5 Money-Saving Tips for Frugal Moms

It’s no secret that raising kids can be expensive. From diapers and formula to sports equipment and college tuition, costs add up quickly. As a mom, you want to provide everything your kids need without breaking the bank. The good news is there are lots of ways to save money while still giving your children a great childhood. Follow these five essential tips to become a more frugal mom.

5 Money-Saving Tips for Frugal Moms

Newborn Shopping Tips: What to Buy for Your Baby

Are you expecting a new bundle of joy? Congratulations! Now it's time to gear up for all those shopping trips and make sure you have everything you need before the baby arrives.


Newborn Shopping Tips: What to Buy for Your Baby


However, as you excitedly go through the list of things you want to buy for the newborn, make sure you get items the baby needs. You don't want to find yourself throwing most of the items away because they are not functional. Here are tips when newborn shopping.

Tips to Boost Your Breastmilk Supply


I am NOT a lactation consultant or a doctor, but I have nursed a baby with lip tie and had supply issues myself, so these are things that have helped me with my breastmilk pumping journey and tips I have learned along the way to help increase your breastmilk supply.


Tips to Keep Up Your Breastmilk Supply
This is my pumping face. No make up, crazy hair, & all. :)



Stock Up for Baby with Diapers.com Coupon Codes

As an avid couponer and money saving fanatic, I am always on the prowl for a good deal. My sister-in-law had her third baby a little over a week ago and saving money on all things baby is a top priority.

Coupon Codes from Diapers.com

Stock Up for Baby with Diapers.com Coupon Codes

Diapers.com is an online baby store that carries a wide assortment of diapers, wipes and formula. But that is not all this online store offers. This baby store also provides clothing, baby gear and other necessities parents need to care for their little ones. One of the advantages of using an online baby store, you don't have to leave home so you can save gas and mileage right there! There are also a ton of coupon codes from diapers.com for various baby products.

Save On Pampers With A High Value Coupon In This Sunday’s Paper! #PampersSavings

This post and giveaway were made possible by iConnect and Pampers. I was compensated for my participation in this campaign, but all opinions are 100% mine.
My youngest is in diapers and honestly I can’t wait until he is in undies! We just started the potty training process and he isn't as eager as I would like. But that's okay, no pressure. I use to coupon and still do for baby products like diapers and wipes! I have been a huge fan of the Pampers brand since my daughter was an infant and on May 29, 2016 there will be a high value coupon you can use in grocery and discount stores where baby products are sold.

Do you like to save money and have little ones?

DIY Copy-Cat Baby Food Recipes {Plus Tips for Making Your Own}

This post contains affiliate links.
DIY Copy Cat Make Your Own Baby Food Recipes



Making your own baby food is not only economical but you also know what is going in your child's food. I recently received a Magic Baby Bullet Baby Care System which I love! And so I did a little Pinterest research and, thus, this little copy-cat baby food recipes list was born.
The thing is, my daughter ate TONS of other baby food products. And I wanted to know what was in her food and that there were no preservatives. Now I must admit, I didn't do the best at making ALL of her baby food, although I did try (of course I only had a blender because lightning struck my food processor after one use, no joke). But I did try and buy organic when I could. But that can be pricey. But if you are on a budget (and who isn't, these days?), making your own baby food is definitely the way to go. So here's a list I have found of my daughter's favorite baby food items, but the Pinterest-found copy-cat version! PLUS some other fun tips and tricks to help you with making your own!

"Drop The Price" of Combi's Cosmo E Stroller!

Have you been looking into buying the Combi Cosmo E Stroller? How about saving up to 30% off?
 
 
 
Here’s how it works- moms can visit this link and click to “drop the price” of the Cosmo E. It started out at $119.99 and for each mom (or anyone) that clicks, the price drops a bit. The price will continue to drop for each person that participates until it reaches 30% off of the stroller. Then, participants have the option to share on social media to get more people to participate, or they can “buy now” for whatever price the item has been dropped to at that time. 
 
They only have a limited quantity of these strollers so I would hurry and take advantage of this exciting offer if you are interested!

