Baby are expensive little bundles. Luckily there are lots of ways to save money while raising a little one; here are 7 of the best.

1. Breastfeed: at $4 buck plus a can, formula is a huge money waste. Calculate in the health saving benefits like fewer doctor trips due to allergies and ear infections and breastfeeding may well be the best money saving deal around.
2. Use cloth diapers: Disposable diapers are a huge drain both financially and on the earth.
3. Don’t buy anything until after the baby shower: It can be tempting to buy some items for your little one and a cool outfit or toy won’t break you, but wait to buy the bulk of your items until after the baby shower. People are insanely generous when it comes to gifts of baby gear. I didn’t have to buy almost anything for Cedar except my breast milk pump. He received toys, clothing, and gear a plenty from friends and family.
4. Buy in bulk:  No matter what you’re buying; diapers, wipes, pacifiers, and more, it’s all much, much cheaper to buy in bulk. Don’t let that higher initial cost phase you - you win by getting more product for your money.
5. Co-sleep:  Co-sleeping cuts out the following costs - crib, cradle, crib mattress, crib bedding, and mobile and other crib toys. Not to mention that most parents do get more sleep when they co-sleep. We all know sleep is priceless.
6. Forget jarred baby food:  Homemade baby food is not only fresher, but usually healthier and tastes better. Best of all it costs a fraction of what store bough tiny jars do.
7. Don’t buy unnecessary items:  Hold back when baby shopping. For instance babies don’t need shoes - not until they start walking. They also don’t need wipe warmers, a walker, or too many toys. My best friend’s baby has all these cool toys and you know what she likes? Old shoes. My own son liked games more than toys - like peek-a-boo and tickle.