| It is often said that the first year for new parents is the | | | | brand name formula and buying the store brand or |
| hardest. With new baby comes immeasurable joy but | | | | generic formula instead. Generic formula costs on |
| also incredibly strained finances. It is estimated that the | | | | average 30% less than name brand formula and, by |
| average family will spend between $9,000 and $11,000 | | | | law, must meet the same FDA standards as the |
| during baby's first year alone. Take heart, new parents. | | | | brand name formulas. You can also save on formula |
| There are plenty of ways that you can cut many of | | | | by signing up for coupons from manufacturer's mailing |
| your costs simply by being careful with your money | | | | lists. Your pediatrician can also provide you with free |
| and not indulging in every whim. | | | | samples. Always look past the attractive name brand |
| Make a deal with yourself to save money | | | | packaging, because in most cases that is what you will |
| If you are an expecting parent and you are concerned | | | | be paying for. |
| about the high costs of baby's first year, make a deal | | | | Save money by switching to generic diapers |
| with yourself to save money. One of the hardest | | | | If you want to save money on disposable diapers, |
| things to do as an expectant parent is to resist buying | | | | always opt for the generic brand. Many larger chain |
| everything in sight. Every parent wants the best for | | | | stores carry their own store brand of disposable |
| their child, but keep in mind that many of the things you | | | | diapers which are usually just as good as the brand |
| buy during baby's first year will be only used once. | | | | name diapers. You can expect to save about 30% on |
| Buying name-brand diapers and an overpriced bassinet | | | | disposable diapers simply by buying the generic store |
| that you can't really afford is not going to do your | | | | brand. |
| baby any favors. Make a deal with yourself to save | | | | Shop at garage sales and second hand stores for |
| where you can, to keep from overspending on items | | | | used baby clothes |
| that may be beautiful but not particularly necessary in | | | | Most babies will quickly outgrow their expensive little |
| the long run, and to be smart about your baby's | | | | outfits. You can often find nearly new or gently used |
| purchases. Here are some ways to save money | | | | baby clothes at garage sales and at used baby |
| without compromising your sanity or your baby's health | | | | clothes. While it may be tempting to shop at chain |
| and happiness. | | | | baby emporiums, you will quickly save on baby |
| Breastfeed whenever possible | | | | essentials if you get into the habit of frequenting gently |
| Breastfeeding has been proven as the healthiest | | | | used baby stores. |
| option for feeding your baby during the first years. Not | | | | Shop consignment stores for great deals on baby |
| only is it healthier for your baby than bottle feeding, it is | | | | furniture |
| also more economical. Most doctors agree that | | | | One of the biggest expenses you will have as a new |
| breastfeeding exclusively during your baby's first half | | | | parent is furnishing the baby nursery. You can save a |
| year of life will help give his immune system a boost. | | | | lot by shopping for gently used baby furniture, including |
| Not only will your baby benefit from increased health, | | | | high chairs, bouncers and cribs. Shop consignment |
| your wallet will benefit from increased savings. Some | | | | stores and gently used baby stores for great deals on |
| mother's are not able to breastfeed their children. If this | | | | used baby furniture. You can also find great baby gear |
| is the case, you can save money by avoiding the | | | | such as bathtubs, strollers and monitors. |