The toddler years are some of the absolute best – and most expensive – of parenthood. There are the sweet moments and milestones that melt our hearts, balanced with growing bodies needing new clothes and toys and wanting to eat everything (or nothing!).

So we tapped into the Mouths of Mums community brains trust (otherwise known as amazing Aussie mums) to share their best budget-beating tips for the toddler years. From clever ways to claw back the spend on food, to dressing toddlers for less and playing on a budget, real mums have shared some brilliant ideas for keeping costs down without missing out on anything.

Because being on a budget doesn’t have to mean cutting corners on quality.

Budget-Friendly Toddler Food Tips

Shop Smart: Mouths of Mums member Purdy (mum to three-under-three!) bulk buys the essentials, always has her eye out for specials and portions things out like a pro. Only buying seasonal produce means she’s not paying a premium for fruits and veggies, because every little bit counts these days.

“I bulk buy essentials, shop specials, and portion out large value packs into snap bags. We only buy seasonal fresh produce and bulk up our meals with the likes of zucchini and carrot.”

Purdy, Mouths of Mums member

Powerhouse Product Choices: Making the switch to a toddler milk drink like Alula Gentle Toddler offers great value without compromising on quality and is a smart choice for families seeking gentle nutrition that’s easy on the budget. Not just a toddler milk drink, it can be added to recipes in place of regular cow’s milk too.

“I’m always looking for double-duty products. This way my dollar stretches further.”

Jade, Mouths of Mums member

Cook Once, Eat Often: Elizabeth also makes a giant veggie stew and freezes it in containers. Same with spag bol sauce and chicken soup – healthy meals ready to go, which are much cheaper than store bought.

“Make it up cook it down put in sandwich bags freeze, then you only need to cook pasta. I have 20 bags of spaghetti sauce in my freezer now.”

Elizabeth, Mouths of Mums member

Grow Your Own Food: Christine reminds us that sometimes it’s best to go back to basics. Growing fruits and veggies to supplement your weekly shop is going to save heaps of money, and you also get the added benefit of your kids growing up knowing where their food comes from. Win win.

“Grow as much food as you can, use potted plants if you do not have space for a garden.”

Christine, Mouths Of Mums member

Pack From Home: Kathryn and Christine both recommend taking your own snacks when you go out as a big money-saver. A simple banana or homemade treat instead of a $7.50 slice of banana bread at the cafe will add up over the toddler years!

And swapping out expensive packet treats for a nutritious snack you can whip up at home means you know exactly what ingredients your little one is eating. It’s a bonus that they’re also easy on the budget, and can be made in bulk.

These tasty little Tutti Frutti Oatey Bites are a simple, budget-friendly snack made with Alula Gentle Toddler milk drink, giving your toddler a gentle nutrition boost while making the most of pantry staples and keeping snack costs down. It’s a win-win!

Simple, Gentle Goodness. No Compromise: Alula Gentle Toddler Milk Drink is a smart choice for growing kids, giving them gentle goodness in a few sips! It’s packed with essentials like calcium and vitamin D to support strong bones, teeth and iron and iodine for overall growth*. There are no added artificial colours, flavours or preservatives, which is a win for mums who want simple, straightforward goodness.

It’s made in New Zealand, backed by over 50 years of know-how, and you can grab it from all the major retailers for RRP $20.

Dress To Impress (On A Budget!)

Bigger Sizes, Neutral Colours: Bianca buys clothes a couple of sizes up so they last longer, and chooses colours that suit both boys and girls for easier hand-me-downs.

“For my girls, when they were 6 months of age I purchased size 3 t-shirts that they wore as dresses until they became the correct fit. I have 4 kids and always buy clothing (jumpers, Oodies, nighties, shirts) in bigger sizes so they can last longer. I also buy things with handing them down in mind so I get colours that suit both my boys and girls. Anything that is stained or has small holes (mended) will be kept for playgroup and messy play/painting.”

Bianca, Mouths of Mums member

Second-Hand Treasures: Louise loves picking up bulk clothing lots online or through op shops, since they’re already washed and softened. Once her kids grow out of them, she passes them on again.

“Buy bulk bags of clothes off the market place. Stops the use of so much fast fashion, plus they have been washed so many times already that most of the chemicals have been removed. Once you are done, bag them up (if in good condition) and pass them on again.”

Louise, Mouths of Mums member

Buy Quality On Sale: Tanya grabs higher-quality brands during the sales in bigger sizes, then sells them later to make some money back.

