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Cloth Diaper 101 – Everything You Need To Know To Cloth Diaper

Hayley — Wed, 01 Aug 2018 15:00:39 +0000

Welcome to cloth diaper 101!

Cloth diapers have gone a long way since the olden days when our grandmothers used to use them. It was more challenging back then but luckily today, technology and new techniques and materials have made it much easier for mamas out there to be using cloth diapers!

There are also lots of types to choose from so there is something for everyone. Nowadays, using cloth diapers is getting more popular because it is more eco-friendly as well as economical. At the same time, it is also important to have the proper knowledge and information in order to ensure you are making the most out of cloth diapering.

Let’s jump into cloth diaper 101:

How To Use Cloth Diapers

If you are still new to the world of cloth diapers, you may want to test out first which kind or type will suit you and your baby. There are a lot of options to choose from. Most of them have velcro closures so you don’t need to worry about pins and such.

Most also have snaps along the top of the diaper in order to adjust the waistline. Some even have adjustable leg elastics in order to customize the fit even more.

Cloth diapers usually need to be changed at least every two hours and you can tell that it needs to be changed if it hangs a little lower and feels stiff.

Once you remove the diaper from the baby, put it inside the diaper pail right away if they are just wet. If not, you need to make sure you remove the poop into the toilet or use a cloth diaper sprayer like this one.

You can then take the pail to the washing machine when it’s time to wash them and empty the contents including the pail liner. Pre-rinse them in cold water then do an extra wash in hot water on a delicate cycle. Hang dry on a clothesline since this is more effective when it comes to removing stains.

Types of Cloth Diapers

All-In-One Cloth Diapers

ALVABABY Baby Cloth Diapers One Size Adjustable Washable Reusable for Baby Girls and Boys 6 Pack with 12 Inserts 6BM98

FASION & STYLISH －Why not get these reusable, washable super-absorbent and comfortable cloth nappies / diapers, which are also called modern cloth nappies (MCNs) or pocket nappies. For your baby, for the cost of buying disposable nappies, these reusable nappies and inserts will last you for a much longer period of time.
HIGH QUALITY, ADJUSTABLE, REUSABLE & WATERPROOF －Outer layer: polyester with waterproof and breathable TPU .It's convenient for mammy to carry baby while taking a walk or doing chores. Inner layer: suede cloth inside, it does not hold moisture itself ,the moisture get drawn away to the insert to keep your baby dry . Insert: each diaper would come with two 3-layer microfiber inserts. Insert dimension approx 13.7” x 5.5”
SAVE MONEY & ECO-FRIENDLY－Our reusable cloth diapers are designed for families who require premium products. Suitable for babies and toddlers 3kg-15kg (6.6 – 33 pounds) (a rough guide for reference only) .Length of Diaper: 15” in length X 13” in width. One size fits all– you can adjust the diaper to your desired size (S,M or L) by snapping onto different rows of buttons on the nappy.
HAPPY BABY －Hip snaps and crossover snaps to prevent “wing droop”. Washable, waterproof and breathable.Comfortable elastic legging area to prevent leaking. Package included: 6 diapers + 12 inserts.
SINCERE SERVICE & NO RISK －1 year guarantee. If you have any problems with the product, please feel free to contact us, we’ll send you a new one or refund your money of your choice.

These are very easy and simple to use. They are the most similar to traditional diapers so it won’t be too foreign to use especially for first-timers. The absorbent liner is permanently attached and it is all in one piece. This does mean it might take a little longer to dry since all the layers are put together and it could also get a bit pricey. You can find single sizes or adjustable ones.

Pre-Fold Cloth Diapers

Humble Bebe Prefold Cloth Diapers - 12 Pack - Unbleached Premium Cotton, 4x8x4, Pre-Washed, Fits Newborn Babies to Toddlers (10-30 lbs), Multi-Use

PREMIUM UNBLEACHED COTTON - No unwanted or toxic chemicals touching your baby's precious skin, whether you use them as a diaper or a burp cloth
EXTRA ABSORBENT - 4x8x4 Layers of cotton ensure maximum absorbency, especially when compared to hemp or synthetic diapers. When used as an insert, the diapers are 16 layers thick
SIZED FOR INFANTS AS WELL AS TODDLERS - Humble Bebe cloth diapers can be used with newborns (folded traditionally with fasteners) or larger infants/toddlers (folded and used as an insert/pad) and fit nearly any cloth diaper cover on the market.
REDUCE WASTE AND SAVE MONEY – When you buy these reusable, eco-friendly diapers, you are dramatically decreasing the amount of product that ends up in land-fill, and because you can wash and use them over again, you will quickly save money versus disposable ones
LOVED BY OUR AMAZON CUSTOMERS: "The prefolds are all super soft, perfect for my babies bum." "These are noticeably thicker and more absorbent than the 3-ply ones I was given at my baby shower." "Like the ones my mom used back in the day." "The cloths launder very well and hold their shape nicely." We already sold out once. Order today while supplies last.

These cloth diapers are very affordable (costing around $100 for a lot) and easy to wash and dry quickly as well. They are called “pre-fold” since the flats are already pre-folded and the absorbency is usually in the middle section area.

Contour Cloth Diapers

These are like the pre-fold cloth diapers but they are tapered around the leg area so they don’t need to be folded. Because they don’t have their own closures, you also need to use a pin to secure them.

Flats Cloth Diapers

These look more like traditional cloth diapers and you can fold them in different ways and customize them according to your preference.

Fitted Cloth Diapers

This kind of cloth diaper still needs a cover but it also has elastic legs and a contoured shape which is more “fitting”, which also means that lesser leaks. Because there is no folding involved, it could also be easier to use.

Pocket Cloth Diapers

Sale

Unisex Baby Cloth Pocket Diapers 7 Pack, 7 Bamboo Inserts, 1 Wet Bag by Nora's Nursery

NO LEAKS - Snug leg openings and waterproof cover, breathable suede cloth is soft on baby's skin
100% MONEY BACK GUARANTEE - Our customer service in unparalleled and we are committed our customers. If you are not 100% satisfied, return your order with no questions asked!
GROWS WITH YOUR CHILD - Adjustable snap layout fits babies and toddlers from 10 to 33 pounds so you save time and money looking for different sizes
SAVE MONEY AND THE ENVIRONMENT - Reusable diapers are budget friendly and environmentally conscious
LESS STAINS NO MESS - No more compression leaks with these super absorbent 4-layer bamboo polyester inserts are softer and more absorbent with every wash

This style is composed of a waterproof outer cover and an inner fabric sewn together forming a pocket. The pocket is then stuffed with an absorbent liner and it also has a built-in closing system, usually a snap closure system, which means no need to pin.

All in two Cloth Diapers

They are similar to pocket diapers but the liner will be directly against the child’s skin and they also dry quicker than the all-in-one diapers.

