EXPECTING a little addition to your family?
September is a great time for new parents to stock up on essentials, with many shops launching huge baby sales.
But try these tips before splashing out to keep your spending under control . . .
SALES SMARTS: Amazon is running a fantastic month-long September sale, where you can score deals on big-brand items including WaterWipes and Philips baby bottles.
Also, head to Asda for the Baby & Toddler event, where prices have been slashed by up to 50 per cent on everything from a Fisher-Price Jumperoo to cosy blankets.
And don’t forget Black Friday in November if you are due around Christmas — you can get great discounts on items such as breast pumps and baby monitors.
HAND-ME-DOWNS: Thriftiness is your friend. Auction sites and secondhand sales are gold mines for parents on a budget.
You will find gently-used strollers, baby clothes and toys that are still in tip-top shape.
But give things a once-over and stick to safety guidelines when buying second-hand baby gear.
Find NCT Nearly New sales at nct.org.uk or visit mum2mummarket. co.uk for community sales.
SPENDING SENSIBLY: Babies grow fast, and their needs change in the blink of an eye.
Of course a cot is essential, but you won’t need it straight away. Instead of going all-out at once, buy what you need as your baby grows.
Pick up a high chair when it is time — and there is no need to splurge on a full matching nursery furniture set.
For a great guide, check out the parents.com newborn list, which is split into must-haves, nice-to-haves and don’t-need categories.
SPLIT THE BILL: Why bear the full cost when you can share it?
Borrow bigger baby items such as swings, bouncers and even clothing from friends or family who have been there and done it.
It is a real budget-saver for your little bundle of joy.
- All prices on page correct at time of going to press. Deals and offers subject to availability.
Deal of the day
ENJOY a barista-style coffee with Nescafe’s Dolce Gusto Piccolo XS coffee machine. Was £69, now £35 at B&M.
SAVE: £34
Cheap treat
BITE into a Quorn Takeaway crunchy fillet burger tonight. A pack of two is usually £3, but now £1.50 at Morrisons.
SAVE: £1.50
Whats new?
HEALTHY food really can taste good. Holland & Barrett has just launched a range bursting with benefits, including bargain snacks such as this freeze-dried fruitfetti for £2.99.
Get down to a store near you to check it out.
Top swap
GIVE your dining table a lift with a pretty set of Entusiasm side plates for £13 at Ikea.
Or head to Dunelm for a similar set of four priced £6.
SAVE: £7
Leah’s little helper
BUDGET beauty doesn’t come much better than Bristows hairspray.
The new-look spray tames flyaways and brushes out easily. It is £1.65 at Savers.
Shop & save
USE your Nectar card to get Persil liquid detergent non bio (53 washes) for £5 at Sainsbury’s. Usually £9.
SAVE: £4
Hot right now
THE Pamper Me six-piece set, RRP £16.99, includes Radox bubble bath and Vaseline tinted lip balm.
Get it for £7.99 at Home Bargains.
PLAY NOW TO WIN £200
JOIN thousands of readers taking part in The Sun Raffle.
Every month we’re giving away £100 to 250 lucky readers – whether you’re saving up or just in need of some extra cash, The Sun could have you covered.
Every Sun Savers code entered equals one Raffle ticket.
The more codes you enter, the more tickets you’ll earn and the more chance you will have of winning!