MONEY MAKING Enfagrow at Kroger! Ends 7/1

 
The Enfagrow 4 packs are BOGO at Kroger until 7/1. They are $5.99 regular price and ring up $2.99. With this printable coupon, you can make $2.01 for every one you buy! Now I don't know if this coupon link is unique to me or not yet, so please let me know.

Save Money with Squooshi Reusable Baby Food Pouches


I received the featured item complimentary in order to provide an honest review. I received no monetary compensation. All opinions are my own.

Welcome to the Green Your Summer Event! The Blogging Mamas Network has come together with like-minded bloggers to make sure your grass isn't all that is green this Summer!


Each blogger in the Event is bringing readers a great green prize to win. You have until June 30th to enter, so be sure to hop around to them all and find great eco-friendly products to help you go green and don't miss the fabulous Grand Prize: 3 Month Subscription to Green Kid Crafts and an Amazon Gift Card! I LOVE subscription boxes, so I'm definitely going to be entering myself!

Have you heard of Squooshi?

Smart Bottoms Newborn Organic Cloth Diaper Review #BornSmart

I received a complimentary Smart Bottom organic newborn cloth diaper to provide this review. I received no additional compensation. All opinions are 100% my own.

http://www.smartbottoms.com
Website - Facebook - Twitter

"Our Born Smart Newborn diaper is an organic AIO diaper that fits most babies 6-16lbs. The interior of the diaper boasts 3 layers of organic cotton sewn in to the diaper and an additional 4 layer snap-in insert (included). The unique design allows for easy cleaning and quick drying, with enough absorbency to grow with your newborn. This diaper also has one rise setting, an umbilical notch, and a hidden pocket under the lining to add additional absorbency if needed."

We used ours for our first family pictures when my son was only a week old. He weighed 7 pounds 3 ounces at birth and didn't lose any weight in the hospital, so he probably had gained a few ounces by this point. The diaper fit a wonderfully and looked so adorable on him. Here are some of the shots where you can see it. (Photos by Dawn Black Photography.)



You can purchase Smart Bottoms Cloth Diapers on Amazon or directly from their site! My little man isn't so little anymore and he out grew his beautiful newborn diaper quickly. But I love the beautiful blue and that we were able to cloth diaper from the very beginning. The snaps make everything super easy to make sure the fit is perfect.

What are some of your favorite features of the Smart Bottoms Newborn Organic Cloth Diaper?




Please Vote For Us! :D
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Printable Baby Coupon Round-Up

Hey everyone! We all know how expensive those little bundles of joy are. Help give them the by saving money using coupons! Here is a HUGE list of printable coupons from across the web. This list has everything! Food, breastfeeding, formula, diapers, medicines, toys, you name it! If there are any brands that you don't see and would like me to find out if there are any coupons for their products, just comment here letting me know. Thanks!

Save this to your bookmarks! This list is constantly updated and is a great reference! :)

Printable Baby Coupon Round-Up

 
If you came here looking for baby coupons. We are in the process of updating.
 
Here are some articles you might like instead:
 
Tips to Save Money on Baby
 
 
 

Homemade Baby Food with Nuk Freshfoods™ Cook-n-Blend Baby Food Maker

Thank you to NUK® Freshfoods™ for letting me try out this amazing product. You can also find them on Facebook! I would also like to thank Moms Meet for reaching out about this opportunity.

I don't know if I have mentioned my child's occasionally finicky eating habits. One moment she is eating raw broccoli and the next all she wants is cheese.

Well one can not live on cheese alone!




So I had to be creative with some of my SweetPea's favorite foods so I could still get her to eat fruits and veggies without her knowing it. I also like to know exactly what she is eating and making your own baby food is cheaper than buying for store bought products that are loaded with preservatives. That is why I am so excited to share this review of the NUK® Freshfoods™ Cook-n-Blend Baby food Maker.

