It’s frequently alleged that the first year for new parents is the most arduous. With new baby arrives incomputable delight but as well incredibly strained funds. It’s approximated that the ordinary household will expend between $9,000 and $11,000 during baby’s first year alone. Take heart, fresh parents. There are many ways that you can reduce a lot of of your costs merely by being thrifty with your money and not pandering in every impulse.

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Arrive at a deal with yourself to preserve funds

If you are an expecting parent and you are concerned about the high costs of baby’s first year, arrive at a deal with yourself to economize money. Among the most arduous things to do as an expectant parent is to resist purchasing everything in sight. Every parent wants the best for their child, but keep in mind that many of the things you buy during baby’s first year will be only used once. Buying name-brand diapers and an overpriced bassinet that you can’t really afford is not going to do your baby any favors. Make a deal with yourself to save where you can, to keep from overspending on items that may be beautiful but not particularly necessary in the long run, and to be smart about your baby’s purchases. Here are some ways to save money without compromising your sanity or your baby’s health and happiness.

Breastfeed when possible

Breastfeeding has been proven as the healthiest option for feeding your baby during the first years. Not only is it healthier for your baby than bottle feeding, it is also more economical. Most doctors agree that breastfeeding exclusively during your baby’s first half year of life will help give his immune system a boost. Not only will your baby benefit from increased health, your wallet will benefit from increased savings. Some mother’s are not able to breastfeed their children. If this is the case, you can save money by avoiding the brand name formula and buying the store brand or generic formula instead. Generic formula costs on average 30% less than name brand formula and, by law, must meet the same FDA standards as the brand name formulas. You can also save on formula by signing up for coupons from manufacturer’s mailing lists. Your pediatrician can also provide you with free samples. Always look past the attractive name brand packaging, because in most cases that is what you will be paying for.

Save funds by shifting to generic diapers

If you want to save money on disposable diapers, always opt for the generic brand. Many larger chain stores carry their own store brand of disposable diapers which are usually just as good as the brand name diapers. You can expect to save about 30% on disposable diapers simply by buying the generic store brand.

Buy at garage sales and thrift shops for secondhand baby clothes

Most babies will quickly outgrow their expensive little outfits. You can often find nearly new or gently used baby clothes at garage sales and at used baby clothes. While it may be tempting to shop at chain baby emporiums, you will quickly save on baby essentials if you get into the habit of frequenting gently used baby stores.

Buy at consignment shops

Among the largest expenses you’ll bear as a new parent is supplying the baby nursery. You will be able to save a great deal by shopping for softly used infant furniture, including high chairs, bouncers and cribs. Buy at consignment stores and gently used baby stores for great deals on secondhand baby furniture. You will be able to also discover nifty baby gear such as bathtubs, strollers and monitors.

This entry was posted on Monday, February 16th, 2009 at 11:12 pm and is filed under Debt Free Living. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.