Hybrid Pocket Cloth Diapers

This diaper still has a cover but you could choose from either a fabric liner (which is more affordable) or a disposable liner, which is often organic and biodegradable but could be pricier.

Cloth Diaper Inserts

Cloth diaper inserts are what does all the absorbing. You can even put two inserts in the evening if you want to make sure that no leaking will occur and it will do its job the whole night. They could be composed of different materials like microfiber, Minky, bamboo, organic cotton, and hemp.

Microfiber

Babygoal Reusable Cloth Diaper Inserts Pack of 12, Absorbent & Breathable Liners, 3-Layer Microfiber Inserts for Cloth Diapers 12T

Size & Dimension: 33cm in length(12.99")*13.5cm in width(5.32"), fit for babies weigh 3-15kg(8.8-33pounds)
High Quality: These inserts are made from breathable microfiber and you can use 2pcs inserts in the cloth diapers for overnight use.
Better Absorbency: These diaper inserts are reusable and fully machine washable, and will become more absorbent when they are washed.
Save Money & Environmental-Friendly: Cloth diapers with inserts are less expensive than disposable diapers and reduces less waste.
Packing List: The package includes 12pcs 3-layer microfiber inserts.

This kind of material absorbs liquids quickly and is also affordable and the one used by manufacturers a lot.

Minky

Bumkins 3 Count Bumkins Minky Insert, White

Two interior layers of Micro Terry and two exterior layers of soft Minky fabric offering optimum absorbency and ultimate comfort Can be placed directly against baby's skin
Compatible with most cloth diapers
Machine wash; tumble or line dry
Each insert measures 13.5" x 5.5"

This type of material is thin and has the same amount as the microfiber in the same size.

Bamboo

ALVABABY Natures Cloth Diaper Inserts，3 Layers Rayon from Bamboo Inserts，Super Water Absorbent 12pcs 12X

FITS BABIES OF ALL SIZES – Dimension of insert: 33cm in lenght(12.99'') *13.5cm in width (5.32'')
SAVE MONEY & ECO-FRIENDLY – Our reusable Rayon from bamboo insert are designed for families who require premium products.These diaper inserts are reusable and fully machine washable, dryable,fast to dry. Super water absorbent.
HIGN QUALITY– 3 layers design, 3 layers design, ALL 3-layers are 330g bamboo.
3-LAYERS– Rayon from bamboo insert. Easy use and very Soft
SINCERE SERVICE & NO RISK －1 year guarantee. If you have any problems with the product, please feel free to contact us, we’ll send you a new one or refund your money of your choice.

Is great in absorbing and most of the time is used with hemp blend. Charcoal bamboo inserts are also popular.

Hemp

Thirsties Hemp/Organic Cotton Inserts, 2 Pack Large

Designed for use an accessory to your current cloth diapering system as extra absorbency for heavy wetters or nighttime use
Luxuriously soft hemp/organic cotton jersey
Stable absorption without the bulk
Dimensions after washing: Small 11.75" X 4.5", Large 13.75" X 5"

This holds two times more liquid than a microfiber insert of the same size and is also thin.

Cloth Diaper Covers

PUL (Polyurethane Laminate)

Is made up of polyester with PUL coating making it waterproof. These covers usually have snaps or Velcro closures.

Wool Covers

These are natural and are super absorbent, which makes them perfect for nighttime. They are usually a pull-on style, which can also act like clothing.

Fleece

Fleece covers are similar to wool covers but they are more affordable and are also great if your baby is sensitive to wool.

How To Wash Cloth Diapers

How to wash your diapers is a must in cloth diaper 101.

A good washing routine is vital when it comes to using cloth diapers. You need to buy the right detergent that will work best for your cloth diapers. If you have hard water at home, you can also use water softener.

Once you remove wet diapers, you can put them directly in the pail but for if they are soiled, you would need to scrape or spray them off unto the toilet first before tossing them in the pail.

The normal time frame for you to wash your diapers would be every 2-3 days in order to prevent the smell from getting too strong.

You can also check out the washing instructions that the diaper manufacturer is giving in order to get advice on how best to clean and wash your cloth diapers that will also help to decrease unnecessary wear and tear.

How To Strip Cloth Diapers

When you have been using cloth diapers for a while, you will begin to notice that simply washing them won’t work anymore and the task of washing them might be too much.

The smell might also become worse. When this happens, it’s time to strip your cloth diapers. This process is basically heavy-duty washing your cloth diapers. Here’s how:

1. Using the blue liquid Dawn dish detergent, wash your cloth diapers in hot water using one teaspoon for high-efficiency machines and one tablespoon for regular washing machines.

2. The key ingredient to use is to add half a cup of bleach in the wash cycle.

3. Continue doing a few more hot water rinses without detergent in order to fully cleanse and remove suds

4. If you aren’t comfortable with using bleach, you can use other natural alternatives like using lemon juice and hydrogen peroxide together with your normal laundry soap.

5. Strip your cloth diapers every 3 to 4 months.

Must-Have Cloth Diaper Supplies

Cloth Diaper Wet Bags

Sale

ALVABABY 2pcs Cloth Diaper Wet Dry Bags Waterproof Reusable with Two Zippered Pockets Travel Beach Pool Daycare Soiled Baby Items Yoga Gym Bag for Swimsuits or Wet Clothes L2933

Fashion , Reusable&Waterproof , High quality －A trim and attractive design. ALVABABY wet/dry bag are made from waterproof 100% polyester, put dirty cloth diapers in a wet bag. Comes with handle for easy carrying or attaching to your diaper bag or stroller.
Double Zippered － TWO Zippered compartments for keep wet and dry things separate. Each bag contains a "wet" section that is sewn and sealed for no wicking or leaking.
Enough Space－30cm x 36cm (approx.:11.5 in x 14 in)，Holds approximately 5-7 cloth diapers. Light weight, easy to carry (less than 50 g).
Multi-functional Bags－A truly wonderful bag that allows you to carry your wet and dry items in the same bag. Carry all your items in one bag while keeping your dry items dry and your wet or soiled items separate. Truly an all in one bag! They can be used as diaper wet dry bags,travel bags,storage bags,cosmetic bags,handbags,wash bag,organizer bags.
Sincere Service&No Risk －1 year guarantee. If you have any problem with the product, please feel free to contact us, we’ll send you a new one or refund your money of your choice.

These are important for storing dirty diapers on the go while they are waiting to be washed.

