Welcome... Baby On A Budget!

So you're thinking of having a baby, eh?

With the current recession, you must be thinking that the idea of having a baby is close to, if not, ridiculous. Sure, other potential parents with the same idea may feel the same way, too, but if you spend your money wisely, this financial crisis won't feel like a crisis at all.

Bringing a child into this world is one of the most miraculous things two people can do, and although it may be fun to splurge on a cruise to Aruba or on that hot new bag you've been eying, the excitement of having a new bundle of joy outweighs any kind of purchase.

With these baby-on-a-budget tips, you'll save money that will make you and your baby happy:

• Make your own baby food: Sometimes you're lucky and a couple of grocery stores may have sales on baby foods. I know Pathmark recently had a sale: 6 Gerber baby jars for only $4. Sounds like a good deal, eh? Maybe not. In the long run, the money is going to keep adding up and you'll realize that the money you spent on baby food could've been used towards something more important, like bills or a house renovation. Although this will require some time, it's much easier to make your own baby food and at least you can add whatever your baby likes to it. For homemade baby recipes, click here.
  

• Hand-me-downs: I know some kids hate hand-me-downs. Knowing that his/her older brother or sister wore the same clothes makes some children antsy. But you'll be saving money in the long run! Whether it's your first kid or not, you can ask a friend or neighbor for hand-me-downs. Trust me, your wallet will be grateful.
  

• Make your own baby wipes: Who knew that you could make your own baby wipes? Since baby wipes are expensive, you might want to get in touch with your creative side and consider making them yourself. It's easy and shouldn't take you more than 15 minutes. For instructions on how to make your own baby wipes, click here.
  

• Shop at thrift stores: If you're expecting, going to a thrift or convenient store like Goodwill definitely benefits you financially. The clothes there are cheap and you can spend around $10 for some maternity clothes.
  

• Switch to cloth diapers: If you don't mind doing laundry, cloth diapers are your destiny. It may be annoying at first to keep washing them, but at least you can re-use them and don't have to buy diapers as often. If you're looking for an environmentally-friendly solution, gDiapers is a great idea. They're organic and feel like cloth, so your baby will feel cozy and comfortable. (For more information about gDiapers, click here.)
  

• Breastfeed: Breastfeeding is not only the healthiest choice, but it's a money-saving solution. You won't have to spend money on baby food nor time preparing it (if you don't want to). It also might be a good idea to borrow a breast pump or even purchase one if you're planning on having more than one child.
  

• Go to garage sales: Although it's a great idea to give your child hand-me-downs, you can also go to garage sales to purchase baby cloths if the former option doesn't sound appealing. At garage sales, you may also be able to purchase cribs, toys, and other baby products at a bargain price, too!
  

I hope these tips were very useful! For other baby-on-a-budget products, check out the Baby on a Budget section on MyRegistry.com.

Good luck and remember that having a baby should be an enjoyable moment in your life!