Baby expenses; Not only is your family expanding, so is your belly!

Let’s get real, Babies are expensive, so here are some ways to save on baby expenses.



This is a memorable time, and you can purchase maternity clothes cheap, baby crib furniture, cheap diapers and more for less money.

MATERNITY CLOTHES

Maternity clothes are required well before the baby arrives. Let's start with the pregnancy. Congratulations, you are expected! Not only is your family expanding, so is your belly!

That requires maternity clothes, unless you happen to have a closet full of "fat clothes"; this is one of the first baby expenses you will face.

Most expecting moms enjoy buying new clothes to flatter their expanding waistlines. Although this is a chance to rush out and buy a new wardrobe, it is important to remember you will only be wearing those new outfits for a few months so consider buying maternity clothes cheap.

Instead of purchasing the clothes at retail stores, you can get great deals on used maternity clothes at second-hand stores or consignment shops. Since maternity clothes are not worn very long, the maternity clothes you find there are usually just like brand new but at a fraction of the cost.

It is also wise to consult your friends and family members who have already had children. Most women are happy to share their maternity clothes.

If you don't like the idea of used clothing, consider getting larger size shirts and pants with elastic waistbands instead of "maternity" clothes. Regular clothing not specified as maternity is usually a lot less expensive.

DIAPERS

Baby diapers will be one of the biggest baby expenses for at least the first 2-3 years. How can you save on these?

Although, a less popular option you should really read our page on reusable diapers or cloth diapers . They will be cheaper but you have to consider the inconvenience and laundry costs. If you are not up for washing a load of diapers every day, disposable diapers are the most popular choice.

There is not much difference in the quality of name brand and store brand diapers but there can be a significant difference in price. For example, at a local grocery outlet I can buy 20 cheap diapers that are not name brand for around $2.00. That's less than half of the price of the name brand.

Although these diapers don't have Elmo or Big Bird printed on them, does it really matter? Is it worth paying double? They all just end up in the trash.

Buying wholesale diapers in bulk at wholesale stores also saves money, but you may have to do a little math to make sure you really are saving money. You can also save on baby wipes by buying the less expensive brands.

Baby expenses rule. Don't wait until the baby is born to start purchasing diapers and wipes. Before the baby is born, add diapers and wipes to your monthly grocery budget. These are items you will need and will use.

Buying a few packs each month not only gets you stocked up but will also get you used to the added expense to your budget. Buy various sizes, don't stock up on a lot of newborn diapers because your baby may not wear them long.

The nursery may be another one of those large baby expenses that comes along with a new baby. You don't have to break the bank to create a safe, beautiful room for your child.

Keep in mind that your baby will be a toddler before you know it. That baby crib furniture will be outgrown and there will be no need for the changing table. Here is where it pays to purchase furniture that grows with your child. Look for 3-in-1 cribs that change into toddler beds, then into day beds or twin size beds.

These are smart investments. Buying used cribs can save you lots of money, but you have to do your homework. Check the model number and manufacturer to make sure there have been no recalls, and that the crib will be safe for your baby. You don’t have to waste money on fancy baby crib bedding; it can be dangerous for your baby! If you must purchase one of those fancy bedding sets, here are a few rules to follow.

2. For the first six months or so you should just use a crib sheet and dress your baby accordingly. If it’s cold weather dress the baby in a layer of warm clothes including footsie pajamas.

If you choose not to buy an entire baby crib bedding set, pick the theme you want for your nursery and buy solid color sheets to match. You can save money buying a few accessories that match your theme rather than going crazy buying everything the store has.

3. If you do buy the whole set, or you have been given one as a gift do not despair, here are a few simple guidelines to using your baby's bedding and keep them safe.

- Go ahead and use the crib skirt. It will help hide those boxes of diapers and wipes hidden under the bed.- Use the comforter in the floor for your baby to play on, I don’t suggest using a blanket or comforter for your baby to sleep with until 11 or 12 months of age, and even then the comforter may not be as good as just a blanket.

However, feel free to put it all together and make your nursery look the way you want it, just remove unsafe items from the baby's crib before you put them to sleep.

Don't forget to look for car seats while you are at the consignment stores and yard sales, Just as with buying used furniture you should do your homework and check for safety issues and recalls when buying used car seats and strollers as well. Car seat/stroller combos are convenient and can also be less expensive than buying the items separately. Saving money on baby expenses.

Before you rush out and buy a car seat, check with your auto insurance company. Some will give you a free car seat if you attend a seminar on safety. Some states have programs with the highway patrol that also offer free car seats.

Please remember that a well researched and educated decision on the safety and well being of your baby falls on you, so please do your homework and enjoy your new gift from God!

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