For those of you with kids, you know how expensive they can be.  Below are just a few different ways you can save money on them while they’re babies.

Breastfeed.  This is a pretty obvious one, but it is definitely less expensive than formula!  Plus, breast milk has a lot of health benefits.

Purchase Off-Brand Formula. If you don’t breastfeed, try buying off-brand formula.  It has the same ingredients as name-brand.  You can also ask your Pediatrician for free formula samples.

Make Your Own Baby Food.  This can sound daunting, but there are several simple baby food recipes you can find.  Plus, you can freeze the purees in ice trays.

Consider Using Cloth Diapers.  This will require a little extra work as far as cleaning goes, but cloth diapers will be much less costly and more environmentally friendly than disposable diapers.

Purchase Used Baby Items.  You’ll be amazed at how much you can find at garage sales.  Because babies grow out of clothes so quickly, you’ll find a lot of clothes in good shape!  Toys are also great items to buy at garage sales.  Just clean them up a bit and they’re ready to go!

Take Hand-Me-Downs.  Does your friend or sibling have a child that is older?   If you ask, they’d probably be more than willing to let you use the clothes their children no longer fit into.

Childcare Costs.  Both a private nanny and daycare can be very expensive.  Consider sharing a nanny with another family.  Both families will spend less; plus, your children will get to interact with other children.

Make a Budget.  This will help you not to purchase unnecessary baby items.

For more tips, watch our FYI video “Saving for a Baby.”