              Nuk Freshfoods Cook-n-Blend baby Food MakerNUK Freshfoods Cook-n-Blend Baby Food Maker Free Recipe Book Annabel Karmel

And thanks to the NUK® Freshfoods™ Cook-n-Blend Baby Food Maker, making purées has never been easier. Easy to assemble, the NUK Freshfoods™ Cook-n-Blend Baby Food Maker steams the veggies and has two separate compartments to easily prepare multiple vegetables for yummy recipes.
nuk Freshfoods Cook-n-Blend Baby Food Maker


Here is the recipe I used:
Potato, Carrot, and Sweet Corn
7 oz of water
1 medium carrot, peeled and sliced (1/2 cup)
1 small sweet potato, peeled and chopped (1 cup)
1 potato, peeled and chopped (1 1/3 cups)
1 tbsp butter (a generous knob of butter)
1 small leek, trimmed and sliced
1/2 cup canned sweet corn
1/4 cup grated Cheddar cheese (optional)
Place the carrot, sweet potato and potato in the NUK Freshfoods™ Cook-n-Blend Baby Food Maker steam basket. Place the basket into the cooking bowl and tightly twist the lid closed. Place the cooking bowl on the base and lock into place. Unscrew the water reservoir knob at the top of the unit and fill with water to level 3. Tightly replace the knob. Press the on/off button to start cooking. The green light will come on and it will cook for approximately 17 minutes. Meanwhile, melt the butter in a saucepan and sauté the leek for about 5 minutes over a low heat until softened. Remove the basket and reserve the cooking liquid.Place the steamed vegetables directly into the cooking bowl. Add the sautéed leek, the sweet corn, the grated cheese (optional), and add 1.5 oz of the cooking liquid. To puree, turn the blender button to the desired speed depending on the texture you want.

NUK® has a wide variety of products that make the process of making your child's baby food easier.

Nuk Freshfoods Baby Food Maker
What you need to know about the NUK® Freshfoods™ Cook-n-Blend Baby Food Maker:
• Dual-action function steams and blends food for quick, nutritious meals in two easy steps
• Healthy steam cooking helps preserve vitamins and minerals
• Makes up to four meals at a time with large 32 oz bowl
• Double steamer basket separates food to help preserve flavors
• Beeps and stops automatically when ready
• With two texture options–smooth or chunky–you can use it for years as it grows with your child
• Dishwasher safe and easy to clean
• Includes bonus smoothie blade so the whole family can enjoy
• Includes free recipe book with meal ideas from world-famous child nutrition expert, Annabel Karmel

Disclaimer: I received this product for free from the sponsor of the Moms Meet℠ program, May Media Group LLC, who received it directly from the manufacturer. As a Moms Meet℠ blogger, I agreed to use this product and post my opinions on my blog. My opinions do not necessarily reflect the opinions of May Media Group LLC or the manufacturer of the product.

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Tips to Save Money on Baby






You just found out you are pregnant, CONGRATS! Now what? You realize that there is just one thing after another that a baby needs but how to pay for it all? Here are my tips to save money on baby.


Nursing Pillow1. Breastfeed
My TOP Tip for saving money with a baby is breastfeeding. No wasting anything, no cleaning anything. Even after breast pads (which Udder Covers sells a variety of reusable ones), cream, and a nursing cover (FREE Nursing Cover from Udder Covers with code BABYSAVINGS, just pay S&H), you still pay less than formula. If you need to pump, go through your insurance to get one. A law was just passed so you should be able to get a hospital grade quality pump completely free! Having supply issues? Try this Supply Boosting Cookie Recipe.
Although I am a very strong breastfeeding advocate, I do realize that it's not for everyone and sometimes you need to supplement and formula is expensive. Here are some well known formula makers, that you can sign up for email updates, along with money saving coupons and checks, they will sometimes send you samples. :)

2. Cloth Diaper
Okay I am going to be honest. I never cloth diapered. I did see a ton of benefits, except the extra laundry which meant more of my time. And being a full time mom, plus taking care of my friend's daughter, AND now being a Professional Blogger, I feel my time is valuable. Now I am NOT saying that people who cloth diaper don't value their time. This is just the reason I didn't BUT saying all that, I am seriously considering it with my next baby.
The up front cost is what is so hard to swallow. My friend found this site called Alvababy.com that sells cloth diapers for $5!!!
Now, again, I understand that clothing diapering isn't for everyone, so I suggest looking into the following retailers for possible coupons or samples. Also there are a TON of printable coupons online as well.
Huggies, Pampers (save points through their Gifts To Grow program and get cool stuff, like FREE Shutterfly products). Thing to remember when buying diapers is, the bigger the diaper, the fewer in the package, so make absolutely sure before you move up a size. And remember nothing is wrong with store brand, test them out, they may work for you. And if you are couponing, buy in BULK. Tape the receipt to the box, so you can exchange them if need be.

