Expecting your first child can bring on many emotions, from excitement about seeing your child for the first time to absolute panic because you aren’t sure how to manage the tiny human you are about to bring into the world. When you start to think about how expensive that first year of life will be, it can be overwhelming. Although family and friends will shower you and your newborn with baby gifts, eventually the child’s needs are going to fall to you. These simple tips can help you save money on many of the baby clothes and other items you will need for your precious bundle of joy.

Babies go through as many as six to twelve diapers each day at a cost of around $0.25 each. When you add the cost of wipes and ointments used when you change your baby, the need for diaper discounts gets even more important. One way to save money on diapers is to use diaper subscription services offered through many online retailers. Sign up while you are still expecting and the company sends what you need monthly. The diaper subscription only bills you for the items when they ship and you are able to cancel at any time. If you aren’t comfortable with a diaper subscription, search online for discounts that can save you money on the diapers you use regularly.

Sometimes, you just need to use smart shopping strategies to get deals on baby clothes, baby blankets and baby food. You know your child will need a winter coat, so shop sales in the spring, buying a size or two larger so your child can wear it the following season. If you are looking for newborn baby gifts, search online sites for the best deals in strollers, cribs and highchairs. Never buy a used car seat although you can buy an older model as long as it has the proper safety rating and it is less than five years old.

Some baby product companies offer rewards or frequent shopper incentives. Check the packages of diapers for information about their rewards program. Some simply require you to collect points from the package and then send them in for diaper discounts while others have you enter codes from the packages online. Sign up for rewards cards at all your local baby retailer locations. When you sign up, ask if anyone who purchases baby gifts for you can add to your rewards program. Some will allow this if you create a newborn baby gifts registry with them.

Do a simple online search for “free baby samples” to learn how to register to receive samples in the mail. The only thing most manufacturers require is your email but avoid those who ask you to pay a fee to get the sample. You may get some interesting items you may never have purchased on your own as a sample, such as organic baby pajamas, unique types of baby blankets, or a new type of diaper. The manufacturer sends those products in hopes you will like them so much you will begin buying them regularly, dressing your child in organic baby pajamas every night.

Never be too proud to accept hand-me-downs. Children grow rapidly and, many times, they outgrow their clothing after wearing it just a few times. And remember that hand-me-downs are not limited to clothing. If a child has outgrown a swing, parents me be happy to get it out of their house. The same is true of strollers, highchairs and cribs.

Store-bought baby food costs as much as $1 for a small jar and if you choose an organic brand, the cost is even higher. This means you could end up spending $3 to $10 per day to feed your baby. Instead, purchase a standard blender or food processor to make your own pureed food for the child. You can puree sweet potatoes, carrots, peas and other vegetables to save money on food. Even meats and desserts can be pureed to a consistency that a baby can swallow easily.

If you are looking for discount diapers or savings on baby blankets, clothes or other items, sign up for EmployeeandMemberDiscounts.com. These are savings that were previously only available to members of certain organizations or employees in specific industries. Our experts have searched and compiled some of the best diaper discounts and savings on other baby items available in one location. There is never a fee to sign up and you can register at any time.

We can help you set up your own discount program for your employees or members as well. They will find discounts they will actually use. Learn more today by filling out the online form or contact us by phone.