Cloth Diaper Detergents

Rockin' Green Classic Rock Laundry Detergent Powder Unscented 45oz | All Natural Cleaning Products | Eco-Friendly and Biodegradable | Dermatologist-Tested, Fragrance-Free and Safe for Sensitive Skin

A NEW WAY TO WASH CLOTHES: Classic Rock Laundry Detergent Powder will clean your clothes leaving no dirt behind. It also works well with any washing machine, even HE washing machines.
ECO-FRIENDLY AND ALL-NATURAL: Our laundry detergent powder is specially formulated to be free of any dyes, parabens, phosphates, SLS/SLES, or artificial fragrances. It’s also ideal for both normal and soft water.
SAFE FOR BABIES: All of our products are safe for sensitive skin, so they're great for cloth diapers and baby clothes. It’s also enzyme-free to give your clothes that gentle clean.
PLANT-BASED FORMULA: Our powdered laundry detergent is made with plant-based and biodegradable ingredients. It’s also vegan, gluten-free, and never tested on animals.
GREEN PRODUCTS FOR YOUR FAMILY: Our mission is to make economical cleaning products that are Earth-friendly but will meet your laundry demands. We’d love for you to join the Rockin’ Green family and enjoy safe and reliable products!

Using any normal detergent for your cloth diapers is a no-no. Using one that is safe and gentle enough for your baby’s skin is ideal. The Rockin’ Green detergent works great!

Cloth Diaper Liners

Bumkins Disposable Cloth Fabric Diaper Liner, Biodegradable, Neutral, 100 Count (Pack of 1)

Provides added convenience and protection to any cloth diapering routine; an easy clean-up solution for soiled diapers
Biodegradable – Soiled liners should be disposed of in the garbage; do not flush
Compatible with any cloth diapering system
Average use is 4 to 6 boxes of 100 liners per month (400 to 600 liners)
Made from 100 percent viscose that's breathable, yet absorbs moisture

This can be a simple cloth or flushable fabric that helps preserve the life of your cloth diapers and also minimizes stains, as well as reducing moisture against baby’s skin. It also makes dealing with poopy diapers way less gross!

Cloth Diaper Sprayer

SmarterFresh Diaper Sprayer – Superior Splatter-Proof Stainless Steel Sprayer Cleans The Messiest Cloth Diapers – Complete Diaper Washer Hand Held Bidet Sprayer for Toilet

SUPERIOR CRAFTSMENSHIP – HEAVY DUTY 304 Stainless Steel bidet sprayer head and toilet hook holder - BRASS inner trigger and wall mount holder - PEX flexible ANTI TWIST inner tube pipe and Brass Body T-Valve Adapter with Zinc Alloy Handle and Ceramic Cartridge means this water bidet lasts a long, long time.
SPLATTER FREE DIAPER WASH - FOR CLOTH DIAPER SETS: END the germy toilet dunk and swish. SMARTERFRESH cloth diaper sprayer boasts an ADVANCED ADJUSTABLE PRESSURE system, so you can use full force to eliminate the worst soiled diaper challenge, or gently rinse it away 100% splatter free. “AMAZING PRESSURE” - “A REAL GAME CHANGER…”
100+ USES - YOU’LL NEVER WANT TO GIVE IT UP: While it’s tough enough to pass on for generations, users say this cloth diaper hose is WONDERFUL FOR removing rust and paint splatter, cleaning trash cans, eliminating laundry gunk, cleaning the toilet, spraying out sick buckets, blasting away gunk in hard to reach shower corners…and even filling the fish tank.
LEAK PROOF – NO SURPRISE SLIP & FALLS: Because quality is our passion, we METICULOUSLY and continuously inspect EVERY PIECE, CONNECTION & COMPONENT on this premium water bidet. It won’t leak, tangle, or cause any hassle guaranteed.
INSTALLS IN 10 MINUTES – INCLUDES EVERYTHING YOU NEED: Brass T-Valve Adapter, sprayer cloth diaper Hose & Wall Mount/Hook Holder, complete hardware set with extras plus VISUAL instructions that make installation a breeze. No special skills, knowledge or tools required.

This device will be hooked into the clean water supply in your toilet and you can use it to spray the diaper clean. You don’t need to touch any of the waste. This is a great way of removing those solids.

Cloth Diaper Pails

Another tip for cloth diaper 101, get a good diaper pail. You need these to store your cloth diapers. They are also very important so you have somewhere to store soiled diapers in without the odor escaping.

You Have Two Options For Cloth Diaper Pails:

Wet Pail

This means the diapers are being stored in a pail of water and are left to soak until it is time to wash them.

Dry Pail

ALVABABY 2 Pack Reusable Diaper Pail Liner for Cloth Diaper,Rubbish Bag,Laundry,Kitchen Garbage Cans PL-B1029

Material: Waterproof, Reusable ,The inner layer is lined with PUL.
Dimensions: 76cm x 71cm (approx: 30 in x 28 in) ;Circumference: 140cm (approx: 55 in);Lightweight (less than 50g). With a 13.3 gallon capacity means it can fit in most diaper pails and wastebaskets. Designed to hold 120-130pcs cloth diapers with 3-layer microfiber inserts.
ALVABABY pail liner are perfect for soiled laundry and dirty cloth diapers, storing your dirty diaper at home. Washable diaper liner bag. Wet items must be fully wrung out before placed in the bag,excess water may cause leaks through the seams.
Larger than other diaper pail liner, larger capacity, more suitable for diaper pail& trashcan.
Wash : Machine washable. Wash it with your diapers and let them air dry.

It is similar to a trash can that is lined with either a waterproof pail liner like this one. I also recommend trying a stainless steel garbage can. The plastic ones can soak up more of the dirty diaper odor.

Best Cloth Diaper Brands

Kawaii Cloth Diapers

You can find a lot of variety with this brand. They are good at preventing leaks and can be easily stuffed. They also have a lot of closure styles and options. They are affordable but very functional too!

Charlie Banana Cloth Diapers

Charlie Banana 2-in-1 Reusable Diapers, Tango Mango

SAFE FOR YOUR BABY: Perfume free, chlorine free, chemical free
HIGH QUALITY MATERIALS: The inner layer of our diapers are made of hypoallergenic soft fleece which repels stains
MULTI-FUNCTIONAL: Hybrid option to use a washable insert or a disposable insert
POTTY TRAINING ASSISTANT: Cloth-diapered children tend to potty train earlier as they feel the wetness when they go and establish a connection
ECO-FRIENDLY: Disposable diapers take 500 years to decompose- Reduce your carbon footprint, Let's make the world a nicer place together. Do Good, Be Good, Feel Good

These diapers are the hybrid kind and you can use a cloth or disposable liner. Cloth liners are placed in a front-loading pocket for easy removal while the disposable liners are secured with an end flap. It also has soft fleece along the back making it really comfy. Moms have also raved that they are easy to put on, take off, and also wash well!