Tips to Save Money on Baby - Make Your Own Baby Food3. Make Your OWN Baby Food
I made about half of Sweet Pea's baby food. I had a food processor that got shocked during a lightning storm, even though we have surge protectors. PLUS I found jar baby food to be easier when we were on the go. But of course even that didn't make the task any easier. Invest in a good food processor and you're good to go. Make a TON and then freeze it.
Not into Homemade Baby Food? I signed up with Beechnut (who send you a welcome package for what ever stage your child enters) and Earth's Best. I also contacted HappyBaby who sent me free samples and coupons to try their products. Of course I love Buddy Fruits as well. Look in to ingredients with whatever baby food you choose.


4. Make Your OWN Baby Clothes
Okay I never did this, but I LOVE Pinterest and look at the most adorable things I have found:
Turn Old T-Shirts into Baby Sacks
Old Shirts into Dress
No Sew Onesie Make-Over
Those are just some ideas. You can also cut old onesies, hem it, and make them into shirts. Also look into garment extenders. There also a TON of online sites I love that sell baby clothes really cheap, including: Totsy, ThredUp (like new, used clothes), Zulily, and WittleBee. Another great way to save money on baby clothes is to shop consignment shops or yard sales. My mother-in-law did this for us. Our crib AND changing table were practically new and she only paid $150 for both! So deals are to be had and don't be afraid to haggle. Also there are some online sites where you can exchange stuff, like TheBump's Swap Spot board, SwapMamas.com, there are multiple Facebook groups, or if you feel like risking it, Craig's List. I have had a lot of luck with TheBump and SwapMamas! ALSO, don't snub your nose at sales racks. There is nothing wrong with your baby wearing last year's fashion when you are on a budget!

5. Everything Can Be a Toy
Boxes, pots, and pans; OH MY! My daughters FAVORITE toys are not the ones we intended for her. Although she loves her Sophie the Giraffe, is that a practical toy for the mom and dad who are on a budget to buy? Not really. Pans with plastic spoons are musical instruments. I also love Coffee mate containers filled with dry beans. They are BPA-free and make a great rattle!

6. Baby Gear is Expensive
Free is nice, but there are some things that are just going to be expensive because safety is more valuable in the long run. Car Seats are something you should NOT get used because you don't know if it was in a car accident. And even cheap ones can run between $60 to $100. If you don't get one as a baby shower gift, just remember, even the cheap ones have to meet the same standards according to government regulation as the higher end ones. You can read more about Car Seat Safety HERE.

7. Don't Waste Money on NON-Essentials
Poor new, first time parents. We fall for the gimmicks left and right of things we MUST register for and buy to have everything ready for baby. I have found that a diaper changing pad on top of a dresser, can not only save money but also save space. And don't buy expensive crib bedding sets, the Consumer Product Safety Administration AND the American Academy of Pediatrics advise against thick comforters and crib bumpers. So why are they still sold like that? Beats me. But all you need is a fitted sheet and a thin blanket. You also don't NEED a wipe warmer either. Be practical and do your research. Don't register for it but if you get it as a gift just say, "Thank You". And just ask for the gift receipt later. :D

I hope you found this list helpful. And for the experienced parent's out there, what tips do you have to save money on baby?





Pampers Rewards - 200+ FREE Points!

This post contains affiliate links.
 
