Raising a little one is priceless, but with the rising cost of living, we know that families are feeling more pressure than ever.
Doctor’s appointments. Hospital fees. A stroller. A cot. A car seat. Nursery gear. Feeding supplies...Having a baby isn’t cheap. In fact, here in New Zealand, the estimated cost in the first year alone typically ranges from $8,000 to over $16,000. And in countries without a publicly funded healthcare system, the cost is significantly higher.
Beyond the financial costs, there are environmental considerations too. So many baby items are single-use, short-lived, or quickly outgrown. In fact, each year, more than 400 million tons of plastic enters landfills all over the world, with plastics toys alone accounting for 6% of all plastic landfill waste.
With a few new babies on the way in our team, we’ve been sharing ideas to lighten the load while reducing our environmental footprint—and we wanted to pass them along to you too. Read on for nine suggestions to ease the financial burden, while ensuring your baby is well-cared for and having plenty of fun along the way.
Share the love, lighten the load
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Buy second-hand: Many baby items are only used for a short time. Clothes, baby baths, and monitors are often easy to find second-hand and in great condition.
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Lean on your village: Friends, family and community groups are a great resource for pre-loved baby items. Try Facebook Marketplace, local parenting groups, eBay, and consignment apps.
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Borrow or hire: For short-term needs, hiring can be a great way to save costs. Strollers, travel cots, and baby carriers can often be rented for the stage you need them*.
*Always check that items meet current safety standards before using.
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Donate or sell: Have an older child? Clear out unused items by donating to women’s shelters or local thrift stores—or sell them second-hand.
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Question the “essentials”: Bottle sterilisers, elaborate baby mats, and baby baths are great, but not essential. Babies also need very few toys—like at Christmas when they're more interested in the box than what came inside it.
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Look for free activities: From borrowing books and DVDs at your local library to attending free events hosted at community centres, there are often plenty of cost-free experiences for older children to enjoy.
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Prepare your own baby food: Preparing food for your baby, like pureeing fruits and veggies yourself, can help to lower costs. It also gives you full control and knowledge of what is going in your child’s diet.
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Try gardening & composting: Gardening is a free, engaging activity for children, that can also save money. Start with simple herbs for everyday cooking. Making your own compost can also help to reduce garden expenses.
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Choose sustainable products: Investing in long-lasting products, such as glass bottles and containers, reduces waste and can be reused for future children.
From our family to yours, we really hope you find these suggestions helpful. If you need support or just a listening ear, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We are always here.
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LittleOak has been nourishing children many years and feeds millions of infants, babies and children across the globe each and every day, in countries such as Australia, New Zealand and Singapore. In the US, we’re proud to have our FDA compliant Toddler Milk available for families.
