Frugal Parenting

Let’s face it, kids are expensive! I keep thinking if I can just make it through the daycare and diaper years I might be able to build my savings back up. Unfortunately, as they grow, up so do the costs of their needs and wants. I may not be paying for daycare and diapers forever, but someday they’ll want electronics, cars, and don’t even get me started on college. Although I may not be building my savings these days as much as I want, I have found some ways to cut a few parenting costs here and there.

Now, if you’re like me and aren’t around family that can help with your kids and you’re stuck sending them to daycare, then I’m sorry to tell you that you’re just screwed. Daycare is expensive. You definitely get what you pay for in this department as well. I have not found a way to cut child care costs so, like me, you’re just going to have to suck it up. If anyone else is in the same boat I’m happy to start a support group. Hi my name is Fran and I suffer from the cost of childcare. We do absolutely love our daycare center, though, so shout out to them!

Diapers and wipes are also huge expense. I was the person that said when I had kids we would get whatever was the cheapest because, well, they’re just diapers. I was wrong. Not all diapers are the same. They are all different fits and different materials. Some kids react to certain ones, other kids have constant blow outs in some. Some people may disagree, but I don’t think this is an area you can skimp in. I definitely want a quality diaper for my kids. I’m a best-bang-for-your-buck type of girl so you know I shopped around.

Our go to diapers and wipes are the Kirkland brand from Costco. To me, theses are the best quality diapers that you can get for the cost. Don’t get me wrong, there are, in my opinion, better diapers, but not ones that I’m willing to pay for. Buying in bulk on these items seems to be the best route to go as well. It’s not like you’re not going to use them all!

Clothes are another biggie! Especially as babies because you can easily go through multiple outfits in a day. At some point when my children are older I’m sure they’re going to want the newest items and the most popular brands, but while they’re young and don’t have a care in the world, hand-me-downs it is! I honestly probably have only bought and paid for very few items for each of my kids. If they need something specific then fine, but other wise there are plenty of free or very cheap clothes out there just sitting in a box in someone’s closet.

I have hit the jackpot by posting on Facebook. I just say what sizes and gender I’m looking for and people start commenting like a sworm of bees! Sometimes I pay for the used items, other times they’re just given to me. With used items I don’t worry about ruining them either. If my son comes home from daycare with paint all over his hand-me-down shirt, oh well, who cares?

Making my own baby food helps our grocery bill tremendously. I’m sure a handful of you read “making baby food” and were instantly turned off, but hear me out. You can buy the jars or pouches that can get up to $3+ each, or you can buy one bag of baby carrots and make a dozen servings. You choose.

I know what you’re thinking I don’t have time to make baby food. Do you have 10 minutes? Great! Then you have time to do it. The last batch I made was 9 minutes from start to finish. From getting out everything I needed to putting the dishes into the dishwasher, 9 minutes. Trust me, you have time. But if you don’t want too, no worries! Just a money saving suggestion.

There are so many free activities out there! You do not have to break the bank every weekend taking your kiddos out to do something fun. Of course, we all like to splurge on something special every now and then, but there are plenty of fun things to do that don’t cost a dime.

The park is always a winner for my son. We even mix it up and go to different parks and playgrounds. Hours of fun, completely free. The library is another great free fun option. Look up your local library’s events calendar. Most of them have free reading and craft activities regularly.

The best absolutely free activity for you and your child though is your undivided attention. We are all busy, we have loads of laundry to do, a sink full of dishes, we need to eat a real meal rather than toddler snacks, trust me, I get it, we’re all busy. I know we cannot offer our undivided attention 100% of the time, but I try to alot a certain amount of my undivided attention each day. Some days that might be two hours playing on our swingset. Other days that might only be fifteen minutes reading a book or two. No matter how long you have that day it really does mean the world to your child.

Daycare: $2,700/month

Diapers and wipes: $100/month

Food and clothes: who even knows

The love of your child: priceless

Keep saving, Mama.

Fran