Great Ways for New Military Parents to Cut Costs

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Budget for Baby Workshop military discount
Volunteers with the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society (NMCRS) conduct the Budget for Baby Workshop at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Ariz., July 9, 2019. (Sabrina Candiaflores/U.S. Marine Corps)

Congratulations, you're having a baby! What an exciting time for you and your spouse as you prepare to welcome your little bundle of joy into this world.

There’s so much for new parents to learn when there's a baby on the way. And so much to buy. That’s why they need all the discounts they can find. The following is a list of helpful deals for military families and their newest military brat:

Workshops

Many military installations offer workshops to help new parents learn the ins and outs of having a baby.

For instance, the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society offers a free Budget for Baby workshop. At the workshop, you’ll learn what expenses to plan for, how to create a budget and tips on how to save money. You’ll walk away with not only lots of money-saving tips, but also a gift that includes a handmade baby blanket. Visit the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society website to learn how to register for a class near you. And contact your local base to see what other kinds of workshops are available.

Clothes, gear, and furniture

Onesies. Diapers. Crib. Stroller. Car seat. Babies need a lot of stuff.

The first place to shop should be your military Exchange. They offer savings on a wide variety of items, including baby clothes, gear, and furniture. You pay no sales tax, and most Exchanges offer a price matching policy. You can also shop online for savings.

No exchange nearby or they don’t have exactly what you’re looking for? Many other stores offer military discounts to help you out.

Home Depot and Lowe's both offer a 10% military discount every day, and they carry baby essentials like baby gates and child safety items. 

Old Navy has super cute clothes for babies and kids of all ages. Select locations offer a military discount off your total purchase. 

The SNOO Smart Sleeper by Happiest Baby’s Dr. Karp offers a 20% military discount on SNOO purchases after online verification.

Hello Bello offers a 15% military discount on their range of baby products.

At secondhand stores like Once Upon a Child you can find gently used kids clothes, toys, furniture, and other equipment for savings of up to 70% off retail. It’s a great way to sell your used kids’ stuff to make some money on those clothes your baby outgrew in a few weeks.

And as a general rule, always accept hand-me-downs from friends and family.

Photographs

Your baby will change in the blink of an eye. Baby portraits are a great way to capture those changes during those precious beginning days. 

JCPenney Portrait Studio gives military families a free 8x10, free session fees, a $119.99 digital album, 50% off your photo purchase and $6.99 standard prints.

Prefer creative baby pictures outside a studio? Find a local photographer and ask whether they offer military discounts (or any discounts in general). Many photographers will take maternity photos, newborn photos, even birth photos in the hospital room.

Stay Up-to-Date With Military Discounts

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