Parenting does not seem that expensive as long as you do not think about all of the related costs. But if you do actively think about it, there are things you can do to spend less on necessary purchases and save money by improvising rather than paying for the newest baby item.

• TIP# 1: Determine what is a want and what is a need. Buy what you need and wait on the wants; what you want may change over time.
• TIP# 2: When buying furniture for the nursery, forgo the "baby stores." Yes a crib is necessary, but the price of a baby dresser is easily 20% more than a regular dresser. In general, add 20% to the cost of any item with the word "baby" in front of it.
• TIP# 3: Consignment ... I cannot emphasize enough how much this saves money. First, buying items from a consignment store can save you money, just know what the normal retail price is so you know whether and how much you are saving. Second, when your child has outgrown that outfit, toy, or highchair, clean it up and consign it so you can get some money back and limit you clutter at home. Shop around to get the best consignment rates for items; every store is different in what they pay.
• TIP# 4: Use discount and warehouse stores and buy in bulk if you can. Compare prices to make sure you are really saving money. Bulk buying is great if you have the extra room to store it and if the items do not spoil or lose their usability. NOTE: Bulk toilet paper is fine but vitamins and medicines lose their potency or chemically change after their expiration dates. When in doubt, ask your doctor or toss it out.
• TIP# 5: Borrow or share with friends and family. Maternity and baby clothes can be a huge cost. Family and friends can be great sources; however, do not borrow or loan out anything that would make someone sad if lost, stained, or torn.
• TIP# 6: Grandparents ... Let them buy 'til their heart's content. Give input or guide them in your preferences in styles of clothes or types of toys. I didn't buy clothes for my oldest son until he was 2 1/2 years old. His three grandmas worked together; one usually bought shoes and the winter coat, one play clothes, and one fancy clothes. This coordinated gifting was a wonderful help.

For links to cost cutting websites and books on saving money, see the resources below.