More Bills than New Baby Cards #5

Once your baby is eating solid food, save money by making your own. Add your chosen vegetables to the slow-cooker, cover with water and cook until soft. Put the finished product in ice-cube trays and freeze. Transfer to freezer bags once frozen solid. When it’s time to eat, warm up a few cubes in the microwave or on the hob. You could even try container gardening or start a vegetable plot and grow your own baby food.

Money saved by not buying:
Baby food £390.00 for six months

Breast pads that you wash and re-use are less expensive in the long run than disposable pads. They are also softer and less scratchy. Try to breast feed for as long as you feel happy with it. It's cheaper than formula.
Money saved by not buying:
Formula milk £240.00 for six months

Remember that babies don’t need fancy equipment or a beautifully decorated nursery. Marketing campaigns urge us to believe that buying things is essential for babies and their development, that if we really love our children, we will spend a fortune on colour co-ordinated cotton wool balls and mobiles which recite positive affirmations to our babies throughout the night. In fact, babies are happy with very little. What they really need are plenty of cuddles, enough sleep, warmth and nourishment and to know that they are loved.

For more money saving tips, read The New Spend Less Revolution by Rebecca Ash