Preparing for a baby in this economy can feel like trying to fill a basket with water. Every time you think you’re almost ready, something new pops up. It could be another bill, another item or another well-meaning aunt or online expert telling you, “You must get this.”
And if you’re a first-time mum in Nigeria or anywhere in the world right now, it’s completely normal to feel overwhelmed. The costs add up quickly, things like hospital bills, diapers, wipes, baby clothes and feeding essentials. And let’s not even get into the emotional cost of trying to “do it right.”
But here’s the truth I want you to hold onto.
You do not need to buy everything to be a good mum. You just need to start with what matters.
And that’s what this post is about. Not to make you feel pressure or panic, just grounded wisdom. If you are searching for how to save money during pregnancy or how to budget for a newborn in Nigeria, you’re in the right place. Let’s walk through it together.
Start With a Plan, not a Panic.
Most of us were never taught how to financially prepare for motherhood. So when the pregnancy test says positive, we often jump straight into reaction mode. Things like buy this, rush that, ask Google, ask Instagram and compare notes.
But here is what I have learned from coaching and walking with hundreds of mums. A simple plan will give you more peace than any shopping spree.
Create a baby budget that works for your current reality. You don’t need a fancy app. A pen, a notebook, and some quiet time are enough.
List out your top categories; think hospital costs, baby items, personal recovery essentials, feeding support. Then, write down what you think each item might cost. It does not have to be exact. The goal is not perfection, it’s clarity.
Know What You Actually Need
There is a difference between what is nice to have and what is necessary. Many mums spend money out of fear or because of pressure from social media, but babies grow fast and they grow out of things even faster.
For the early months, these are the basics most mums truly need:
- A few soft onesies and singlets
- Diapers and wipes
- A safe sleeping surface
- Feeding support, whether breastfeeding or bottle-feeding
- A small bath, mild baby soap, and clean towels
- A thermometer, baby lotion or petroleum jelly, and cotton wool
Everything else is optional, truly. Let your budget grow with your baby. Do not try to prepare for six months all at once. Your baby is not expecting luxury. They are expecting your care and that is something you already carry.
Let People Help You, But Guide Them Kindly
One of the most overlooked money-saving tips for new mums is this: people want to give. But they often do not know what you really need.
So instead of receiving five baby shawls and no feeding bottles, create a short list and share it. You can write it in a WhatsApp message or keep a note on your phone. Let your friends, sisters, aunties, or colleagues know the few things that would be helpful. It is not pride. It is wisdom.
When we allow people to support us with direction, we reduce waste and remove emotional pressure.
Take the Hospital Seriously
I always advise first-time mums to start planning for hospital costs early. Delivery is not just one bill: there are scans, consultations, medications, and possible emergencies. If you’re using a private hospital, ask for an estimate. If you are on a health plan, ask for what is covered and what is not. You may not have all the money upfront, and that’s okay. Even saving a little each week helps. The goal is not to have everything, but to avoid last-minute shock.
Buy Slowly, in Stages. Buy in Wisdom.
You do not have to buy everything in one week. Start early and buy gradually, buy one small item at a time. By the time baby comes, you’ll be surprised how much you’ve gathered without stress.
Also, try to buy in bulk when possible; wipes, diapers, baby soap, etc. You can join hands with another mum to split the cost. Look out for open markets or local stores with good prices. And remember, what matters is function, not branding.
A cotton singlet from your local market will serve your baby just as well as a designer one. Choose what gives you peace, not what gives you pressure.
Community Will Save You
If there is one thing I tell every mum I work with, it is this; you were not meant to do this alone.
Join a community of mums. Ask questions, listen to stories and learn from those ahead of you. You will discover tricks that books won’t tell you. You may also find gently used baby items from someone who no longer needs them. And most importantly, you will feel less alone.
At 5StarMums, we are building that kind of space for Nigerian mums. A place that is honest, nurturing, and deeply supportive. If you’re not already with us, you’re welcome to join our community and grow with other mums who are walking the same path.
You Are Already Enough
Before I end this post, I want to speak to the woman behind the screen. The one calculating baby bills with her calculator app. The one thinking, “Will I have enough?”
I want you to know that your love is not measured in money. Your baby is not counting the brands you buy. Your value as a mum is not sitting inside a diaper bag. It is in your calmness, your effort and your presence.
So give yourself permission to breathe, plan at your own pace and say no to unnecessary pressure.
You are not behind, you are not doing it wrong, you are growing, and that is more than enough.
🎧 Want More Support? Listen to the Podcast Episode
If this post spoke to you, I have something even more special. We recorded a full podcast episode on this exact topic. It is called “Budgeting for Baby: Saving Money and Spending Smart” and it’s live now on Spotify.
You’ll hear deeper tips, a soft reminder that you’re not walking alone.
🎧 Listen here: Budgeting for Baby – 5StarMums Podcast on Spotify
Share This With a Mum Who Needs It
If you know a first-time mum who is trying to prepare for her baby and feeling unsure about how to start, send this post to her. She may not say it out loud, but your message could lift a weight off her heart.
And if this helped you, I would love to hear from you. Leave a comment or tag us on Instagram at @5starmums Let’s keep the conversation going.
Because you, mama, are not just budgeting for a baby. You’re building a future with love, care, and wisdom.
“Don’t go through mumming alone.”
FK Jesuyode
Founder, 5StarMums
