In preparation for welcoming a new child, many parents go into overdrive shopping for infant care items. It's understandable.
It's not uncommon to rack up a hefty receipt in the process. Fret not though. We're stepping in to ease the financial burden of raising children.
From diapers for $0.12 per piece to baby carriers under $5, we've scoured the Internet for the cheapest deals when it comes to baby products.
You'd be surprised to learn where some of the best promotions come from. Hint: it's not always Qoo10 and supermarts like Giant that offers the lowest prices.
Here are the top 8 cheapest baby products, and where to find them.
If you aren't aware, there are many different types of baby formula, each one corresponding to the age of the newborn and the amount of nutrients the baby needs. Let's look at Stage 1 formula, also known as infant milk powder, which feeds newborns up to their 6th month. Here are a few of the major brands in the sphere of formula milk powder and their most affordable offerings.
Cheapest product: Dumex Dulac Infant Milk Formula (Stage 1), $14.80 (800g)
Where to find it: Whether you're shopping at NTUC Fairprice, RedMart, Guardian, Qoo10 or EAMart, the price for this milk powder remains the same.
With no real need to splurge on a high-grade sippy cup for your infant given its rather straightforward function, you can settle for the most affordable, label-less bottle. Chances are even the cheapest products are BPA-free, making it safe for a child to use.
Cheapest product: Lovely Baby Mini Portable BPA-Free Feeding Bottle, $1.64
Where to find it: Qoo10 sells it for $3.07, but AliExpress has it on offer for $1.64.
Unless you're training to be a weight-lifting champ, you can spare yourself the agony of carrying your child around 24/7 without any aid. Heaven knows you don't need another knot in your shoulder blade. Clearly, some baby carriers are more flexible, stylish and comfortable than others, and it shows in the price tags. If budget is your main concern, however, there are tonnes of options under $20.
Cheapest product: Hold-style Dual Purpose Baby Carrier, 0-36 Months, $3.20
Where to find it: At more than 90 per cent off, this baby carrier is a steal on Lazada.
Strollers make it even easier on your arm muscles, although this time, you'll get a lot less skin-to-skin contact with your infant. Think twice before you invest in one because your child might not be accustomed to sitting in a stroller, and you won't get any rest until they find their back into your arms, making your pram a moot purchase.
Cheapest product: 2Smart Premium Reversible Baby Stroller, $59.90
Where to find it: This foldable stroller, equipped with anti-shock wheels, thick steel rods and an adjustable back of up to 175 degrees, is available on sale for $59.90 at Qoo10.
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Diapers are undeniable essentials that you can never have enough of, considering the number of times your newborn relieves in a day. The trick is to look for bulk deals that offer more for less. It's harder than you think though, with bargain sites like Qoo10 losing out to stores like Venus Beauty that you wouldn't normally associate with baby products. Lucky for you, we've got it all worked out.
Cheapest product: Huggies Total Protection Diapers, 8-13kg (56 pieces x 6), $39.90
Where to find it: A single 56-piece pack at NTUC Fairprice costs $17.90, which amounts to $0.32 per piece. Fonder sells a carton of three for $42.64, working out to $0.25 per piece. The cheapest retailer goes to Venus Beauty, which is currently offering major discounts online for the product, now priced at $39.90 (or $0.12 per piece).
More of a product for the mother, but a vital one nonetheless, is the breast pump. An indispensable tool for the modern woman, it allows you the freedom of choosing between breastfeeding and pumping, especially when you're not able to be with your infant around the clock. The investment may be a little more hefty, but absolutely worth the price.
Cheapest product: NatureBond Silicone Breast Pump, All-In-One Premium Pack, $14.90
Where to find it: Available at Qoo10, this award-winning manual breast pump comes with a stopper, a hygiene cover, and a velvet pouch.
A tiny gadget to sooth your little ones while lowering the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), pacifiers have been deemed by many as a magical solution that zaps the tears and shrieks away. Since it's likely that your child might cease suckling and accidentally lose their pacifier at some point in time, it's best to arm yourself with more than one.
Cheapest product: Aracelady Newborn Pacifier and Food Supplement Feeder, $1.62
Where to find it: Priced under $2, this pacifier from AliExpress doubles as a feeder.
ALSO READ: Where parents can rent baby strollers, toys, winter clothes, breast pumps and more: A useful list for SG parents
Whether you're cleaning your tot up after a diaper change, wiping dribble off their chin, keeping household dust away from surfaces, or removing stains, baby wipes are a multi-functional must-have in any home. Look for bulk packages because you'll need them at all times, every day of the week, baby or no baby.
Cheapest product: Carrie Junior Fun Time Wipes Cheeky Cherry, 80 pieces per pack, $5 for three
Where to find it: Usually priced $2 for a single pack, Watsons is running a $5 for three promotion, which lowers the cost per piece for the Carrie Junior baby wipes to $0.02. Do note that the item sells out fast though.
This article was first published in SingSaver.com.sg.