As you probably know, baby expense should be high on your list of 
things to plan for, before the baby comes. There is no cheap way 
to have and raise a baby: it takes sweat, work, lots of cash, 
patience, and more to have a happy, healthy baby. Some studies 
suggest that you will spend anywhere between $150,000 and 
$200,000 for your kids by the time they are 18 years old, not 
including private schools, special lessons, or college. 

But if you waited until you had enough money, time and energy to 
have your baby, you would probably end up without any children. 
Here you'll find a few ways to ease the finances, so that you 
can enjoy your new bundle of joy. 


1. Get health assistance - if you don't have health insurance, 
   and can't afford it, doctor's bills can ad up really easy. 
   But there are options out there for people just like you. 
   This baby expense will probably be one of your biggest, so 
   don't be afraid to ask for assistance if your family needs it. 

2. Breastfeed your baby, if possible. It's free, it's convenient, 
   and it might help against breast cancer. It's recommended as 
   being the best form of nutrition for baby. 

   If you can't breastfeed, don't feel guilty. Try to apply for 
   WIC (Women , Infants, and Children): 
   http://www.fns.usda.gov/wic , a program designed to help 
   middle and low income families with educational resources 
   and food. You can also save money by buying formula in bulk, 
   clipping coupons, and accepting free samples whenever they 
   are offered. This is a baby expense you can't do without. 

3. Diapers - Some diapers are better than others, but most are 
   basically the same. Store brand disposable diapers can be 
   just as good as the name brand, for several dollars less 
   than their name brand counterparts. You can save even more, 
   if you use cloth diapers instead of disposable. As with 
   breastfeeding, it's a little more work involved, but well 
   worth it. 

4. Diaper Rash Prevention - instead of taking action after your 
   baby got a diaper rash, prevent it with a drop of olive oil 
   applied to their bottom every time you change their diaper: 
   it works wonders (you should check with your doctor first). 

5. Baby food - When it comes to baby food, a blender is your 
   best friend: it will help you keep this baby expense at its 
   lowest. Not only is it much cheaper, but it's so much 
   healthier! Save the little baby food jars for quick trips, 
   or special occasions, and give your baby pureed food made by 
   you. You can cook a week's supply on the weekend, put the 
   blended vegetables in the ice cube tray, for a few hours, 
   and then place them in a freezer bag. Depending on your 
   baby's appetite and age, you can microwave one, two or 
   three cubes before meal time. It's quick, healthy and 
   inexpensive. 

6. Clothing - There is no need to buy expensive designer 
   clothing for you little one. Do you think anyone will really 
   notice that your baby is wearing Tommy Hilfiger? Babies look 
   cute in anything: don't waste your money! You can get most of 
   your baby clothing at yard sales or second-hand stores. 

7. Toys - they are big business, but you don't have to feel 
   pressured to get the latest and most expensive models. My kids
   were happy with everyday items as their toys: empty shampoo 
   bottles (make sure they are cleaned and rinsed very well 
   before handing them to your baby), plastic bowls, plastic 
   containers from food products (margarine, sour cream , etc.) 
   that they could stack up, etc. Also, buy some toys that will 
   help with your baby's development, are durable, and are age 
   appropriate: a baby expense worth the money. 

8. Wills - Get a will or update your old will. Name a guardian 
   for your child and the trustee of your child's inheritance 
   (often but not always the same person). Without a will, the 
   court will name these individuals and also split up your 
   assets in accordance with state law which may not be the 
   way you would wish. Please don't try to avoid this baby 
   expense: your kid's future might depend on it. A simple 
   will that includes a trust for minor children costs between 
   $150 and $250. 


Here are links to some great baby resources: 

- generic brand wholesale diapers 
  ( http://www.diapers-4-less.com/private-label-diapers.htm ) 

- baby formula: free samples and coupons 
  ( http://www.freestuff-for-babies.com/babyformula.html )