Nanny to Mommy

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.

This is my pumping face. No make up, crazy hair, & all. :)

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!

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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! :)



  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      

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.

             

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.


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.


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

1. 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 upfront 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.

3. 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 whatever 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 into 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?

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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!

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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.


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!