bank of mum and dad is utilised sensibly. One of the parents we spoke to shared how they\u2019re planning to teach their child good money habits:\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
\u201cWhen we start to give our children pocket money, we\u2019ll give them the opportunity to understand what that money can be spent on and the value of that money.\u201d<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nReduce the Chaos to Improve the Quality of Play<\/strong>\u00a0<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\u00a0
Most children have an excess of toys and if their play area is too packed, there will be no room for them to play. Several parents and experts have said that having your home chock full of too many toys can actually make children more bored<\/a>. And one of the parents we spoke to echoes this:\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
What matters in those first few months<\/a> is contact and bonding with your little one. Instead of overwhelming yourself with things you think you need to buy, think about when your baby is going to first curl their teeny tiny fingers around yours, or when they\u2019ll first show you that beautiful smile that makes you fall in love with them all over again. Talk and sing to them as much as possible during this time, noise and interaction in these early months will set the foundations of how your baby communicates and interacts in the future. After being squashed up for so long in mummy\u2019s tummy, in the first few months they\u2019ll begin to realise they have mini arms and legs. This is an exciting time so make sure you do all you can to encourage development. You can do this by putting a rattle or toy in their hands so they can begin to learn how to grasp objects.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Whilst it\u2019s nice to go all out and spoil your new addition family, they\u2019re not going to be able to make sense of much at their tender age, and they\u2019re going to grow out of a lot of products at lightning speed. Instead, focus on creating that special bond that will last them a lifetime.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n It\u2019s easy to get carried away with online shopping but resist the temptation or you\u2019ll end up with a bunch of stuff that\u2019s not necessary or that your little one will soon grow out of. Make a list of the must-haves instead. Here are the key things you need to think about:\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n If you decide to breastfeed your little one, there’s no need to spend all your baby bucks on specialist nursing equipment. Breastfeeding can be challenging, tiring, and sometimes overwhelming but it can also be a beautiful, intimate, and rewarding experience. There are of course things that will make breastfeeding more comfortable. For example, nursing bras<\/a>, pillows<\/a>, cushions, and breast pads<\/a> to help with leaking. And muslin cloths<\/a> are not just handy for spillages but they\u2019re a one-stop shop for many other scenarios such as:\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n But one thing\u2019s certain \u2013 you don\u2019t need to go buy a whole new wardrobe dedicated to nursing your baby. Anything with easy access in your wardrobe, tops, and dresses with buttons, zips, or wrap fronts, will be your best friend. And hold off on buying a breast pump until later \u2013 unless you\u2019re planning to express milk from the start or go back to work within a few weeks after giving birth. In fact, health professionals recommend breastfeeding for 6 to 8 weeks after birth before expressing milk<\/a>.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n If you have questions about breastfeeding, we spoke to Breastfeeding Mentor, Danielle Facey<\/em>, who offered her expert breastfeeding tips<\/a> to help ease you into the wonderful journey.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n It\u2019s no secret that family days out can cost a small fortune. But let\u2019s be realistic, your littlun isn\u2019t going to remember the days out you splurged on. If you don\u2019t believe us, then take it from the parents we spoke to:\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n \u201cDon’t waste money on expensive days out that a baby will not remember, a trip to the park will give the same experience.\u201d<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n You can have just as much fun on family days that don\u2019t cost a penny such as a trip to the park to feed the ducks, the beach, or even a stroll on a lovely summer\u2019s day. Save the fancier days out for when they\u2019re old enough to remember the experience. Even then, to save money, you could limit the more expensive days out for special occasions like birthdays and school holidays, or as a special treat.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n There are plenty of other budget-friendly ways to get out of the house too. Why not check out your local Sure Start Children\u2019s Centre<\/a>? Lots of them run baby sensory or massage groups, especially for parents with little ones. You could even have a cinema day! Cineworld runs ‘Cinebabies<\/a>‘ film screenings for parents and babies. Don\u2019t worry, they\u2019ll also dim the lights and lower the sound so you can have a no-stress movie day with your babe in your arms. And if that wasn\u2019t enough, they\u2019ll even store your pushchair and provide nappy changing facilities (not available in Brighton) \u2013 happy days!\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n No, you don\u2019t need that special baby laundry detergent or special baby body lotion. Fragrance-free gentle detergent is exactly what your little one\u2019s delicate, gentle skin needs. In fact, everyone\u2019s skin could benefit from it! So, why not switch to a fragrance-free gentle detergent overall and wash the whole family\u2019s clothes at the same time? That way you won\u2019t have to buy separate products for separate members of the family, and you can make some savings in the process. The same goes for soap and body lotion as well. You should always buy gentle, fragrance-free brands that will be kind to your baby\u2019s sensitive skin.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n One of the parents we spoke to also warned mums and dads to not fall for buying an expensive changing bag:\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n \u201c\u2026I spent over \u00a3300 on a designer changing bag, which was so bulky and heavy.\u201d<\/strong>\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n A hefty price tag doesn\u2019t always mean good quality! There are lots of affordable changing bags to fit your lifestyle and get the job done, from stylish multi-functional options Maxi Cosi offer<\/a> to practical solutions<\/a> with pockets and pouches for all your baby essentials.