Babies-How Expensive Are They?

I knew that it would be an added expense to have my daughter, but I never realized how much money I would spend during the first year. First there was the baby gear, then the clothing, next the baby food, and now formula.


If you are planning on having a baby or have just had one, it is a good idea to make a baby budget. I have found some great resources to assist you in planning for your little wad of cash (a.k.a. bundle of joy):


Baby Center: Baby Cost Calculator

Money Smart Life: Baby Expense Budgeting

About.com: Can You Afford to Have Kids?



Remember that there are many ways that you can cut back on the costs of having a child. Here are a few ideas that I have found helpful:

• Clip/Print coupons. Check out coupons.com and redplum.com for weekly printable coupons.


• Sign up for email/mail savings from companies like Huggies, Enfamil, Similac, Gerber, etc
  
• Borrow larger toys like bouncers, jumpers, exersaucers, etc. from friends who aren't currently using theirs (check out this post for more toy savings ideas)


• Buy clothing from a secondhand shop


• Breastfeed as long as possible (I found out this month just how expensive formula is!)


• Make your own baby food (check out this post for more details)

Please leave comments with more ideas about how to save on first year baby expenses!