Having a baby is expensive when you think about everything that you need:  a crib, a stroller, a car seat, a changing table, a highchair, a diaper bag, and the list goes on and on. Hopefully, you will receive a few of these big-ticket items at your baby shower.

But what happens when you still need some of these big-ticket items along with all the small items that you will need?

Put the word out to all your friends and family. Some might still have things that you can “borrow.”  Like a crib, stroller, highchair, etc.

What is the #1 thing that you will be using the most with your little bundle of joy? Diapers….Diapers…and Diapers.

You hope to get some at your baby shower, but here is a little piece of advice. Do not get that many newborn diapers because they will quickly grow out of them. Get the next size up or two…depending how big your darling is, they might skip the newborn diaper stage altogether!

Where to get diapers…if you are not a member of the big bulk stores like Costco, Sam’s Club or BJ’s, you might want to join. Buying diapers in bulk is usually smart and more affordable to do so.

I remember when my niece had her first child. She would always be running to the grocery store for diapers (and she was not using coupons either)! What a waste of money. With just a little bit of time to research where the best prices are and spending the time to go there to stock up…it will save you time and money overall. Plus, your little bundle of joy will not have to “suffer” with a messy diaper until you or the father can run out to the store.

If you have seen the blog about sharing maternity clothes, this idea is just as good. Most babies outgrow outfits so fast. You could take them to a consignment shop or start a baby clothes bag to share amongst your friends that are pregnant/new mothers. Do not share clothing that is stained, and make sure that everything is laundered. You can even have two separate bags going around. One for girls and one for boys. You could also start a third bag that is gender neutral (green or yellow).

Yard sales, Craig’s List, consignment stores and Goodwill/Salvation Army stores are all suitable places to look for baby things as well. I just would be careful and make sure that what they have has not been recalled for safety reasons.

Do your research. Department stores are great, but you may be able to get some things cheaper elsewhere.

Now that you need to start saving for college…every little penny helps.

As my husband always says…Saving Money IS Making Money!