Baby Furniture Clarksville TN

According to the USDA, in 1999 the cost to raise a child to age 18 was estimated at $ 160,140. Today that estimate is more like $ 250,000 and continues to rise. It is enough to keep expectant parents awake at night with worries of how they will provide for their new baby. The good news is that, if you are careful, you won't have to rob a bank to meet your baby's needs.

Needs vs. Wants

One key to saving money in your baby's first year is to understand the difference between needs and wants. Yes, your baby will need a crib. She does not need the fancy, round crib with hand-carved legs and a ruffled canopy for $ 1200. This would be a want, not a need.

You baby will need clothes. He will not need an entire wardrobe of brand new designer clothes including things like two pair of socks for $ 25 and a $ 40 Quicksilver hoodie that will be outgrown in a month or so. Yes, these are real prices. Yes, they are really scary. No, you don't need to spend that kind of money to properly care for your baby.

Saving on Furniture

$ 1200 may sound steep for a crib, and it is. If you have money to burn you might even spend more than that. However, if you are an average parent, you will be relieved to know that you can find a perfectly acceptable crib for far less money.

If you opt to purchase brand new, you can find a lovely crib for less than $ 100 and a mattress for less than $ 50. If you are willing to buy used you will spend even less. Just be careful if you are using an old crib. Avoid cribs with lead-based paint and be sure the bars are not more than two and three-eighths inches apart.

Often you can also find a small chest of drawers and changing table used as well. Even if all your baby furniture is used, a coat of paint and some personal touches will pull it all together. You baby will not care either way.

Look at garage sales or check out online sources like eBay, Craigslist or Freecycle to find great deals on the furniture you need for your baby. These are great resources to find baby clothes as well. Many new parents find that friends and relatives can supply them with almost all the clothes and furniture they need with plenty left over—for free! Nothing is better for a budget-conscious new parent.

Saving on Diapers

Here is another area where you can save a bit of cash. Many parents find that store brand diapers work perfectly fine. Others feel that name brand diapers are more effective and therefore more cost-effective too. This is simply a mater of preference and you may find that you use both depending on your budget at the time of your purchase.

You will find in the first few months of your baby's life you will change diapers more often, but expect on the average to go through seven or eight a day. This can cost up to $ 180 a month with wipes in addition to this expense.

Some lucky moms get diapers at their baby shower, which can greatly reduce the cost of diapering in the first few months. This is also a great way to try diffe...