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The moment you learn of the good news that you will be parents to twins (or multiples) is also the time you need to be financially prepare for having twins or multiples. It is a universal truth that having a child is expensive, so while having twins is double the love, it likely also means twice the expense. Once the excitement wears off, the dread and nervousness of preparing to raise newborns (and other children you may already have) come.
So what does any smart parent do in this situation? Brainstorming and researching are a must even if you are financially stable; after all, there are always ways you can save more money. It may be your good parenting instinct kicking in when you endeavor to read blogs and articles on how to best prepare as an expectant mom or dad of a pair of babies. Read on to know more about smart ways to financially prepare for having twins or multiples.
Buy Used
If you still have some of your older children’s things, it is a great opportunity to put them to use again. However, if you are expecting twins or more, you will need more baby things. For items such as cribs, car seats, changing tables, strollers, and even toys, you can buy them used. Since babies usually outgrow them fast, so many used baby items are still in great shape.
Parents let go of their babies’ stuff at cheap prices, and you can save a lot by buying secondhand. It is good for the environment too because you’re reusing these preloved items. Join local sales groups, and you will find bargain deals on the things you need. Just make sure to inspect and properly sanitize the things you bought.
Utilize Your Crafting Talent
Baby rooms can look sparse and uninviting without decor and accessories such as curtains, crib skirts, bumpers, and changing-pad covers. You don’t need to buy new ones when you can make them yourself. Bust out your old sewing machine, or hand-stitch some pretty fabric using basic patterns and online tutorials. You will be amazed at how much money you save when you make the decorations yourself.
You may even realize that you are good with your hands and that you can sell your creations online for extra cash. It is a smart way to make use of your free time as well. Setting up shop online is easy and convenient nowadays. If you are not tech-savvy, there are platforms that offer 24-7 support to help grow your business.
Don’t Be Shy about Samples and Coupons
Manufacturers of baby clothes, toys, and other stuff are always looking for parents to try out samples of new products and services. New parents should know that there are coupons and freebies always available, and these are easy to find. Look at flyers and the local paper for special deals. You can search for them online for stores in your community or even ask the staff and nurses at the hospital before going home.
Make Your Own Baby Food
Store-bought baby food is convenient because you can prepare it anytime the babies need to eat. Such food tends to be expensive too especially if you have two or more mouths to feed. Make your own fresh baby food instead by getting a small food processor and utilizing fresh fruits and veggies. Local produce is cheaper, and when you prepare it yourself, you are sure that your babies are getting 100 percent organic baby food that is made with love.
Buy Store Brand and Generic Baby Supplies
Baby supplies like milk formula are FDA-regulated, and that means that any generic formula has the same quality as that of its brand counterpart. Breast milk is always the best, so if you can hold off feeding the babies with formula, the better. When you need to use formula because of other circumstances, it is best to ask your pediatrician for recommendations.
As for other baby supplies, you can save when you patronize generic brands. You can expect to pay a lot for diapers or wipes but give the generic brands a try or give eco-friendly cloth diapers a chance. Remember to test all products out first before buying them in bulk.
Do you have any tips or advice for parents expecting twins or multiples? Kindly share them below to be financially prepare for having twins.
