Getting creative and focusing on basics can help parents come up with ideas to save money with a baby.

Remember, most essentially, that your baby will need you more than anything else you can provide for him materially. When looking at big-ticket items like baby gear and furniture, remember that there are many great alternatives and substitutions out there that will help save you lots of money as you prepare for your new arrival.
 
Breastfeeding is probably the most well-known method of saving money on a new baby. Not only is it the most nutritious option for baby, but breastfeeding can also cut down on future health care costs as it helps create a strong immune system in your baby. Formula can cost over $1,200 per year, so if you breastfeed for the recommended 6 months, you're potentially saving $600 in food costs alone in the first year of your child's life.

Formula Feeding, also called bottle feeding, is necessary for some families, however. Breast pumping can still save a lot of money over the course of a year or longer, even if you buy one of the most expensive professional grade pumps available at around $300. If formula feeding is how you choose to feed your child, know you can save money and provide your child superior nutrition by making your own forumla.

Cloth diapers are becoming more convenient to use for many parents, and they will definitely help save money over the long run as an alternative to buying disposable ones, the latter of which can also create extra landfill waste that cloth diapers don't. Look for gently used cloth diapers online and locally, as many parents begin with cloth but switch to disposeable and sell their investment at a loss.

You can even make your own diaper wipes at home, which can save a lot of money, too. Buying bulk generic disposable diapers at warehouse stores can save a lot of money, too, if you choose to use disposables. As you get to know your child's diaper habits, you'll be better able to gauge what kind and brand of diapers work best. If you use brand name ones, know that diaper companies often have newsletters and clubs that you can join that offer great coupons and deals. Keep in touch with other moms to see if they have any extra coupons you can use for purchasing diapers.

When it comes to toys, keep it simple. Batteries for flashing lights and high-pitched music can get expensive quickly. You may find that after you purchase a certain toy or maybe a swing for you baby, that he or she doesn't want to have anything to do with it.  Remember that your child doesn't have to have the latest, greatest, and mostest when it comes to toys and equipment. A few well-chosen and simple toys (especially wooden toys) will probably be all that is required. You can buy them used at resale shops and garage sales, too, so there's often no need to pay full price for them. By the time a kid is several months old, a spoon and a box will likely be the most amazing toys in the room with which to play.

Some things are essential when you're raising kids, but many things aren't. Learning the difference will give you many good ideas to save money with a baby and can help make having a family much more affordable.