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n You don\u2019t need to buy expensive jars of baby food to get your littlun\u2019s tastebuds tingling! Think about doing baby-led weaning<\/a> instead, where babes six months plus munch away on finger foods instead of purees. We\u2019ve even got tasty weaning recipes<\/a> that will be sure to introduce your baby to the wonderful world of food in the best way!\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n You could even make your own baby food in bulk from leftovers or fruits and veggies, and then store it in the freezer. Life hack \u2013 freeze the purees you make in ice cube containers. Once they\u2019re frozen, just pop them in plastic bags, and when it\u2019s time to eat, defrost them in good time and heat up \u2013 voila!\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Our tips \u2018n\u2019 tricks don\u2019t just stop there when it comes to baby food! Sign up as a friend of \u202fElla’s Kitchen<\/a>\u202fand you’ll be rewarded with vouchers for lots of yummy freebies like veggie pouches and melty puff snacks. There’s also a free wallchart and superhero mask for your bub included! And mums or dads on certain benefits (see full list<\/a>) can bag themselves an\u202fNHS Healthy Start scheme<\/a>\u202fcard \u2013 money is popped onto it every four weeks to swap for goodies like milk, fruit, and veggies. The vouchers can add up to as much as \u00a3442 per child<\/strong> and they\u2019re valid at 30,000 shops in the UK including supermarkets and corner shops.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Becoming a parent will make you realise how many nappies such a tiny human can go through in a day. If you really want to get your money\u2019s worth, try ditching the disposables and go for reusable nappies instead. In fact, the government’s Money Advice Service<\/em> estimates that using reusable nappies can save you more than \u00a31,400<\/strong> throughout your little one\u2019s first two and a half years<\/a>. Of course, any reusable product requires an initial investment, but over time you\u2019ll get that back, especially when you can reuse them when you decide to add another little cutie to the family!\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Some councils offer free reusable nappies in the form of free starter packs or vouchers\/cashback to help your family save on the cost of buying them. Plus, it reduces the amount of waste going to landfill at the same time, so you\u2019re not only saving baby bucks but you\u2019re doing it in a greener way too! Check with\u202fyour local council<\/a>\u202fto see if they offer a similar incentive scheme.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n If you don\u2019t want to use reusable nappies and you\u2019re planning on going down the disposable route, make sure you swot up first before buying. Comparison site\u202fBum Deal<\/a>\u202fis a great place to do your research as it instantly shows you disposable nappy brands’ cost at retailers like Asda, Morrisons,\u202fSainsbury’s, Tesco, and more. You can also compare the price of baby wipes on there too.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Kiddies Kingdom Top Tip<\/strong> \u2013 dry reusable nappies in the sun to get them squeaky clean and free of stains that won\u2019t come out in the wash.<\/em>\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n If you\u2019re a mum-to-be, or you\u2019ve just had your little one in the past 12 months, you can get free NHS dental treatment as well as prescriptions \u2013 a handy little freebie, right? So, make sure you make the most of it while you can!\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Remember to keep an eye on websites like\u202fLatest Free Stuff<\/a>, where they round up freebies that retailers are offering in exchange for signing up to newsletters or liking them on socials.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Some water companies offer free emergency water supplies for vulnerable customers (for example Anglian’s WaterCare) in case your water supply is disrupted. This includes mums-to-be or those with little ones under 12 months old. So, if you’re worried about cut-offs when you have a baby to look after, contact your water company and ask to be put on its special assistance list.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Consumer Council for Water<\/a> also has a list of water company contacts \u2013 just get in touch with them if you have any issues making arrangements with your water company. Don\u2019t forget, bottled water isn’t advised for making baby formula. But if you have no other choice, NHS Choices<\/a> provides all you need to know on what to do.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Some highchairs<\/a> convert into seats for cheeky tots and older kids \u2013 and Tutti Bambini<\/a> offers this and more. And that\u2019s not all! Some cots can be turned into toddler beds<\/a> so you can save on having to buy another bed as your baby grows up. When you\u2019re on the hunt for baby products, look out for products that have 2-in-1<\/strong>, 3-in-1, <\/strong>or bundles<\/a> included in the name. A little research goes a long way! It can mean buying items that your cherub can enjoy for far longer than you anticipated.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n When your not-so-little one becomes a cheeky tot, if you want to mix things up a little more than the usual walk in the park to feed the ducks, you could look for church playgroups in your local area. They\u2019re not always free, but you can generally get in for a couple of pounds \u2013 plus most of the time the entry fee includes free tea and biscuits too!\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n We all love receiving presents. But all tots care about is how fun and entertaining their presents are going to be, not how much they cost. This is tried and tested as it was a common theme with parents we spoke to, with one saying:\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n \u201cToddlers are not bothered about ‘the latest toys’ so don’t be caught up in the hype. Toddlers soon forget.\u201d<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n You may even find your little one playing with the gift wrapping more than the present itself! In fact, Martin Lewis put this to the test after he mentioned it on his TV show \u2018The Martin Lewis Money Show\u2019 \u2013 <\/strong>what followed was a sea of mums and dads tweeting and emailing photos of their littluns having a blast with cardboard boxes they’d been given for Christmas. And the proof is in the pudding on his blog<\/a> where you\u2019ll find lots of smiley-faced tots with boxes!\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n \u00a0 Above all, it\u2019s not about how much you buy your child or how much it cost. There are lots of affordable tried-and-tested gifts that are sure to put a smile on a little one\u2019s face.