Everybody knows that babies, as well as pregnancy, can become very expensive. And as the mother of a two-year-old, I’m all too familiar with the cost of parenthood. During my pregnancy, I was overwhelmed with preparations for my new arrival. I read all the magazines, followed motherhood blogs and listened to every piece of advice offered by friends, family members and even strangers. I became a little obsessed with all the products out there; until I became an expectant mom, I’d naively assumed that all I’d need were bottles, diapers and a few receiving blankets. Boy, was I in for a shock! I soon discovered the world of modern pregnancy and was in over my head with all the available gadgets, products, etc.

Thankfully, before I got too carried away with spending, I did a little research. What I found was valuable information on the cost of baby necessities. I discovered that, while some items warrant splurging, there are countless ways to cut the costs of having a baby.

Items like the following are essential; however, due to various factors, do not require a monetary splurge!

Clothing

We all want our babies to look cute and there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that. However, babies grow so quickly that breaking the bank on an infant wardrobe is totally unnecessary. To prevent over-spending on my daughter’s wardrobe, I formulated a list of shopping rules. First of all, I always look for sale and clearance items. Secondly, I use coupons. And last but not least, I scope out neighborhood thrift stores, consignment shops and garage sales. These rules also hold true for myself, both during and after my pregnancy.

Baby Food

Making your own baby food is a wonderful way to save money. And as an added bonus, mommies who make their own baby food know exactly what’s going into those precious little tummies. While it may sound time-consuming, all it takes is healthy foods, a food processor and a little creativity. Puree those fruits and veggies, store in airtight containers and rest easy knowing your baby is covered on the nutrition front.

However, here are a couple things you might want to consider splurging on during and after your pregnancy:

Cord Blood Banking

Prior to expecting a child, I’d never even heard of this option, but the more I learned about it, the more I realized its importance. The blood found in your baby’s umbilical cord contains stem cells that can be used in the treatment of many diseases, including certain types of cancers and blood disorders.  Talk to your doctor about cord blood banking to see if it’s a right fit for your family!

Safety Items

A baby’s safety is no place to cut corners. And while some safety devices can be purchased secondhand, you’ll probably experience more piece of mind by going the extra mile and purchasing new, top-quality safety items. For example, though inexpensive baby monitors may be tempting, the more expensive brands offer larger range distances and longer battery lives- well worth the splurge.

While it’s true that parenthood can be expensive, there are all sorts of ways to cut costs. Remember to shop smart and enjoy every minute of motherhood!

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Katie Moore has written and submitted this article. Katie is an active blogger who discusses the topics of, motherhood, children, fitness, health and all other things Mommy. She enjoys writing, blogging, and meeting new people! To connect with Katie contact her via her blog, Moore From Katie or her twitter, @moorekm26

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