(This article is also available in Hugarian. A cikk magyar változatáért kattintsatok ide: 5 ötlet, ami csökkenti a babával járó költségeket és minket és a babánkat is boldogabbá tesz)

In a talk with an old friend that also just recently got a child, she mentioned that a baby costs lots of money. We agree with her on one point, of course, a baby costs some money, but it does not need to be a lot. Babies are not more happy when they wear unnecessary expensive clothes or they are pushed around in a super expensive baby cart. Babies are happy, when they are together with their parents, when their parents are happy and when they get love, kisses, cuddle and play time.

So we collected five ideas how to reduce the costs of a baby. Actually by writing them we realized that they not only help us to save some money, but even make us and our baby more happy.

1. Cloth diapers

We decided to use cloth diapers already before our first son, Hugó was born, and we never regret this decision. Right now we are for more than two moths on the way to Morocco with our camper. We only have a mini washing mashine with us and it is working perfect. It is a bit of work to clean them, but with a baby you anyway have lots of laundry and you can also wash your own clothes together. They are without chemicals, they are much better for the skin of your baby, they are breathing, they are environment friendly and they are also much more cheap than disposables. You only need to buy them one time and you can ask them as babyshower presents from friends and family. When you plan to have more than one kid, they are super good investment, because you can use them also with the other children. And as a bonus, they are very beautiful. Later we will share with you in another article about what you need for cloth diapering. If you do not want to miss it, follow us.

2. Second hand clothes

We always loved second hand shops. They are truly magical places, where you can find unique treasures for really cheap. And for baby clothes they are awesome. Most of them you use only for three months, so they are in really good state and we find them much more beautiful than most of the new ones. In Hungary in a lot of second hand shops we know, you can buy a kilo of baby clothes for 10 euros.The other point is when you buy new clothes, but do not buy organic cotton, the material is full of chemicals. This used clothes do not have anymore.

And it is a fun activity to go to second hand shops, watch all the cute stuff, and find treasures. Lot of times you are lucky and can find also something beautiful for yourself. For example look at this dress, what Zoé bought for 60 cent.3. Breastfeeding

It is the best food that you can give to an infant and it is for free. You do not need to buy any bottles, any sterilizer, any dummy, any formula and water for the baby. And you do not need to carry all of these with you.Another advantage is that breastmilk prevents a lot of illnesses and makes your baby healthy, so you also save on medical costs.

4. Babywearing

Slings and baby carriers are much more cheap than a baby cart and also they are much better for your baby. They can enjoy the close body contact with you, hear your heartbeat, sleep and relax much better. You can use the time to make a walk and even have free hands by shopping, cooking, gardening or whatever you like to do.Before Hugó was born, we bought a baby cart for 300 euros and we realized, when we went with train to Berlin, that it was not for us. We gave our baby cart as present and since then we only use carriers.

5. Cosleeping

We love sleeping together with Hugó. It makes life so much more easy and much more beautiful. We can spend much more time with our wonderful son. It is a beautiful experience to cuddle before he falls asleep and see him smile at each other in the morning after he woke up.He never needs to cry in the night, but when he wakes up, he can directly drink. And Zoé never has to stand up, she just turns to the side and after a few minutes she can sleep again. We never need to worry, if he is alright by sleeping, because we always see him. And we can directly cheer him up when he has a bad dream.

Another point is with cosleeping is, that you do not need a crib, so again you save money.

We love all the five ideas, tried them by ourselves and for us they work perfect. If you have more ideas or other experience, we are very happy to hear them.

If you would like to come with us to our travel to Morocco with our baby in a camper, like our page on Facebook or follow us on Instagram !

Hugs,
Zoé and Joshua