Alva Cloth Diapers

ALVABABY Baby Cloth Diapers One Size Adjustable Washable Reusable for Baby Girls and Boys 6 Pack + 12 Inserts 6DM08

FASION & STYLISH －Why not get these reusable, washable super-absorbent and comfortable cloth nappies / diapers, which are also called modern cloth nappies (MCNs) or pocket nappies. For your baby, for the cost of buying disposable nappies, these reusable nappies and inserts will last you for a much longer period of time.
HIGH QUALITY, ADJUSTABLE, REUSABLE & WATERPROOF －Outer layer: polyester with waterproof and breathable TPU .It's convenient for mammy to carry baby while taking a walk or doing chores. Inner layer: suede cloth inside, it does not hold moisture itself ,the moisture get drawn away to the insert to keep your baby dry . Insert: each diaper would come with two 3-layer microfiber inserts. Insert dimension approx 13.7” x 5.5”
SAVE MONEY & ECO-FRIENDLY－Our reusable cloth diapers are designed for families who require premium products. Suitable for babies and toddlers 3kg-15kg (6.6 – 33 pounds) (a rough guide for reference only) .Length of Diaper: 15” in length X 13” in width. One size fits all– you can adjust the diaper to your desired size (S,M or L) by snapping onto different rows of buttons on the nappy.
ENJOY －Hip snaps and crossover snaps to prevent “wing droop”. Washable, waterproof and breathable.Comfortable elastic legging area to prevent leaking. Package included: 6 diapers + 12 inserts.
SINCERE SERVICE & NO RISK －1 year guarantee. If you have any problems with the product, please feel free to contact us, we’ll send you a new one or refund your money of your choice.

Alva cloth diapers are an affordable brand selling the pocket style cloth diapers. You also have different insert options like microfiber, bamboo, or a microfiber and bamboo blend. There are also a variety of prints and designs to choose from. They are also very durable and can hold up for a long time.

Cloth vs. Disposable Diapers

Cost

When it comes to cost, cloth diapers are much more affordable compared to disposable ones. And if you have multiple children, having cloth diapers will really reduce your diaper expenses and needs especially if you will be able to reuse your cloth diapers on multiple children.

Chemicals

Disposable diapers are plastic and have chemicals in them that can put your baby at risk! If you want to lessen baby’s exposure to chemicals, then cloth diapers are a better option.

Environment

Using cloth diapers are also better for the environment and also decrease carbon impact compared to disposables. In effect, you are reducing the number of diapers placed in landfills.

Cloth diapers, in general, are softer compared to disposable diapers so that’s one more advantage you can consider. When it comes to cloth diapers, you can also notice that baby gets fewer rashes and leaks – they are also less likely to have blowouts.

Potty Training

If you are potty training, cloth diapers are more effective since baby becomes more aware of the wet sensation than if you use disposable diapers so it makes them learn quicker. Another advantage of cloth diapers is that they come in a lot of cute and interesting designs compared to disposable ones, which is always an added bonus.

Cloth Diaper 101 Frequently Asked Questions

Where to buy cloth diapers?

You can find different kinds of cloth diapers online on Amazon for example or you can check out your usual local baby stores.

How Many Cloth Diapers Do I Need?

Most of the time, cloth diapers need to be changed more often compared to disposable ones so you have to keep this in mind. This means that you would have to take into account the days between washing.

First, you need to determine how many diapers your child will need within 24 hours and multiply it by the days between washing.

If you are unsure, it is always better to have extra diapers on hand rather than having none left once they will all be in the wash. The more diapers you have as well, the less washing you would be doing, meaning wear and tear is reduced and it can last longer. In the end, this will help maintain its value.

For example, if you are using a cover system, 24-36 diapers with 6 covers are enough for infants.

For toddlers, 18-24 diapers with 4 covers will suffice. If you are using pocket style cloth diapers, 24-36 is also good.

Using cloth diapers can be beneficial because of advanced technology and because the whole process has evolved making it easier than before.

You will be able to save money + there are lots of brands and styles to choose from.

They actually leak less compared to disposable ones as well and if you take good care of them! Cloth diapering may not be for everyone but it is a good option to consider.

Now that you’ve been through cloth diaper 101, what do you think about cloth diapers? Would you use them?

The post Cloth Diaper 101 – Everything You Need To Know To Cloth Diaper appeared first on Today Mommy.

Amazon Baby Registry: The Ultimate Guide For Moms

Hayley — Mon, 30 Jul 2018 15:00:39 +0000

To begin the exciting journey of parenthood with your newborn, you can get everything you need through the Amazon Baby Registry.

Baby registries are amazing ways to gather all the essentials for your infant. It can provide parents with the different items you would surely need soon after your bundle of joy is born. It’s also a useful tool to ensure that you can use the different baby things that your friends and family will be giving you.

With plenty of options, it can be a bit challenging to pick one baby registry out of many out there. What’s great about Amazon baby registry is that they have tons of different brands and products you can choose from that also won’t break the bank.

Amazon Baby Registry FAQ

What is the Amazon Baby Registry?

Parenthood is a thrilling time. It’s important to choose the best and most convenient ways to provide for your baby. Amazon baby registry allows you to easily sign up and create your baby registry so you can start adding various baby items, that you need for your little one.

As the largest online shopping retailer, they have a huge selection of baby items. If you already have an Amazon account, then getting an Amazon baby registry is a breeze.

Simply put your name, address, shipping address, and expected due date. You can also personalize your account if you want to and indicate your baby’s gender or send little messages to people who are checking out the list.

This provides a more personal touch to your baby registry and will also be a useful guide for your friends and family. You can also check out video guides that’ll give you more information about a product.

After you have set up your baby registry on Amazon, you can now start adding the products you are interested in. You can use the Amazon Registry Checklist in order to see the current, popular products, or you can just look at the individual product pages.

The Baby Registry on Amazon comes with a ton of other benefits too!

What Are The Benefits of the Amazon Baby Registry?

Add Items From Other Stores

You can add items from other websites or stores. This makes it convenient since you would only need to register in one site and add to it. You can have a lot of choices and you’re not limited to Amazon things.

All you would have to do is add the “Add to Registry” button to your browser tab and if you find something on another website you want, you click on that button and it’s immediately added to your registry!

Amazon Baby Registry Completion Discount

For Amazon items that weren’t purchased, you would be able to get discounts for them (completion discounts). Within 30 days of your due date, you can get up to 10% off and if you are a member of Amazon Family/Prime, you can get a 15% off. You can get up to $500 worth of savings.

Easy Returns

You can easily return Amazon items that you either have double of or just things you don’t like in person. You can return the items up to 90 days after it was delivered and it’s completely free.

Regular stores would normally have a 30-day return policy.

There are simple steps and instructions to follow in the online returns center that makes returning the items really easy. You will receive a credit back and don’t worry, the giver won’t know that you returned the item!

Make It Easier On Friends & Family

Your friends and family can have your items shipped directly to the stored address in your registry (your address isn’t visible to anyone), even if they live out of the country, which is another great convenience to have. Amazon is so popular and universal that most likely, your friends and family will already have an Amazon account, to begin with.

