by Al Louis

Created on: July 23, 2008

I am a cheapskate born and bred. These are my top money saving ideas so you can have a baby on a budget. I have had seven and, after thinking we were finished and getting rid of everything, we are only a few weeks away from number eight. I know what we need and I can get it cheap. You can, too.

1- The single biggest cost is the pregnancy and birth itself. Hopefully, you have insurance. If not, there really is not scrimping on this one but depending on where you live you can shop around because some doctors and hospitals charge more than others.

2- Second hand gear. Shop yard sales. If you have never done it before, you have no idea what treasures you will find. Most baby things are very lightly used and you will find some real deals. Before you go, check how much things like cribs, high chairs and stair gates cost so you will know that you are getting a deal. There are some people who think they need to get their money back and price things to high. Just move on. You shouldn't ever pay more than half the store price for yard sale goods. Usually you can get things for a small fraction of the retail price. Cribs for $20-$50 and high chairs for $5-$15. Just make sure they are in good condition and have all the parts. Some may be grimy from garage storage but they can be cleaned up with soap and water.

Another place to find good second hand gear is the newspaper. Many people advertise their old stuff and will sell it all for a bargain price.

3- Know what you need now, what can wait and what you can live without. This gives you more time to shop around and for others to give you useful gifts. You need someplace for the baby to sleep. You need a crib, cradle or basinet. You don't need all three. A baby can sleep in a bassinet until they are big enough to sit up. Then you can move them to a crib. You can skip the basinet entirely and go straight to the crib.

A baby can be changed on a changing mat on the floor, couch, or a bed. You do not need to spring for a changing table. Some people love them, but if you are on a budget, it is not a must have.

A swing is invaluable but it does not need to be a fancy one that goes sideways and back and forth. The cheaper (less fancy) ones are hard to find at department stores but can be found at discount stores for less than $50. Get a swing or a bouncy seat but not both.

A baby tub is not necessary if you have a kitchen sink. When they are too big for the sink, you can use a laundry basket in the bath tub.

No one needs a high chair

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