Oh baby! Six Tips to Save You Big the First Year

A quick query on any major search engine will proclaim that babies cost upwards of $10,581 during their first year of life. When my husband first saw this figure he came close to weeping. This doesn't include delivery charges or doctor visits either. What it does factor in are many adjustable costs that can decrease with preparation. Do babies really need to cost that much? The following list includes big-ticket items calculated in this figure and how you can reduce them.

1. Eliminate 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 to help reduce this cost. Factor in your work attire, lunches out, and gas to and from work--chances are, you'll be a wiser deal-shopper and more frugally minded staying at home. You might not be profiting as much as you think. And you get 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 socialization.

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 increase with subsequent children. Breastfeeding 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.

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.

4. Use cloth diapers
While we Westerners like our indestructible, two-inch padded Pampers, over time the cost required to keep those hinies high and dry is a staggering $2694.54. That is for three years, expect more if your older child requires a diaper at night.  If you use cloth diapers, you'll save between $2300 and $4000. Kids who start with cloth diapers usually potty train faster as well.

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 driving all 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.

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 clothes and 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. 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 your baby without having a heart attack over how much it will cost!