Mobile Friendly

You can use your mobile device and other devices you might have to update your registry anytime. This means even if you are not at home, you can easily manage your registry at your convenience.

Functional Purchase Tracking

For those people who would buy your gifts/items in physical stores, they have the option to mark off “purchased” on your registry even if they didn’t purchase it online. This will help prevent duplicate items when you inform your friends and family that they do have this option.

Low Prices

This feature is what makes Amazon so popular and what makes them have an edge over others. You can compare different prices and get good deals!

A Big Selection of Baby Items

Aside from great prices, you’ll know that there are a lot of choices out there and you can basically get anything and everything you want from the baby registry on Amazon.

Free Two-Day Shipping

Anyone who buys online knows that shipping fees can pile up and become costly. You can get free two-day shipping as a prime member or get free shipping over $35.

The Amazon Welcome Box

One of my favorite things about the Amazon Baby Registry is the Amazon welcome box. There are some great sample items you can get and try out. These might be things you haven’t heard of or some items that you’ll end up loving. These might be wipes, baby lotion, diaper, swaddle, bottle, rattle, and even protein bars.

The value could reach up to $35. You will also be able to identify the items you won’t need and it could also help you get those savings since you wouldn’t be wasting your money on items you know you wouldn’t like or need.

Add Gift Card

Aside from actual products and items, you can also add gift cards to your registry if you wish to. Just go to the Amazon gift card page and select the card you want and click on “Add to Baby Registry”.

Limited Time Offers

This is one of the reasons getting Prime can help you get big discounts. You’ll be able to get exclusive offers that can translate to savings! If you aren’t sure, you can also do a free 30-day trial of Amazon Prime to get benefits and see if you would like it. You can also get coupons that you can use for the family.

What is the Amazon Baby Registry Discount?

If you are a non-prime member, you can get up to 10% discount once you set up your baby registry while prime members can get 15% off. This discount is called a completion discount, which you can use on the remaining items on your registry. It’s a great way to get savings on items that you need and want.

Here are some guidelines:

You can use this once on any of the selected items that remain on your list.
The 10% discount can be used for orders up to $ 5,000.
There’s a maximum discount of up to $ 500.
The time frame for the completion discount starts 60 days before your due date and expires 180 days after.

How To Use The Amazon Baby Registry Search?

Once you have created a registry, it is searchable within one to six hours.

First, go to the Baby Registry search field
You can then type in a first name, last name, or email address. You also have the option to put in the city, state, and the arrival month and year if you have that information.
Click on Search.
Click on the registrant’s name and see their list.

During this wonderful time with your new family, it is important to look for effortless and stress-free ways to get everything you need.

With the use of Amazon Baby registry, you can find the right products and gather all the essentials for your newborn. At the same time, you can provide ways for friends and family to easily help you with your baby’s needs.

The baby registry on Amazon allows you to create your desired list all from the comforts of your own home. This amazing online tool won’t only provide you with a great experience and convenience, but you can also get important things done and make things a lot easier for you and your family.

The post Amazon Baby Registry: The Ultimate Guide For Moms appeared first on Today Mommy.

How to Start Couponing: The Ultimate 2018 Guide

Hayley — Fri, 20 Jul 2018 15:00:29 +0000

Have you ever left the grocery store and thought, “I just blew my monthly grocery budget….and it’s only the first week”?

Maybe you’ve even seen the TV show “Extreme Couponers” and wished you had the time (or the energy) to get those kind of savings?

Just last month, I took the kids to visit my parents while Phillip (the hubby) had a busy work month. While there, my dad asked for help. He and my mom still have four kids living at home, and they’re spending almost as much on food as they do on their mortgage.

{Okay, maybe not quite that much, but it sure feels like that sometimes!)

We (Phillip and I) totally get that. We’re in that boat, too. Phillip has a full-time job, and I homeschool our two kids. It’s part of the reason why we started our blog. A few years ago, someone showed us how to start couponing, and we were amazed at how easy it was to save!

Now, before you run away and bury your head in a pillow at the thought of couponing, let me reassure you that this is not your mother’s couponing!

You may have memories of your mom spending hours cutting out coupons from the Sunday paper each week, then spending hours pouring over grocery store ads to see the sales, and then spend more hours going to several different grocery stores, probably hauling along three or four kids. (Although in those days, you could leave the kids in the car with the windows down.)

It makes me want to take a nap just thinking about it.

BUT there is good news! The invention of a little thing called the internet has made it so that someone else (like Phillip and me) do all the work for you! All you need to do is spend maybe an extra 20-30 minutes in prepping, and you’re good to go!

Let me explain what you need to do:

How To Start Couponing

First, pick a grocery store.

If you’re just learning how to start couponing, just stick with one store. Otherwise, it’s going to quickly spiral out of control. Take a couple of minutes and download the app for that store.

Stores like Kroger (and its affiliates, like Smith’s or King Soopers), Safeway, and others provide digital coupons on their apps. You just sign in, load the coupons to your rewards card, and they’ll come off automatically at checkout! You may also get special digital coupons just for you based on your shopping habits!

Related: How To Save Money On Groceries

Second, get a Sunday paper

The majority of coupons still come in the Sunday paper. If you can afford it, sign up for a Sunday newspaper subscription to be delivered to your doorstep! We recommend signing up HERE, because you can get discounted newspapers (save up to 92%!).

In each paper are booklets with coupons in them, called inserts. Just pull out these inserts and write the date with a Sharpie on the front. Keep them in a filing cabinet (or even a stack in the corner) for future use. We’ll explain what to do with them later.

Third, get some more apps

There are three apps that we really want you to download for your phone.

Flipp – this app has a scan of every single weekly ad that comes out! If you need to get milk at the store, you can search Flipp and it will tell you all of the local stores that have milk in their ads! If you’re a person that already shops at multiple stores, this is a great tool. (If the idea of going to more than one store has you weeping in the corner in terror, then you can skip using Flipp.)

Favado – this app is the holy grail of couponing. It contains coupon matchups for pretty much every single store in existence. What are coupon matchups? They’re what your mom used to do for hours each week, only someone else has already done it for you! Some blogger (like us!) has gone through the store’s ad, and matched every single item in the ad with any available coupons!

Ibotta – this is a rebate app. When you purchase any item listed on the app, you can scan your receipt and they will give you a rebate (we cash it out to Paypal) for that item! (Bonus: if you download it here, you can get an extra $10 when you redeem your first rebate!)

Fourth, look at the coupon matchups to make your list

Now it’s time to make your shopping list! You have the grocery store you want to go to. Open your Favado app and look at the store’s matchup for the week. You can scroll through the list of the top 10 deals for that store, and add any items you want to your shopping list.

With each item, it will show you any coupons that go with it. If it’s a coupon from an insert (from the Sunday paper), then it will tell you which week the insert came out! You can go to your stack of inserts in the corner and just cut out the one you need. If it’s a printable coupon, it will give you the link to where you can print it from!

