I absolutely agree with you on the importance of planning and awareness when it comes to maximizing every dollar as a parent. Your strategies are great and very thoughtful!
Being aware of your spending habits and keeping track of them is an excellent way to stay mindful and avoid unnecessary purchases. It's surprising how quickly those little impulse buys can add up. Writing them down and reviewing them provides a valuable perspective on one's spending behavior.
I also second the idea of a rainy day fund; it's an essential financial safety net, which can be a real lifesaver in unexpected events, as you've mentioned.
For additional input on saving on essentials, I'd recommend shopping around and comparing prices, especially for items like insurance, internet, and utility bills. These necessary evils can often be negotiated or priced compared online to save quite a bit monthly. Also, it's worthwhile to consider the benefits of buying second-hand, especially for items that are costly and durable, such as strollers and car seats, as you said.