“Buy better quality clothes/brands in sales, in sizes ahead, so you don’t pay any more than you do for cheaper clothes. Then sell them when outgrown.”

Tanya, Mouths of Mums member

Sort By Size: Aniko keeps clothes sorted in big labelled bags so it’s easy to see what’s next to wear and avoid buying duplicates.

“Shopping on Vinted, especially if I can get bundles or multiple items from one place or very specific items that I need for her. I keep the clothes in big zippy bags labelled with the size and check the correct sizes every few months to see which clothes the kids can use.”

Aniko, Mouths of Mums member

Play That Isn’t Pricey

Less Is More: Victoria says that too many toys just overwhelm toddlers. They’re just as happy feeding ducks, going on a bus ride, or watching diggers at a building site, which are either super cheap or free.

“Don’t get tricked by marketing, especially influencers! Toddlers also don’t know the difference between new and used. Save your $$ for when they are teenagers! Look for free entertainment options- libraries and museums often have free toddler activities and programs through the year. Everything ordinary is extraordinary to a toddler – feed ducks at the park. Visit a pet shop. Find a building site and look at the diggers and cranes. Look for ants in the backyard. Ride on a bus. It doesn’t have to cost any money to entertain a toddler!”

Victoria, Mouths of Mums member

Toy Libraries and Swaps: Sonya and Sharon suggest local toy libraries and mum groups. It’s a cheap way to keep toys fresh and exciting.

Repurpose: Stace uses kitchen utensils, a second-hand car mat, and a cheap Bumbo seat to keep her little one busy. No need for expensive ‘baby’ messy play gear.

“Toys do not have to be new or even toys. Kitchen items etc. We use a Bumbo and a Hot wheels car mat in lounge so 1yo can sit in lounge and food play. Car mat was $5 from Kmart. Don’t bother with baby messy mats.”

Stace, Mouths of Mums member

Community Fun: Sarah points out that libraries run free rhyme time and kids’ programs all year round. Playgroups are great too, letting you meet other parents while the kids have a blast.

“Most libraries have special programs on for littlies, including things like baby rhyme time. All of the programs are free and a great way to get out of the house for a small time. You can join your local Facebook group or mums group in particular and you will generally find out more information about things happening for free or no cost. Playgroups are also an amazing free activity and great for mums to meet and chat too.”

Sarah, Mouths of Mums member

Keep It Real

Don’t Give In To Tantrums: Debbie says if you cave every time, kids will learn to demand more, which will cost you extra in the long run.

“Don’t give them everything they want to avoid a tantrum. They will learn quickly that they are not in charge. Let the tantrum happen, but don’t give in. They will stop eventually and hopefully fall asleep.”

Debbie, Mouths of Mums member

Declutter Early: Kelly had a clever rule: if the kids wanted a new toy, they had to donate two from home. It saved space and cash.

“When they wanted a toy, they had to ‘pay me’ with 2 toys of the same size when we got home. They put those toys in the charity bin or gave them to playgroups etc, especially ones they attended so they could still play with the toys with their friends.”

Kelly, Mouths of Mums member

Forget The Insta-Perfect Life: Noeline reminds us it’s OK for the house to look like kids actually live there. You don’t need everything to be showroom-ready.

Accept Hand-Me-Downs: Jenni is a big believer that second-hand furniture and baby goods work perfectly fine – and you’ll save stacks. Just make sure any furniture complies with current safety standards.

“Don’t get caught up in brand names. Use second-hand clothing and if friends and family gift you baby furniture and items say yes please because you only need majority of nursery furniture for a very small amount of time. Save the money for education and food.”

Jenni, Mouths of Mums member

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Work Smarter, Not Harder (While Sticking To A Budget!)

We love these budget toddler tips from mums (and grandmums!) who have been there, done that. These tips highlight that raising a toddler on a budget doesn’t mean you have to cut back on quality. Smart clothing swaps, easy homemade snacks, and simple play ideas can all help you save. And when it comes to nutrition, Alula Gentle Toddler proves you can still choose quality without spending a fortune.

Alula Gentle Toddler is made specifically to support toddler growth, with a blend of 16 vitamins and minerals. It takes the guesswork out of giving your toddler gentle goodness and is an affordable choice for parents looking for everyday nutrition containing 50% of the RDI across 10 age-appropriate vitamins and minerals, including iron and iodine to help support toddlers’ growth and development*.

Mouths of Mums is proudly working with Alula Toddler to bring you this article.

_{*As part of a healthy, varied diet. Supplementary milk drink for toddlers 1 year+ when dietary intake is inadequate.}