Even cooler, if you make an account, then you can email this list to yourself! You can also head over to our website to look at the full matchup (instead of just the top deals), and it will sync any items you choose there, as well!

You now have a shopping list that you can access on your phone, email to yourself, and even print out! All with exactly which coupons go along with those items! Isn’t that so much easier than scouring the ads.

Fifth, look for coupons for all items on your list

Now for the final question, we know you’ve been dying to ask: what if I need to buy something that isn’t in the ad/matchup? Are there any coupons I can use?

The answer is yes! And no, you do not have to go through every single insert in the corner, looking for a coupon that may or may not exist. Instead, you can use this coupon database that we have on our website!

For example, let’s say you’re out of mayonnaise and need to buy some more. Just search “mayonnaise” in the database, and it will list all of the currently available coupons! If there are insert coupons, it will tell you which week they came out. If there are printable coupons, there will be a link to where you can print it from!

You can also search the coupons in your store’s app to see if there are any digital coupons to download.

Some rules when learning how to start couponing

Before you run off to the grocery store, we just want to go over a couple of rules real fast. These are rules that apply to pretty much every single store. (If you want store-specific rules, we have posts on our website HERE.)

You can only use one coupon per item. Even if there is a digital coupon for $0.50 off mayonnaise and an insert coupon for $0.75 off mayonnaise, you can only use one or the other (unless you buy two). This is written on every coupon as, “Limit one per purchase.”
Some coupons will state how many of each kind of coupon you can use at once (the term for this is “like coupons.). You will see something like, “Limit 2 like coupons per transaction per household per day.” This means you can buy two items and use two of that coupon.
If the coupon doesn’t have a limit, some stores will have a limit. Target limits you to 4 like coupons per day, and Kroger limits you to 5 (although only 2 if they are printables).

If you aren’t sure, just ask a cashier! If you tell them that you are new to using coupons and want to make sure you use them correctly, they will be more than happy to help you!

Step it up a notch

Now, if you’ve followed all these steps, you’re going to eventually realize that there are a ton more ways to save with coupons! If you get to that point and want to learn more, we have a FREE ebook on our website that will take you in-depth into couponing. Or feel free to email us from our website – we love to reach out and help people individually!

Have fun!

When you are learning how to start couponing it can be nerve-wracking. At least, it was for me. I was terrified that I was going to do something wrong and a cashier would yell at me. But it went great! And you know what? It was a rush! As I watched the price tick down with each scanned coupon, I felt a little thrill go up my spine.

I still feel that way, even though I have been using coupons for three years now! There is something so satisfying about ringing up all your groceries, then watching the cost go down by 50-75%.

Phillip couldn’t believe it the first time he went for me (right after I had baby #2). He came home extremely excited and had to show me everything he purchased. Every. Single. Thing. It was kind of like listening to a replay of a football game – every coupon was analyzed, every *ding* at the register was explained. (Don’t worry, he laughed at me when I did this to him after my first coupon trip!)

Taking the extra 20-30 minutes each week to find coupons for the items on your list is worth it! You may not feel like you’re saving much at the beginning, but as you get used to it, you’ll be able to go quicker and save more money! Those savings add up, trust me!

Do you have any unanswered questions about how to start couponing? Let me know in the comments!

Tiffany is a former math teacher and SAHM who loves finding good deals! She and her husband, Phillip, who is an engineer, work together on The Crazy Shopping Cart. They enjoy spending time with their family, geeking out over sci-fi together, and saving money.

The post How to Start Couponing: The Ultimate 2018 Guide appeared first on Today Mommy.

10 Things To Stop Buying To Save Money

Hayley — Fri, 29 Jun 2018 15:00:29 +0000

Growing up my grandpa always told me “ Watch your pennies and your dollars will take care of themselves.”

How true is that? When it comes down to saving money a lot of times it comes down to the little purchase that one credit card swipe at a time can really add up! Building your savings can be as simple as finding a few things to stop buying to save money.

When you eliminate these purchases that you can live without (or looking for cheaper alternatives and solutions), you will be able to save money and work towards your goals.

Here are 10 things to stop buying to save money:

Paper towels/napkins

Aside from being bad for the environment, paper towels can also be a big waste of money. You can use old rags or cloths to clean up instead so that you can just reuse them. You can use a paper towel for those special cleaning jobs that you can’t use a rag for, otherwise – try to avoid using them.

Female-targeted products

Don’t fall into the trap of buying things “specially made for women” since it can cost less to buy the men’s version- and it works exactly the same! A few samples of these are razors, deodorant, and other body care items.

I’ve found that I liked using my husband’s razors much more anyways.

Books and magazines

Actual books and magazines are expensive so unless it is a special book or magazine that you would be reading over and over, it is best to get an unlimited Kindle membership so you can read as much as you want for a small fee.

There is something that is beautiful about physically turning the pages in a book so if you crave hard copies of books you can get a library card and check out books, head out to yard sales or a used bookstore to get good deals or you can visit your local library to borrow some books and other reading material.

My personal favorite way is to buy books online from Better World Books. The prices are much lower than buying new (check out their Bargain Bin!) + everytime you purchase a book they donate one to someone in need! How cool is that?

Cleaning supplies

Instead of buying fancy branded and expensive cleaning products from the store, you can make your own cleaning products instead.

A vinegar and lemon juice mix can become an all-purpose cleaner, baking soda and vinegar can be used on toilet bowls and drains, and vinegar and water can be used for windows. You can also research other DIY recipes for whatever cleaning needs you may have.

Gym memberships

A lot of people keep gym memberships but only go there once in a while. They can get really expensive so unless you are actively using your membership, it is best to just cancel it and try other fitness activities.

You can go for a run, walk the dogs, play sports, or even just use workout videos from home.

Expensive coffee

You can save a lot of money if you stop getting that daily Starbucks and just try to make your own at home or try other recipes. You can satisfy your caffeine cravings but save at the same time!

I know lots of my friends LOVE Starbucks (and I am a total sucker for their Peppermint Hot Chocolate), but they keep upping their prices. I know a lot of people have switched over to McDonald’s McCafe coffee and have been really impressed.

Small sized personal care items

For things like shampoos, conditioners, body soaps, washes, face cleansers, deodorants, toothpaste, and other things that are necessities, it is best to buy them in bulk so you don’t have to waste money and keep on buying more.

Watch the price per ounce when buying any products at the grocery store. Oftentimes, the larger sizes are less per ounce so you will save in the long run. You can also keep an eye out for when these things go on sale or use coupons to save even more.

Bonus Tip: instead of using shaving gel/cream, use your conditioner and you can save a few bucks! I always use way more shampoo than conditioner anyway so this helps even out how quickly you are going through them.

