CheapTweet Blog

In this edition of Happy Hatchling, Heather – mom and CheapTweet blogger – shares some ways she’s found to keep her baby budget low. Be sure to follow Heather on Twitter and share your tips in the comments.

Having kids can be very expensive. Here are some tips on how to save money by cutting back on buying things new.

Make your own maternity clothes.

Although I loved getting maternity clothes, I totally understand that they are overpriced and might not fit like your perfect jeans. If you love your jeans and want to save money, Belly Jeans will convert your jeans to maternity jeans for as little as $17. If you are really thrifty and good with a sewing machine you could even do them yourself. (Disclosure- in the long run this may cost as much buying maternity because you’ll have to get new jeans to replace your “maternity” ones later.)

Join Amazon Mom. 

I am pretty sure that the Amazon Mom program is a mom of multiples’ dream come true. Sign up and get 30% off diapers and wipes and get them delivered to your house.

Get a library card.

I just recently got a library card. Oh man, was I missing out! I was unaware that library borrowing is FREE! This may be unsurprising to everyone but me, but I honestly assumed that they must a charge a membership fee or something. Libraries have more than just books too, including DVDs (including Pixar and Disney that regularly cost $20 a movie), and even CDs. This is perfect if you like to expose your baby/tot to a range of music tastes from classical music to Christmas CDs to kid tunes. Need another reason to go? My tot now has her own library card that she is very proud of.

Shop at kid resale shops.

Not only do stores like Kid to Kid and Once Upon a Child buy and sell gently used kid stuff, but they often do the same with maternity clothes. I’ve never bought clothes from either of these stores, but I have bought some toys. If you have great stuff that your kid outgrew and you want to earn cash back, I recommend this option. Also useful if you’re having poor luck finding nursery furniture on Craigslist.

Use Cheaptweet.

Do I even have to mention this to you? Get coupons and information about sales from CheapTweet! Printing off coupons before you visit the mall can save you money. If I need to go kids clothes shopping, I always check online to see if there are any coupons for Children’s Place or Gap that I can use to save.

What are some other ways you’ve found that you can avoid buying things brand new?

In this week’s CheapTweet Happy Hour, we talk about deals on home haircut accessories (yes, you heard that right), free medicine and free food, and some more of our favorite Etsy sellers. Links to these deals are posted below the video.

Have a great weekend!

• Haircut umbrella (pictured below)
• Free Excedrin by mail
• Einstein Bros buy one bagel, get one free
• @polishedtwo jewelry
• Etsy Austin Street Team

And if you haven’t seen our previous happy hour videos, you should check them out.