WHETHER you have a little one already or you've just discovered you're expecting, it's an incredibly exciting time.
But with so much to think about – from clothing and nappies to cots and prams – it can also be dauntingly expensive too.
Which is why it's so important to have your finger on the pulse when it comes to when the baby sales are predicted to launch in your favourite supermarket.
Here, money-saving mum-of-two and founder of money saving app My VIP Rewards, Maddy Alexander-Grout, 38, shares an insight into when you can expect the main stores to launch their sales this month.
Timing is everything
All the big supermarkets will make reductions on their ranges at this time of year.
Maddy has kept an eye on when the sales are expected to launch, and says: "January is a great time to check out the baby sales!
READ MORE SHOPPING SAVING TIPS
Aldi launches 19 new Specialbuys to help slash bills – prices start from £3
Aldi’s baby sale is back and these are the best things to buy
"The Morrisons sale will start January 9 – with the Tesco baby sale is expected then too.
"Boots is predicted to be January 11, and Aldi is January 8 online and January 12 in store.
"Asda's started January 5, Lidl's is expected January 19 and Sainsbury's is likely to begin on January 24.
"The Matalan clothes sale is on now, with everything under £5.
Most read in Fabulous
Fans accuse Harry of turning Firm into 'The Kardashians' in explosive interviews
Harry says 'stereotype' of Meg stopped Kate & Will welcoming her into family
I worked at JD Sports – there’s a reason why staff greet you at the entrance
Charles manages to smile as Royals brace for MORE Harry bombshells tonight
"But remember you don’t have to buy something for your newborn just because it’s on sale.
"Work out what you need, have a plan and stick to it."
Stock up on essentials
If you're not sure what you should stock up on, keep in mind essential items you will always need that will last – and buy them while they're discounted.
Maddy says: "Stock up on baby food if you are pregnant or have just given birth, as most baby foods have a shelf life of 18 to 24 months if unopened.
"Very occasionally you can pick up things like Calpol, which usually has a year's shelf life, but I buy supermarket own brand – it’s almost half the price, tastes nicer and is slightly less sticky!
"When the supermarket own brand nappies are on offer stock up on them too, and you can also never have too many baby wipes!
"They last forever and you use them for literally everything, including taking off your makeup, wiping down restaurant tables, cleaning sticky hands, cleaning walls, and my favourite – removing hair dye from my face."
"It's also a great time to buy bottles and sippy cups – but make sure your child likes the brand before committing and buying 20 as kids can be fussy!
"Also stock up on baby shampoo and bubble bath when they are on offer.
"They have a shelf life of 24 months so worth bulk buying."
Pushing it
Sales are also a good time to buy the staple, bigger products too.
Read More on The Sun
People are only just realising that XXL and 2XL aren’t actually the same size
Fashion fans horrified after spotting 90s trend being sold on the high street
Maddy says: "Shop around in the sales for pushchairs – but also check places like Facebook marketplace as you can pick up ones in great condition, sometimes new as people win them in competitions and then sell them on."
"Baby monitors and baby sleep sound machines can be expensive so the sales are a great time to pick up a bargain."
Source: Read Full Article