by Mary Beougher

Created on: August 16, 2010

Everyone knows having a baby can be expensive. Those little things that you don’t  realize you’re going to need along with diapers, formula, and clothes start to add up very quickly. If you live on a budget, it can make things even more difficult. In the long list of things that baby needs, the easiest place to overspend is on clothes. It is also the easiest place to save money. All it takes are remembering a few simple things when you go in search of the perfect thing to dress your baby.

Those teensy clothes are tempting due to the cute factor and it’s easy to just pick up one thing here and there and not realize how much you are spending, but it adds up very quickly. If you don’t already do it for yourself, now is the time to learn to shop strategically.

First, always look for sales. This is becoming easier to do as bathing suits and summer clothes start coming out in February, subsequently putting the winter stock on sale while weeks of cold weather are still left, and the reverse is true once we see coats and pants hit the racks while we know the high temperatures are going nowhere. These sales are the best time to stock up on basics like denim shorts and jeans, plain shirts, and sleepers, remembering that you can buy a couple of sizes too large since baby will always grow into them. It’s a great way to get a heads up on the next year.

Next, and this is probably the hardest thing for new parents, is to remind yourself of need vs. want. It seems like no big deal to grab a single outfit, but if you find you can’t walk into a store without walking out with clothes for baby, now’s the time to control that impulse. If you are thrift conscious, you already don’t impulse buy for yourself. Now’s the time to do the same for baby. If it’s not something they need, wait that one more day to think about it. Your pocketbook will thank you.

Now that we have some tips on how to shop, it’s time to think about where to shop. Opportunities abound to get baby clothes at incredible discounts, if you know where to look.

If you want brand new clothes, try department stores like, Kmart, Wal-mart, or Target. They offer good quality at low prices with cute pickings. These stores are also on top when it comes to basics, like one-pieces, sleepers, and socks. If you’re going to stock-up, do it here. Another good option for new clothes, and where you can find the big brand names for a deep deal are stores like

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