Saving Money on Baby Gear: Natural Parenting is Less Expensive and Better for Your Baby!

Having a baby can be expensive, but it doesn't have to completely break the bank. Take some cues from the natural parenting movement to save money while giving your child a terrific start in life.

Breastfeed

Formula will cost you upwards of $1200 to $1500 in the first year. That's a minimum. If your baby has gastro-esophageal reflux (GERD) or a dairy allergy, you'll need to buy more expensive formula. That cost also doesn't include the cost of bottles, nipples, liners, and so on. If you breastfeed, you may need to buy a pump, which could run you around $250. But unless you're returning to work full-time, you could get away with a less expensive pump, or no pump at all.

Bedshare

If you decide to have your baby sleep in your bed, you won't need to buy a separate bed for him until he's older, by which time you may be able to get away with buying him a regular twin bed. This will save you big bucks.

Ditch the stroller

Most people will tell you that you absolutely have to have a stroller. But honestly, unless you have more than one child that isn't old enough to walk (and sometimes not even then), you really don't need a stroller. Try a sling, wrap, or other kind of baby carrier instead.

Some baby carriers will cost as much as a stroller, but there's no need to spend all that dough. Many work-at-home moms make and sell wraps and slings for a fraction of the price of the name-brand ones, for the same level of quality. Or you could even make one yourself. If you get a non-fraying fabric, you can make a no-sew wrap in 10 minutes. If you have access to a sewing machine and basic straight-stitching skills, you can make a fantastic ring sling in an hour or two. Both of these options will cost you less than $10.

Skip the singing toys, "womb sounds" bears, and baby DVD's