Pampers Rewards Free Codes

If you haven't joined yet, click the banner above to earn 100 FREE points right off the bat!
I didn't know about the 100 points when I first signed up
so I called and they let me have them!
Also if you are active on the Connect with Pampers board on The Bump,
you can also earn points.
New 10 pt Code! Expires 12/1/16 FBGKLAS8DVDZH16
5 pt code: TWT6WC6THL33A16


*NEW CODES UPDATED 11/14/2016*

Click THIS LINK & sign in for 200 points
10 points for saying you read THIS ARTICLE
10 points for saying you read THIS ARTICLE
10 points for saying you read THIS ARTICLE
10 points for saying you read THIS ARTICLE
10 points for saying you read THIS ARTICLE
10 points - BABIESRKIT89816
10 points - AMAZONREG9N2K16
15 points - NOV789D7A111P16
50 points - PAMP8C91ACNEL17



Please let me know if any don't work. Thank you! :D

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$10 Credit from thredUp means FREE kids clothes!

This post contains referral links.

ThredUp has totally changed the way it accepts clothes and the way you buy clothes. You no longer get a random box of clothes that you hope is what the person described it as and it is in good quality. NOW you can send in a bag if you wish (you pay $4.95 but once they get your bag of clothes you get that back). Your bag includes a HUGE bag to put gently used, name brand clothes into and a shipping label that is paid for. You are no longer required to send in clothes in order to buy clothes. If you are just trying to get rid of clothes and not care how much you get for them, then I suggest this type of service for you.

Some Brands Include:
- Carter's
- Babies-R-Us
- Old Navy
- Children's Place
- Gymboree
- Baby Gap & Gap Kids
- Osh Kosh B'Gosh
And Many Others!

They will pay you for every piece of clothing depending on quality and brand.
They have a place on their site that provides a reference
so you know how much you might receive and what brands they accept.

Right now they are doing a promo where when you sign up right HERE,
you receive a $10 credit that can apply towards shipping


These are two deals I have scored so far.

The first is from when I first signed up and used a 20% off code:


NWT means New With Tags
So yes that shirt had TAGS on it and BRAND NEW!

This is the second order I did
after someone signed up through my affiliate link
they placed an order so I received $10
(you will be able to do this too):




1. Sign up HERE to receive your $10 credit

2. Pick your items you want to buy. They have TONS of options and everything is in season.

= GREAT SAVINGS on NAME BRAND LIKE NEW CLOTHES!

Let me know what kind of deals you score!

Great Deals over at Totsy



If you’re new to Totsy, please sign up here!

Head over to Totsy and check out the Black Friday sales! You’ll find deals on toys plus clothing, accessories and other items, all priced at up to 90% off retail prices!

With great brands like Melissa & Doug, Hartstrings, Carters, My Brest Friend, Hatley and many others on sale through the weekend, there are some great gifts and items for all members of the family!

Even better, you’ll get FREE shipping on orders of $40 or more when you use Totsy promo code TGIVING at checkout!

Baby Food Pancakes


So I had some left over baby food and infant cereal that I had already opened, so I searched online and found a recipe that I thought sounded good:




Baby Cereal Pancakes Recipe

1 cup whole wheat flour (this will make a dense pancake; you can use 1 1/2 cups of all purpose flour if you prefer)
1/2 cup uncooked commercial baby barley cereal from the box (or rice commercial baby cereal)
1/2 cup uncooked commercial baby oatmeal cereal from the box - did not have just used more rice baby cereal
1 cup formula (or another liquid such as milk) - used WHOLE milk
1/2 cup mashed banana (or fruit of your choice) - used left over baby food - applesauce
1 tbsp melted margarine or butter (unsalted type)
3 egg yolks
apple juice (about 1/2 cup) or use water if you prefer - used apple juice

Add cinnamon, nutmeg, dash of vanilla or other flavorings if you wish. - used vanilla

Mix all ingredients together and add enough juice to make pancake consistency. Cook on your cook top in a frying pan as you would with "regular" pancakes. Cooking these baby cereal pancakes on a griddle will work better as you will have more control over the temperature and will be better able to keep the temp. at a constant heat.

Baby Food Pancakes

They were very yummy! Even my hubby liked them. Be aware that it makes a LOT and if you are going to freeze it, then freeze the batter not the pancake. I suggest freezing it in separate increments in small Ziploc freezer baggies. I hope this helps!