How to Save Money During Baby's First Year

Everyone thinks that babies come with hefty price-tags. Once the initial excitement of knowing the baby is coming starts to subside, the worries begin. You're worried about the type of parent you'll be, how life will change, and, of course, how much it will cost. In reality, it's easy to blow your budget on baby things. And if you have the money, then go shopping! But for those of you with a knot in your stomach as you see your savings spiraling down the drain, don't worry, there is another way. Babies just don't cost as much in the first year as you may think.

The best advice is to go used on most things. Clothes, furniture, toys, books and other items can be bought at second-hand stores and from individuals for a fraction of the cost. However, any used furniture or equipment (swings, high chairs, etc.) should be in good working condition and meet all safety standards. I bought an Exersaucer for my son at a second-hand store when he was about 6 months old for less than $20 when they were retailing for around $80.

I recently read an article that said that the average baby costs anywhere from $2,000 to as high as $6,000 to diaper from the time they're born to potty training. You can save lots of money (and trees) by cloth diapering. The initial investment can be higher, but once you buy the diapers in the right sizes, your spending is essentially done. You can spend lots on cute prints or fancy all-in-one diapers. But if you spend $150-$200 on good pre-fold diapers and some covers, you can do it without spending a fortune. The best are Chinese pre-folds, diaper service quality (DSQ), made by a variety of manufacturers.

Everyone knows breastfeeding is cheaper and can even be free. Most people like to have bottles and even a manual pump (about $50 or less) on hand, but essentially, free. Formula can cost $20 a week or more.