Bottled water

This is a super easy one to stop buying to save money. You can save more if you use a filtered water pitcher and just use reusable water bottles and refill them if you need to grab one on the go.

We used the Brita pitcher to filter our water until we moved into our new house that had a built-in purifier and the Brita was great! Even if you invest in a good water filtering system, in the end, it will be worth it and you would also be helping to save the environment from all those plastic water bottles.

I am personally a Contigo water bottle junkie and I carry around my trusty bottle all day long.

Takeout/ fast food

Sometimes because of our busy lifestyles, takeout or fast food is a convenient thing to have. It can get expensive though and not to mention, unhealthy. Instead, plan and prepare ahead of time by doubling up a recipe so that you can re-use/reheat the leftovers later on or set some aside in the freezer.

Every once in a while it is nice to eat out. There are a couple ways that we save money when eating out:

1. I always look up a coupon before we go out to see if there are any deals or promotions going on.

2. Consider splitting your meal with your spouse or kiddos. Portion sizes when eating out, in general, are HUGE. When we split one we are always left satisfied and it allows us to eat out more often.

Manicures

I rarely get manicures like maybe once every year or two. Instead of paying for a manicure, you can buy your own supplies from the drugstore or beauty store and you can save a ton.

And if you want to enjoy a manicure make it stretch as long as you can. Every spring my mom treats herself to a pedicure (usually for Mother’s day) and when she is paying she buys the color of polish that they used. That way here and there she can touch up and chips. This makes her pedicure last for months!

By trying to avoid buying the items above, you will be able to save more money. Not everything will work the same for everyone, and it is fun to splurge sometimes, but try at least a few on the list and see what you can stop buying to save money.

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How To Get The Best Deals On Amazon

Hayley — Fri, 22 Jun 2018 15:00:41 +0000

What’s not to love about online shopping? You get to browse to your heart’s desire and buy whatever you want all while wearing sweatpants in the comforts of your own home.

What’s even better? Getting the best deals on Amazon and saving money! Amazon is one of the platforms that can make online shopping a breeze and in my years as an avid Amazon shopper I’ve come up with my favorite ways to get the best deals on Amazon. Here’s how:

How To Get The Best Deals On Amazon

Amazon warehouse deals

This section has items that Amazon might not have wanted to sell because of reasons like a broken box, but the item itself is still in good condition. You can look around here and get items up to 50% off.

There are also some open box items, which have been returned that you can get great discounts for. There will also be an explanation of the condition of the items that you can check out.

Amazon outlets

Here you can usually find deals for items that were discontinued, overstocked, old models, or cleared out. Basically, these are inventory that Amazon wants to get rid of.

You can get items that are up to 60% off. You can also see some expensive or popular brands on here. Since these are usually only available for a limited amount of time though, you need to act quickly!

Cashback after price drops

After buying something and you see it at a lower price on Amazon, you can then ask for the difference by contacting customer service to make sure that you get the best deals on Amazon. Most of the time you have a 7-day window to watch out if the price drops after you purchase something.

Amazon Prime

For around $10 a month, you can get awesome benefits like free two-day shipping, free music, and free Kindle books among others. You can watch all your faves as well as have access to many other shows and films. You can start a free 30-day trial as well if you want to get a preview of what you can get on prime.

Our family has had Amazon Prime for years and it has saved my hiney on multiple occasions.

Click here to try Amazon Prime free for 30 days!

Trade-ins for Amazon gift cards

Whatever items you have and wherever you bought them from, you can trade them in and get paid through Amazon gift cards after around 10 days. Shipping them is free as well.

This is great as well for college students. I traded in so many of my old college textbooks for Amazon gift cards.

Amazon Family

This is a great one for all of us mamas out there. You can get up to 20% off on diapers, wipes, and other baby essentials. This is a very convenient way you can stock up on your child’s necessities.

This is a special program for Amazon Prime members. You can get 20% off diapers, wipes, and other family essentials when you use the Amazon Subscribe and Save option and have five subscriptions set to arrive at the same time.

Amazon Family makes it easy to get the best deals on Amazon on tons of products, plus it helps us moms streamline part of our lives so we don’t accidentally run out of diapers…come on, it has happened to all of us at least once!

Click here for a free 30-day trial of Amazon Family.

Add on items

Try saving these for later and when you have an order that’s worth at least $25, you can then move it to your cart and get free shipping.

Missed shipping prime extensions

If you are an Amazon Prime member and there has been a missed shipping deadline, you can contact customer service to know how you can get a 1-month prime extension.

Free apps for Android

If you have an Android device, Amazon has free apps every morning that you can check out and you can download as much as you want. These are available for only 24 hours though so keep an eye out!

Amazon Subscribe and Save Deals

You can use this program for those items you need to purchase regularly. After you have picked your items, you can then set it up to deliver every month and it will be automatically sent to you. Once you reach up to 5 subscriptions a month, you can get a 15% discount as well as free shipping.

‘Today’s Deals’

Every day, you can see on the top page the best deals available for that day. You can see the words “Deal of the day” or “Lightning Deals”. Some are available for a limited time only and usually last for that day only. You can get up to 70% off on some items so make sure you don’t miss out in checking this section.

Amazon basics

These are the simple everyday items you buy which could be offered at greater deals when you buy at Amazon. You can get prices that are up to 15% cheaper than other listings on Amazon for similar products.

Taking surveys to earn Amazon gift cards

Apps like Swagbucks are great for when you want to do something like taking a survey, play games, watch videos, and get an Amazon gift card as a form of payment.

Ebates

This is a super easy way to get cash back when shopping pretty much anywhere online! Plus, you can get a $10 when you sign up and use this link!

Amazon rewards visa credit car

This is a credit card that you can use to get a 5% money back on all your Amazon purchases. You will be able to receive an Amazon gift card worth $70. You can also get 2% back at gas stations and restaurants, as well as 1% back on other items.

Deal tracker sites

Want to know if an item you are eyeing is actually a good deal? Tools like CamelCamelCamel can analyze Amazon prices for you to ensure that you are getting the best deals available. You can also receive emails in order to be notified of when the price of a certain item will go down below a certain price to ensure that you are getting the best deals on Amazon!

Getting the best deals on Amazon is always a plus! Try out these different strategies in order to get discounts can go a long way into increasing your savings.

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The Ultimate Guide To Save Money On Groceries

Hayley — Fri, 22 Jun 2018 15:00:13 +0000

Groceries take up a huge chunk of our budgets, in our house it is second only to our mortgage and it can increase even more when you have a big family.

Not to mention the growing food prices, which makes it even more important to take a look at how much you’re spending and seeing what you can do to bring down those costs.

Here are some smart ways you can save money on groceries:

Saving on protein

Protein can be one of the biggest expenses on your grocery bill, so there is a huge opportunity to save. Our local grocery store does a big meat sale 1-2 times a month. During those sales, we stock up for the entire month. We use what we can that week and freeze the rest. Then we pull out what we need.

