Simple Ways to Save on Infant Care Costs

Expecting a new baby is an exciting time for a family, but the financial worries can be very concerning at the same time. Having a new baby does not have to be an exercise in expense. By following these tips, new parents can save a huge amount of money on baby costs.

Breastfeeding

This is the single most important thing that you can do to save a bunch of money. The average cost of feeding an infant formula for one year is $1200.00. That is just the for the average formula. If you figure in the potential of the baby needing a specialized formula (like lactose-free, soy, etc) the price will increase. Then there is the need for bottles, nipples, and all the other supplies that go along with formula feeding. In addition, breastfeeding prevents many illnesses and builds the baby's immune system. This, alone, will save money in healthcare costs. Breastfeeding is free unless you choose to pump and feed some of the milk by bottle. Take advantage of what Mother Nature gave you!

Consignment and Thrift Stores

If you have never had a baby before, you will soon be surprised at how fast they grow. When it comes to clothing, do not waste your money on expensive, new items. If you keep your eyes open you can find many lovely clothing choices that look like new from consignment and thrift stores. Expand your horizons and hit a yard sale or two and even online auctions. Think about coworkers, friends, family, and neighbors and try to find someone who has a child that is a bit older than yours. This could give you an abundance of wonderful hand-me-downs for years to come.

Baby Supplies

Do not be fooled by all the commercials and hype. Your baby will be just as clean and fresh if you use the store brand baby shampoo. Generic or store brand baby wipes, diapers, soaps, shampoos, diaper creams, and such are just as effective and will save you an exponential amount of money. Like anything else, try a couple and find your favorites.

Diapering

If you want to save even more money in the baby wipe department (because you will be wiping a lot of bottom!) don't buy wipes at all. Purchase a couple of packs of cheap, thin washcloths from your local dollar or retail store. Pick out a color that is easily differentiated from the rest of your washcloths that will not show stains. These washcloths will do a much better job at getting a baby bottom clean, be gentle on their skin, and save you money.

Simply wet down a couple of these washcloths with warm water and wring well before using. Keep the dry ones stored in a grocery bag hanging on the nursery doorknob. If a bit of scent is necessary, add a squirt of baby oil or lotion to the cloth before wringing it out. If you are on the road, prepare a few ahead of time and bring them along in a Ziploc bag. They can be laundered easily.

You may also want to consider cloth diapering to save money. If you are handy with a sewing machine, you can make covers and diapers relatively cheaply.

Baby Food

There will come a point after several months when your baby will be eating solid foods. Jarred baby foods from the store are certainly handy but the price of the convenience does add up over time. Purchase fresh vegetables and fruits such as apples, pears, peaches, sweet potatoes, green beans, peas, and butternut squash. Clean and prepare the produce by steaming them and then puree in the blender. The baby food can then be frozen in ice cube trays to make individual cubes of food. These cubes can be stored in Ziploc freezer bags and heated easily for the baby.

These are just a few of the major ways to save money after the birth of your baby. With a little thought and imagination, you can easily come up with many more simple and frugal ideas. In many instances you will be trading convenience for a cheaper cost, but it can be worth it in the end.