I am a mother of two – with my four savings tips you can save €1,700 in the first year of your baby’s life

A baby’s first year of life can be daunting for new parents, and without the added financial burden.

An Irish mother of two has shared four money tips that could save parents €1,700 in their baby’s first year.

1

TikToker mom Niamh, who posts online as @cashenvelopesireland, explained how she made the savings.

She said: “I’m Niamh, I’m a mother of two and here are four tips to help you save money.”

Her first tip is sure to save parents hundreds on expensive baby clothes.

According to the budget-conscious mom, conservative parents will spend an average of €600 a year on their newborn’s gear.

According to Mama Niamh, it just isn’t necessary.

She said: “Buy or buy second-hand baby clothes wherever you can.

“So, whether that’s friends or family or Facebook Marketplace.

“If you don’t have friends or family who can give you used baby clothes, Facebook Marketplace is a great place to start.

“You can buy baby clothes packs and just try it out and see if you like it.

“It’s not for everyone, but give it a try.”

The second tip Niamh suggested was to forgo expensive baby formula in favor of cheaper and simpler alternatives.

GRUB HACK

In her experience, special baby food costs 10 euros a week, which is around 260 euros for six months.

She explained: “They’re great for every now and then, but for everyday use you can just take regular everyday food for your baby.

“For baby purees, for example, you can just take a big box of Ready Brek and puree it so it’s super fine, and it’s exactly the same thing.

“I got the tip from a friend who is a chef.”

NOT FOR EVERYONE

The TikToker mom’s third tip doesn’t apply to everyone, she emphasized, because breastfeeding doesn’t always work or isn’t for everyone.

If you buy a bottle of formula for €16.50 each over the course of a year, you will end up paying over €858.

She said: “If you can, give your baby breast milk in some way.

“This will save you the most money, whether you’re self-feeding or breastfeeding in a bottle.”

However, the mother-of-two emphasized and understands that this tip may not be for everyone, adding, “But I really appreciate that this one isn’t for everyone.”

SECOND SAVINGS

Regarding tip one, Niamh urged parents to always keep an eye on Facebook Marketplace when it comes to anything baby-related.

She said: “I know you want everything brand new for your baby, but some things are just as good second-hand.

“And while we’re here, you don’t need a €1,000 buggy, listen to me, you don’t need a €1,000 buggy.

“The baby will destroy the buggy anyway, they’ll get sick in it, they’ll eat in it, so just don’t waste your money.

“Search Facebook Marketplace for toys or gear you can get second-hand and buy them second-hand.”

Overall, the savings add up to a whopping 1,718 euros.