Many stores also have a “Managers Special” section where they have products that are near their “sell by” date. You can snag some great deals there that you can also freeze or use up within the next few days.

Another option you have is to try to eat vegetarian a couple of times a week – maybe you’ve heard of Meatless Monday? Not only will it save you some dough, it’s healthy as well. Try to make it interesting for your family by trying out different yummy recipes.

Frozen fish and seafood

You can get savings up to 40% and you can also keep the fish for longer while still enjoying good quality.

Buy items on sale

Go for those goods sold at 30-50% off the regular price to get the most savings. Make sure the items you buy on sale are also the ones that your family will actually use. There is no use getting a bunch of a certain item if no one in your family will eat it.

You can also keep track of regular prices so that you will be well informed for when these things do go on sale. I have price points in my head that I use to know if I am getting a good deal. Like I won’t buy a box of cereal unless it is under $1.50 a box.

Understanding unit prices can also help you determine what kind of a deal you are getting.

Stocking up

This means buying an item on sale and buying a lot of it to keep in stock until it goes on sale again. Since the usual sale cycle will go from 6 to 8 weeks, you can build up your stockpile that could last for this period of time.

This one tip will save you so much money on groceries. It is way better to grab a few extra packages of toilet paper this week when they are on sale vs. paying full price for the next five or six weeks!

As you start to monitor your spending you will begin to notice patterns in the sales so you can project how much of each thing you need.

Using weekly ads

Check out your local grocery for the weekly ads they publish and look at the items on sale. You can then build your meals around these ingredients and food-stuffs for sale.

Pay special attention to items that are on the front page. These are typically super good deals that are there to draw you into the store. These are called “loss leaders.” Oftentimes the store will break even or even lose money on these items as a way of marketing to get you to buy more products.

Use this to your advantage and stock up!

Rebate apps

Ibotta is a free app you can use to get cash back or you can use it to earn gift cards. I’ve used this for about five years now and it is a great way to get a little kickback on your purchase.

Checkout 51 is another app you can use to save money on groceries.

Coupons

Not everyone uses coupons and they also don’t work for everyone. It is best to use these along with sales in order to make the most out of them and get more savings.

Sometimes people think coupons are usually for foods that aren’t healthy but you can find a ton of coupons for foods like yogurt, soy or almond milk, oatmeal, frozen vegetables, pasta, canned tomatoes, and rice. There are also coupons for items like shampoo, toilet paper, cleaning supplies, and over-the-counter medicines.

When my husband and I were first married we were both in school full-time and poor as poor so I learned how to coupon. Using our same monthly budget I was able to stock up on tons more items.

I found that personal care items, cleaning supplies, etc. were the best deal for us. I still have dish soap from my couponing days years ago. It takes effort, but it can be really worth it, especially if you have a large family!

Buy in season

This is a great way to save on things that could otherwise be twice the price or more. You can even go to a farmer’s market for even cheaper prices while helping your community out as well. Work with what’s in season and you can reap the benefits through savings.

Check out markdowns

Take a look around the grocery store and check out the items that were marked down and see how much they have been marked down. This will give you a good idea if it is worth it to buy these goods. You will usually find them in the produce sections, meat sections, or at the back of the store.

Don’t spend too much time at the grocery store

The less time you spend at the store, the less the chances you can get tempted to buy unnecessary things and going over budget – we’ve all been there!

If you go to the store once a week, try cutting back to going every other week. Most things you can stock up on for a couple weeks at a time. By avoiding the store you can save a ton of money on buying groceries that you may not really need.

If you can’t stretch out your shopping trips try something grocery pickup. Many stores are now offering curbside pickup where you order online and one of the store employees will shop for you and then bring it to your car.

Some programs have a fee for this service and others have a minimum order price to qualify.

If you like to shop at Walmart you can try their grocery pick up for FREE + get $10 off your $50 order when you use this link.

This is great for things like produce or milk that may not last for two weeks.

Eat/use your leftovers

When you have extra food, reuse them another time or create meals using your leftovers in order to save. Don’t throw away food that can still be consumed and you can save on your grocery money.

I’m blessed that my hubby loves leftovers so we eat them often or he takes him as his lunch for work.

Regrow vegetable scraps

Instead of throwing those veggie scraps, you can regrow them and have your very own vegetable garden. You can do these with vegetables like onions, celery, and potatoes for example.

If you live in a climate that allows it, consider growing a garden in the summer too. Many items can be canned or preserved to last for months! We have a small container garden (two boxes about 3.5 x 3.5) and you would be amazed how much you can grow in that little space!

Growing your own spices

Instead of buying your spices from the store, you can make your own garden of herbs like basil, mint, oregano, parsley, or rosemary.

Fresh herbs can make your meals taste better and growing them in your own home can not only help you save money but also give you the assurance that you’re using fresh and healthy ingredients on your food.

I grow herbs in mason jars on my kitchen window. They are stylish and practical!

Switch up brands

You don’t need to buy name-brands all the time. Foods like canned produce, cooking oil, flour, butter, and frozen produce often times will have the same basic ingredients whether they are generic or not, but you can save more with the generic one (unless you have a coupon!).

Paying with cash

This has advantages since you won’t be as tempted to overspend. You can set aside an amount in cash specifically for your groceries and then work within that budget.

Paying with credit cards

When paying using a card, you could get grocery related rewards or cash back. Some can offer hotel points or airline miles. The key here is to stick to your plan and refrain from purchasing any unnecessary items.

We personally have the Chase Southwest card so we can earn points and fly for free!

Stay away from prepared foods

These may be more convenient and tempting to buy at times (and we all do it occasionally!), but remember that they cost around 40% more.

It is better to buy the ingredients individually and then set aside a time to prepare them. You can research on recipes and try on different meals to also add a variety.

Don’t shop hungry

It’s definitely true that if you go to the grocery store hungry, you may end up purchasing impulse buys and food that you wouldn’t need since you’ll have less patience and self-control.

Every time we go to the store hungry we end up with random junk food like corn dogs and Oreos in our cart and totally blow our budget.

Shopping online

Compare food prices that you see online and see which ones would come out cheaper. Amazon has great deals on things like cooking oils, beans, honey, or rice. You can also find organic and natural food online at competitive prices.

Be sure to check out this post on how to get the best deals on Amazon.

Keeping a list

By keeping track of your essentials and how much you have on hand, you can then find the right time to go to the grocery store as well as plan your trips carefully and strategically. By also monitoring what you have in your stock, you can then avoid things like food expiring or other supplies going to waste.

There are many tips and tricks you can try out to save money on groceries. See which strategy works best for you and your family to help you get those savings.

With a little due diligence, planning, and resourcefulness, you will be able to allocate your funds properly and make the most out of your grocery budget.

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