The arrival of a new baby is one of the most exciting times for new parents. However, it can also be stressful and expensive to ensure your new bundle of joy is safe and properly cared for. That’s why September’s designation as Baby Safety Month is the perfect opportunity for parents to learn about baby safety while also saving money.

Here are a few tips to help new parents maximize savings during this important month:

1. Take Advantage of Free Inspections and Installations
Many fire departments and law enforcement agencies offer free child car seat inspections and proper installations throughout September. Contact your local stations to find out dates and times. This ensures your car seat is installed correctly to keep baby safe and you don’t have to pay a mechanic.

2. Buy Safe Secondhand Items
Gently used baby items like cribs, bassinets, carriers, gates, and playpens can be purchased secondhand at garage sales, consignment shops, or online exchanges. Thoroughly inspect items for recalls and damage before purchasing. Buying quality secondhand goods saves significantly over buying new.

3. Use Coupons and Loyalty Programs
Take advantage of coupons, sales, and loyalty program rewards when shopping for necessary safety items like smoke detectors, outlet covers, cabinet locks, and baby monitors. Sign up for email lists from major retailers for promotions and discounts on baby safety products. The savings really add up over time.

4. Research and Only Buy What You Need
It’s easy to go overboard purchasing every available baby item. Carefully research safety must-haves versus nice-to-haves. Make a budget and stick to only buying essential safety items for your baby’s nursery, auto, feeding, bath, sleep, and play needs. Save money by not impulse buying unnecessary products.

5. Borrow Instead of Buying
See if family or friends have unused baby items they are willing to lend or donate to you. Borrowing some safety gear instead of buying new helps you save money. Offer to return items once you are done with them so others can reuse. Useful hand-me-downs include baby gates, monitors, safety door knobs, and anti-tip furniture straps.

6. Prioritize Flexible Spending Dollars
If you have a flexible spending account (FSA) through your employer, try to maximize your contribution pre-tax dollars this year. FSA funds can be used for qualified baby safety items like cabinet locks, safety gates, monitors, and car seats. This lets you pay for safety gear tax-free.

7. Take a Child and Infant CPR Class
Many hospitals, clinics, fire departments, and community centers offer free or low-cost CPR classes for infants and children during September. Staying up-to-date on these lifesaving skills gives parents peace of mind and helps keep baby safer. See if you can take a class for free or at reduced cost during Baby Safety Month.

Making your new baby’s safety a priority doesn’t have to wreck your family budget. Utilizing coupons, secondhand finds, free inspections, and borrowing from others allows you to get necessary baby safety gear at the lowest possible prices. Being an informed and savvy shopper during Baby Safety Month helps every parent provide their child a safe environment while still saving money.