A common question of couples planning on starting a family is, “How much does it cost to have a baby?” With the media reporting that children can cost hundreds of thousands to raise, cribs retailing at hundreds of dollars and health care expenses soaring, it’s no wonder new parents are concerned. While there is no black and white answer on how much you are going to spend, the good news is that you can make child rearing as expensive or as inexpensive as you choose.

As with many things, babies come with fixed expenses and re-occurring expenses. The cost of fixed expenses, like baby gear and nursery d

When I first got pregnant and was researching how much it costs to provide for a new baby I was horrified! All right, perhaps not horrified but at least shocked. We could thankfully afford the ‘recommended amount’ but I didn’t want to spend it! Not that I wanted to be cheap when it came to my firstborn, I just happen to come from a long line of frugal parents and like to stretch my penny as far as it can go. So after outfitting my two kids over the last few years I have learned a few key tips that can save big bucks.

Baby Shower
This is your first and foremost way to get someone else to spend way too much on baby clothes and other items. Make sure you sign up at an online gift registry so that out of town friends and family can send you a little something. Don’t feel bad about exchanging items for something else, only you know what’s best for your baby. Also – have your shower at least 2 months before the birth so you have time to get everything else you need.

Combos
Find items that combine or change as your baby gets older. You can get cribs that turn into toddler beds, combo change table and dressers, and car seat / stroller combinations.

Friends and Family
If you know people who have kids already, hit them up for the items they no longer use. You would be surprised how many people just hang onto their baby items and would rather give them to someone they know then give them away. Even older family members may have an heirloom rocking chair or bassinette tucked away.

Garage Sales / Classifieds / Online Ads
If you have the time, here’s a good place for bargains. You can find just about anything you are looking for if you are willing to spend time looking.

Ebay
If you haven’t yet tried out this online auction website now is the time to get your feet wet, there are huge bargains to be had. I have found that the best deals are baby clothes, as you can get large bundles of clothes for not much shipping. Many sellers specialize in only name brand clothes, if you want your little one dressed in style. Tip: make sure you calculate shipping into the price of your bid so you don’t end up paying too much.

Second Hand Stores
In response to the growing number of parents looking for good deals, there should be a good assortment of second hand or consignment shops in your area. You can find everything from furniture to clothes and nursery decor at these shops. Tip: some stores have quarterly 50% off sales in order to clear inventory, so keep and eye out and go clean up!

A final tip: if you are thinking of having another baby do not get rid of anything as you will certainly need it again! Once your items have fulfilled their usefulness how about having a garage sale to get some of your money back? You’d also be helping out some of the other frugal families out there.