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Set up clothing and baby gear swaps with your other mummy friends or mummy-to-be buddies. You could meet up at one of your houses or upload photos to a private Facebook group between you all if you can\u2019t get together. Your friend who\u2019s expecting may love your baby bathtub and newborn clothes, and you may be able to snap up toys and clothes in your tot\u2019s current size. Everyone wins!\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Your little one may be cute and tiny now but before you know it, they\u2019ll be catching up to your height! Let\u2019s look at some money-saving tips you can keep in mind for when that time comes:\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n If you need a helping hand when it comes to school gear, many schools now have forums where parents can buy and sell school attire and equipment in good condition for a fraction of the original price. Not only will this mean more money in your pocket, but you\u2019ll also be minimising waste too \u2013 everyone\u2019s a winner!\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n As little ones get older, they\u2019ll probably start to look at what their friends have, and no doubt they\u2019ll be itching to get home so they can ask the mum and dad to purchase it for them. A smart way to manage such expectations is by teaming up with your child\u2019s friends\u2019 parents for a swap shop. Your child and their friends can exchange toys between them \u2013 not only will they be able to play with the same toys they were eyeing up, but it means you can make some savings too.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n In fact, one of the parents we spoke to even makes sure that between them and other parents, they try and buy similar toys. This helps them to refresh play so that families don\u2019t feel the pressure that they need to buy the toys that other children are playing with:\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n \u201cAs a group of friends, we\u2019ll buy toys which are similar so when they go round each other\u2019s houses they can do swaps.\u201d<\/strong>\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Another of the parents we spoke to uses the pocket money method to manage expectations:\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n \u201cOur children recently started doing chores (cleaning out the pets, getting their own clothes ready for the day, making sure they tidy up) and for this, they get pocket money once a week. They can choose to save this up to buy their own things.\u201d<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Remember \u2013 every little one grows and matures at a different rate. But once they\u2019ve grown out of their cheeky toddler phase and they\u2019re off to school, it\u2019s a good idea to start teaching them about the value of money so that the bank of mum and dad is utilised sensibly. One of the parents we spoke to shared how they\u2019re planning to teach their child good money habits:\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n \u201cWhen we start to give our children pocket money, we\u2019ll give them the opportunity to understand what that money can be spent on and the value of that money.\u201d<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n \u00a0Focus on the Essentials<\/strong>\u00a0<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
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The Breastfeeding Experience\u00a0<\/strong>\u00a0<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
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Choose Experiences Wisely\u00a0<\/strong>\u00a0<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Watch Out for Baby Marketing<\/strong>\u00a0<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Be Smart with Baby Food<\/strong>\u00a0<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
The Nappy Debate<\/strong>\u00a0<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Research Potential Perks Before Your Baby Arrives<\/strong>\u00a0<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Free Emergency Water<\/strong>\u00a0<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Toddlers: Money Saving Tips\u00a0<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
<\/a><\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nChoose Baby Gear that Grows with Your Child<\/strong>\u00a0<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Look for Budget-Friendly Days Out<\/strong>\u00a0<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Focus on the Fun Factor, Not Cost<\/strong>\u00a0<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
A lot of parents want to splash out for their baby\u2019s birthday, especially their first birthday. Yes, it\u2019s one of the most special days, but you don\u2019t need to spend a fortune to put a smile on their face. Studies have shown that \u201cchildren who expect many and expensive gifts\u202fcan suffer negative social and emotional ramifications that extend well beyond their childhood<\/a>.” Of course, that\u2019s not to say you shouldn\u2019t buy them any toys<\/a>, but instead why not consider presents that are going to have positive impact? For example, little ones need lots of quality play to develop fully. Research highlights that through play, tots learn to understand the world around them,\u202fenhancing the development<\/a>\u202fof their cognitive, emotional, social, and physical skills, as well as their health and well-being. A toy xylophone<\/a> will teach them cause-and-effect as well as build their motor skills. Or if you want to wow them with one big (and very cool) present, balance bikes and trikes<\/a> fall into this category. They\u2019re super fun and they help with physical development, balance, and coordination.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nSet Up Swaps with Friends<\/strong>\u00a0<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Preparing for What\u2019s to Come: School\u00a0<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
<\/a><\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nJoin School Forums<\/strong>\u00a0
\u00a0<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nManaging Expectations<\/strong>\u00a0<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Teaching the Value of Money<\/strong>\u00a0<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Reduce the Chaos to Improve the Quality of Play<\/strong>\u00a0<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Most children have an excess of toys and if their play area is too packed, there will be no room for them to play. Several parents and experts have said that having your home chock full of too many toys can actually make children more bored<\/a>. And one of the parents we spoke to echoes this:\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n