Making the Most of Your Baby Budget

I just became a mom in December. My 5 month old is growing faster than I ever imagined he would. Trying to balance baby, family and work I've faced the same thing many moms do, seperation anxiety. I've been blessed with a very understanding employer, and well a job with flexible hours. I'm a waitress, or server, whichever name you prefer. This allows me to help supplement my husbands income, and spend loads of time with baby and not alot of money on day care. Needless to say that makes money often a little on the tight side, but I've learned how to make the most of what we have and not neglect the baby.

Wholesale Clubs
For a small fee, I think around $40 a year, you can have access to a great way to save money on baby and the rest of the family. We are members of Sam's Club and it has been a blessing when it comes to diapers and wipes. We buy a pack of 228 Huggies for $35. This lasts a little over a month for the baby. The box of wipes (also huggies brand) contains over 700 and comes with a dispenser for around $14. This survives through at least 2 boxes of diapers. so for about 2 months of baby supplies we spend less than 100. If you bought all those small packs of around 50 diapers for $10 each you'd spend $90 on diapers alone. There are enough wipes in the Sam's box to refill the dispenser at least 15 times (I always have to fill our small one for the diaper bag a few times as well). And that is only how much you save for the baby, there are also great prices on everything from toilet paper to hot dogs.

Don't be ashamed to take hand me downs
I was lucky when it came to clothes. I received them from 4 different directions. This saved me and will save me alot of money. Sure somethings will be out of season, but sleepers and onesies are never. Being as we spend alot of time at home, he doesn't get dressed up alot.

Shop ahead of season
When those winter clothes go on clearance, don't be afraid to invest in some ahead of time. Better to pay a few dollars for something instead of 10 or 15. Pants and onesies are always in style. You can always splurge on a few things when the time rolls around. I purchased some adorable 3 piece outfits for my son recently at K-Mart for only $3.50 (which were regularly around $20). I also stock up on things like pants and long sleeve shirts for only $1.50 and $2.00 each.

Consignment and Thrift stores
Consignment stores are a step up from thrift stores, as they purchase the items from people instead of just being donations. We have a great one where I live called Once Upon A Child. They are usually great quality, sometimes even new. Because babies grow quickly, the items tend to have very little wear. This is a great alternative to new clothing. They also even sell used furniture and toys. I purchased my baby's winnie the pooh pack n' play for only $45 and it was like new.
Thrift stores, such as Goodwill and Salvation Army, can also be a great resource for everything baby. I know that Goodwill in my area has a day each week where you can get baby clothes (and all other clothing) for only 50 cents. These shops aren't always the best, because they don't have full outfits together like the consignment shops, but you can purchase sleepers and other baby staples for cheap.

Buy things to grow with baby
Buy the crib that grows into a toddler bed. It's not too much more expensive, if at all, than the just crib and you'll use it for years.

There are also alot of multi-use toys. If you have your heart set on getting an exersaucer, consider something like the Bright Starts™ Deluxe Around We Go!™ Entertainer. It has all the toys and fun of an exersaucer, but also helps develop leg muscles by rotating around the toys not sitting in the toys. Or the Baby Sit and Step 2-in-1 Activity Center - Pink. This serves as a walker and stationary toy.

When baby starts learning to walk, there are alot of options for walkers than turn into pull toys and even ride ons. My niece loves Playskool: Busy Basics - Step Start Walk 'n Ride.

Register Smart
When you fill out your baby registry, don't hesitate to add things you will need in the future. Add things like bowls, spoons, sippy cups, a high chair, etc. that baby will need 6 months from when he's born. You could also ask that people purchase clothing for later times. Your newborn isn't going to fit those cute newborn clothes long. 0-3 and 3-6 will fly by quickly as well. Don't worry about a full wardrobe, just get the basics and you can fill in as needed.

Coupons Coupons and More Coupons.
Register with manufacturers such as Gerber, Pampers, Nestle, and Huggies to receive not only valuable coupons, but great information about the development of your baby. Olan Mills offers a free portrait package for babies under 3 months.

I would also recommend if available in your area joining Dolly Parton's imagination library. They send free books to children from birth to age 5 and you can join at any age in that range.

There area many more ways to save when it comes to a new baby, but remember to stress about the wants but make sure to have the needs.