According to the Department of Agriculture, middle income parents can expect to spend $9,230 each year on a baby, an amount which increases to over $10,000 once the children are teens, for a total of $174,000 by the time that child leaves home. That figure may seem staggering, but once you break it down, it’s easy to see why children are so expensive. Here’s the average cost of having a child during their first year of life:

• Housing $3,450
• Food $1,110
• Transportation $1,150
• Clothing $ 420
• Health Care $630
• Child Care and Education $1,470
• Miscellaneous $1,000

Not only that, but babies are expensive even before they need diapering! It’s estimated that we also spend between $3000-$6000 from conception to delivery, on everything from health care to maternity clothes to extra pickles to satisfy all those cravings. But while these may be the average costs, it’s always possible to spend less and still provide a safe and happy home for your baby. Here’s how:

• Buy baby furniture second hand. One caveat: make sure cribs, car seats and high chairs still meet safety standards. Check consignment stores and classified ads.
• Shop for baby and maternity clothes at consignment stores or on eBay. With ebay, you can get things very cheaply if you search for clothing lots, as opposed to individual items. For instance, in the search box below, try typing something like this:
• • Girls 6 month lot
  • Boys 12 month lot
  • Girls newborn lot
  • Try it now!

• Consider cloth. Cloth diapers will save you $1,000 for the first child, and more if you use the same diapers for subsequent kids. Try Monkey Toe Diapers. They're great!
  
• Let children share rooms. Siblings often grow closer if they share rooms, at least initially, and your housing costs will be lower.
  
• Limit the number of toys. Stick to classic toys that are hard to break, like blocks, dolls or wooden train sets. Above all, avoid things with small parts that are easily lost (and hurt when you step on them). Consider bundling up half your toys in a big bin, and switching them every few weeks. Your child will feel like he or she has something new, and you won’t have to spend as much money!
  
• Breastfeed. It’s healthier, easier, and saves about $1,000 in the first year.
  
• Make your own baby food. It’s healthier, too, and you can prepare fruits and vegetables in season and freeze them. Simply cook, puree, and freeze in ice cube trays. Defrost two or three and you have a ready-made meal.
  
• Take that toddler out of preschool! Most parents are easily able to provide enough stimulation. Form a neighborhood playgroup, or meet at your church to find friends for your child.
  
• Consider using public transportation instead of buying a second car. Most small children love riding the bus or subway, and the savings can be enormous.
  
• Trade baby-sitting with friends. Take their kids one night a week so they can go on a date, and then let them have yours. If you need a part-time job, consider this type of arrangement as well.
  
• Pare down furniture. Instead of buying expensive couches, keep one room as a playroom, furnished with small tables and lots of play mats. Kids love being on the floor, and it’s much gentler on your pocketbook, too!