What Luxuries Should I Prioritise Cutting as a New Mum?

Becoming a new mum brings so much joy and excitement, but it also comes with many new responsibilities and a need to rework your household budget. With the added costs of caring for a baby, you might be wondering where you can save money without compromising on essential items for you and your little one. One effective way to manage your finances is by identifying luxuries you can prioritise cutting. In this article, we’ll explore what luxuries might be worth scaling back on, offer evidence-based tips for financial adjustments, and highlight the importance of antenatal services and prenatal care as essential, non-negotiable aspects of your journey as a new mum. By making thoughtful adjustments, you can ease financial pressure without feeling like you’re sacrificing too much.

Understanding Your New Priorities

Before diving into specific luxuries, it’s important to take stock of your new priorities as a mother. The immediate focus will be on ensuring that you and your baby have everything you need for a smooth and healthy transition into parenthood. From nappies and baby clothes to antenatal care and regular antenatal appointments, the essentials must come first. Many new mums are surprised at how quickly small expenses add up during the first few months after birth, so finding a balance between cutting luxuries and maintaining your well-being is key. Remember, some expenses, such as good-quality prenatal care and regular antenatal checkups, are vital for your health and your baby’s development. Therefore, these should not be considered “luxuries” but necessities.

1. Dining Out and Takeaway Spending

Eating out is often one of the first luxuries new mums choose to cut. While grabbing a quick takeaway can seem tempting—especially during those sleepless nights—it can quickly drain your budget. Ordering food and eating out regularly are among the easiest expenses to overlook because they don’t always seem significant in the moment. However, they can really add up over the course of the month.

How to Cut Back:

• Plan and prep meals: Preparing meals in advance can save you both time and money. Batch cooking and freezing portions can help you avoid the temptation of ordering in.
• Home-cooked alternatives: Set aside some time to experiment with easy, affordable recipes that can be cooked in bulk. You’ll find there are plenty of nutritious, family-friendly options that won’t break the bank. By cutting back on takeaway spending, you can redirect that money towards baby essentials or saving for future antenatal appointments or classes. And while it’s okay to treat yourself occasionally, keeping a closer eye on how often you order in can make a big difference to your budget.

2. Subscription Services and Entertainment

It’s easy to accumulate various subscription services, from TV streaming platforms to fitness apps, magazines, and delivery services. While these might have been enjoyable before, many new mums find they have less time to enjoy these subscriptions after their baby arrives. For example, if you have multiple streaming services (e.g., Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime), you may not need them all. Cutting back on or temporarily cancelling a few subscriptions could free up extra cash each month.

How to Cut Back:

• Review your subscriptions: List all your current subscriptions and assess how often you use them. Are you getting value from them, or can you live without a few?
• Focus on free alternatives: Many libraries offer free access to e-books and audiobooks. Similarly, there are plenty of free workout videos on YouTube, especially for postpartum fitness, such as gentle yoga for pregnancy or postnatal workouts. Once you’ve reviewed your subscriptions, prioritise those that you find essential for your downtime or well-being, such as fitness apps that focus on antenatal fitness or antenatal yoga—but consider pausing or cancelling the rest.

3. Expensive Beauty Treatments

Regular beauty treatments such as hair colouring, manicures, facials, and massages can be a luxury to reconsider as a new mum. While self-care is essential, especially during the postpartum period, there are many ways to pamper yourself without spending too much money.

How to Cut Back:

• Do-it-yourself: There are many affordable, high-quality home beauty products available. Whether it’s a home hair dye kit or a manicure set, these can give you similar results for a fraction of the cost.
• Opt for occasional treatments: If there’s a beauty treatment you love and don’t want to cut out entirely, consider booking it less frequently. For example, reduce monthly facials to once every few months. If you miss the relaxation of beauty treatments, consider indulging in activities that don’t break the bank. For example, a calming antenatal massage can offer numerous pregnancy massage benefits, such as reducing stress and promoting relaxation, which can be especially beneficial during pregnancy.

4. Designer Baby Gear

It’s tempting to splurge on designer baby clothes, prams, and nursery furniture, especially when shopping for your first child. However, babies grow incredibly fast, and many items you purchase at a premium price may only be used for a short time before being outgrown.

How to Cut Back:

• Opt for second-hand: There’s a thriving second-hand market for baby clothes and gear. Sites like eBay, Facebook Marketplace, and local charity shops are great places to find high-quality baby items for a fraction of the cost.
• Borrow from friends or family: Many parents are happy to pass along baby clothes or gear that their child has outgrown. Don’t be shy about accepting these hand-me-downs—they can save you a significant amount of money. While it’s natural to want the best for your baby, choosing second-hand or more affordable items doesn’t mean sacrificing quality. By cutting back on expensive baby gear, you can allocate more funds for essentials like prenatal vitamins or important antenatal support.

5. Gym Memberships

After giving birth, you might feel the urge to get back into shape, but paying for a gym membership you don’t have time to use can be a waste of money. The good news is, there are plenty of budget-friendly alternatives for getting fit as a new mum.

How to Cut Back:

• Consider online fitness classes: Instead of paying for a gym membership, look for online fitness classes that focus on postnatal fitness or antenatal yoga. These classes are often more affordable and offer the flexibility to work out at home, fitting around your baby’s schedule.
• Take walks: Walking with your baby in a pram is a simple, free way to get some fresh air and light exercise. You’ll also be able to bond with your baby while getting your body moving. For mums who enjoyed regular yoga or fitness classes during pregnancy, transitioning to postnatal-friendly routines at home or in local community settings can help maintain fitness without the high cost of a gym membership.

6. Daily Coffee and Snacks on the Go

Many of us rely on daily trips to coffee shops for a caffeine fix or a quick snack. But when you’re budgeting for a baby, even small purchases like coffee and snacks can add up over time.

How to Cut Back:

• Make coffee at home: Investing in a good-quality coffee machine for your kitchen can save you hundreds of pounds over the year. You can still enjoy your favourite brew without the high price tag of a café visit.
• Prepare snacks in advance: As a new mum, keeping quick, healthy snacks at home can help you avoid spending money on costly takeaways or convenience foods. By cutting out small, daily purchases, you’ll have more money left for important baby-related expenses like antenatal vitamins or baby-proofing your home.

Making Thoughtful Cuts as a New Mum

As a new mum, there are plenty of luxuries that can be scaled back without sacrificing your well-being or your baby’s needs. From expensive beauty treatments and gym memberships to daily coffee habits, cutting back on non-essential expenses can help free up more of your budget for important areas like antenatal care, baby essentials, and your family’s future. Remember, not every expense needs to be eliminated entirely—it’s about making thoughtful cuts where it makes sense for your lifestyle. Focusing on what truly matters—your health, your baby’s development, and your emotional well-being—will allow you to make the most of this exciting time without added financial stress.