Babies do cost money. The first year can be particularly overwhelming because new parents are inundated with advice and bombarded with products the baby “must have”.  However, if you are preparing for a baby but committed to maintaining a budget, there are some easy ways to cut corners without feeling guilty or like you are depriving your newborn of the good life.

Here are some of those tips for saving money with a new baby:

Diapers will be around your home for awhile. The baby will not know if they are wearing a designer diaper or not. Don’t be afraid to try a non-brand name diaper instead. There are generic diaper brands that work just as well as its name brand counterparts.

Baby formula can also rack up a hefty expense, especially as the baby grows and begins to eat more heartily. Breastfeeding will save a ton of money and has been documented as the healthiest choice for your baby. However, not everyone is capable of breastfeeding properly and formula must be used. This is a good time to look for coupons and contact formula companies to sign up and receive their special deals and promotions. Also, don’t forget to ask friends and neighbors to clip coupons for you to get more savings.

Baby furniture is probably one of the biggest expenses for many new parents. Many times, parents end up going overboard and spending a fortune on things they won’t actually use. One such item is a changing table. They are great if you have the cash to spend but overall it is not a necessity and babies can be just as easily changed in any other location.

Just like furniture, nursery accessories are also expensive and often unnecessary. While it is wonderful to have a nice-looking nursery, it is more important that it is also practical and functional. Spending hundreds of dollars on bedding like comforters and pillows is a big waste of money because a baby can’t use them. Instead invest in plain sheets and stick with more neutral colors that often cost less than bright colors or character patterns. The room will be much more versatile.

Highchairs can get really expensive. Some come with gadgets and all the bells and whistles you could ask for. However, the general purpose of the chair is to feed your baby, who will be messy and cover everything in food for awhile. Instead of spending a lot of money on a fancy high chair, buy something that is sturdy and easy to wash. Chairs with a lot of crevices and fancy hardware will be difficult to clean.

A good thing to keep in mind when others ask what you need is to request items in bigger sizes for later on down the road. Everyone wants to buy the cute little newborn outfits and diapers but few think farther down the road. If given the option, ask family and friends to buy clothes and other items you can store for the near future because your baby will be growing faster than you can believe.

Having a baby is an exciting time. It should be an occasion you savor and enjoy without worrying about the extra expense. Plan well and shop smart. After all, one day this precious baby will be a teenager looking for handouts and way more expensive things.

Practical Buying Tips for A New Baby was created by and is property of American Consumer News.