How to Save Money when You're Expecting

You just found out the stork is coming! Congratulations! Having a child is very exciting, but it can also be very expensive! The sooner you start saving for the new addition in the family, the better you will be able to afford the extra expense your new bundle of joy will bring.

It is very tempting for new parents to want to run out and buy up everything for their baby all at once. This is a wonderful idea but not very realistic. Before you buy, see what you can borrow from other family members and friends. Babies use products for such a short time. Taking advantage of any hand-me-downs can you get is not only less expensive, it also makes more sense.

Clothing is an item that you can certainly save money on. When babies are young, they don't need fancy sleepers. Invest in all-in-one sleepwear and undershirts. And, as for expensive little outfits - babies can't read the tag to know whether the outfit came from a high-priced department store or whether it was purchased at WalMart. Yes, a few cute baby outfits are fantastic for pictures and special occasions, but for every day playtime, inexpensive clothing fits the bill.

If you want or need more expensive items for your baby, add those to your wish list for the baby shower. Let your family and friends pull together and purchase them for you. Include the crib, high chair, playpen, car seat, and stroller on your list.

Clip coupons. Money-saving coupons are available each week in the newspaper and baby magazines. These can be a lifesaver for items such as diapers, baby wipes, and baby food. Online, subscribe to websites for new or expecting parents to receive bonus offers and free samples.

Breastfeeding saves money. Every month that you nourish your baby this way, is a month that you do not need to buy expensive formula. Wait until baby is born before purchasing bottles. If the bottle nipple does not feel like your own, baby may not use it. (If you are unable to breastfeed, see the coupon tip above.)

Avoid buying newborn diapers. Depending on your baby's birth weight, newborn diapers may be too small at the outset. Purchase diapers that are the next size up.

Use care when purchasing sized clothes for your new baby. Each child grows at their own rate and many parents find closets full of cute outfits baby never got to wear.

Try and resist the urge to buy trendy maternity wear. The new fashions are a sight better than what your mother had to wear, but are they practical? Most women don't need anything different from their normal clothing until they are well into the pregnancy. At that stage, see if you can borrow some outfits from a girlfriend, borrow from your husband, or shop on eBay for slightly used outfits.

Taking extra steps to save money now, before baby arrives, means more money when you are home with your newborn. Every little bit saved helps in the long run.