How to Save Money on Big Ticket Baby Items

Photo by: brungrrl

The following list includes big-ticket baby items you will need to buy and how you can reduce the cost and save money:

1. Downsize day care costs
   A moderately priced facility will charge a minimum of $750 per month for infant childcare. Consider pursuing a part-time job or work-from-home position if you'd like to reduce this cost. After adding in work attire, lunches out, and a second car your second income is more like half an income.
   
   If you cut back on your total income, you'll probably become a wiser deal-shopper and more frugally minded. With more than one child in a quality care environment, you'll be spending the vast majority of a second income for someone else to care for your children.
   
   Staying home allows you the opportunity to watch your little one change and grow each day! As for preschool, you are more than qualified to teach your child his colors and numbers.
   
   Spend a day or two a week with friends who have kids or a toddler play group if you are concerned about interaction with other kids.
2. Try to breastfeed
   If you're new to Babyland, I invite you to look at the cost of formula. At nearly $25 per can, your young one's food bill comes close to your own. You'll need 4-5 cans per month (at least).
   
   Yes, breastfeeding usually brings the need for a pump, storage containers, and other disposables, but your savings dramatically increases with subsequent children. Breast feeding is not always a walk in the park, but it is the best source of nourishment for your baby and it can't hurt to try. Plus it will save you nearly $1,200 the first year.
   
   While you'll need a good quality pump (for several reasons), they don't need to be purchased new. I found an excellent brand used for just $85 then bought a new set of attachments for 65% savings.
3. Make your own baby food
   Just taste the canned stuff. Would you eat it? Babies will enjoy food more if it tastes good! Earth's Best is organic and yummier, but expect to pay for it.
   
   If you steam, puree, and freeze your own baby food you'll save nearly $30 per month. All you need is a blender with ice cube trays. Those tiny bits of leftover turkey and mashed potato make the perfect sized meals for Junior.
4. Use cloth diapers
   Disposable diapers have a very useful purpose. On the road or in a nursery setting they are almost a requirement. However, our cultural love affair with disposables has become outrageous.
   
   Most of us use throwaways exclusively, which is causing a massive backup in landfills. Read more about your options in the cloth diaper department in the section titled High and Dry, and save while you're at it by using coupons to stores like diapers.com.
5. Ditch a car
   Unless your spouse uses the car for frequent travel you can easily pare down to one family vehicle—especially if you still have a car payment. As a stay-at-home parent, you won't usually be on-the-go that much during the day anyway.
   
   If work is within 15-20 minutes, take your baby along with you to drop off the working parent morning and evening. Cut your emissions and fuel purchases by half by downsizing.
6. Buy toys and clothes at second-hand shops
   Stores like Once Upon a Child and Kid to Kid have amazing deals on gently used infant apparel and baby toys. Since babies grow like weeds they don't have time to wear out clothes. Hand-me-downs are usually in good shape and economical.
   
   Purchasing used clothes is a great way to recycle as well. Always look for the most "loved" toys at the second-hand shop. If you notice the same toy in several used shops, always in good condition, it probably didn't make a favorable impression.

Living frugally with your new bundle can cost as little as $3,665 with the adjustments above. Check it out at the Baby Cost Calculator for more specifics. Enjoy this time with baby without having a heart attack over how much it will cost!

Next: The Definitive List of DIY Kid Products