We cannot turn around presently without all the forms of the media screaming about the global financial crisis and how hard things are for all of us. However as you might expect, a long-drawn-out news arrives, and the media start tallying up exactly how many hundreds of thousands of dollars it’s going to cost us to raise our children. But how much does it really cost to have a baby?

It’s totally up to you

Having a baby costs as much as you want it to. If you want a new nursery in your home think about ways to lower the costs involved - beg and borrow.

As with a lot things in life, there is a big difference involving desires and needs. Babies are truly very simple creatures and require little more than love, somewhere warm to live, food, someone to change them and a lot of love - that is the easy part.

Consequently if you’re thinking about a baby, or perhaps a new one, plus your budget could do with a little bit of help, below some tips that may help ease the financial pressure of a baby..

Borrow, Beg but don't steal

You may perhaps have friends that may have a baby that has outgrown the cot or bassinette it has been using, borrow it for the couple months that your baby will need it. Do any of your relations have a spare cot? Possibly even the cot you slept in while a baby? Always check that baby equipment is secure and complies with the Australian Standards, but using second-hand items makes excellent monetary and environmental sense - that is it will cut your carbon imprint. Save your money for a new cot mattress, a reasonable stroller and a new baby car seat.

Purchase only what you require and no more

It can be tempting to dream away the pregnant months thinking of things you may need then spending time at the shops buying loads of gorgeous things that your baby won’t ever actually use. If this is your first baby, try and restrain yourself to just buying simple things like singlets and jumpsuits. You might be astounded with the amount of gifts you will receive for your baby. So often babies grow too fast to be dressed in all the outfits they are given, so it makes sense to limit yourself and then see what you really do need to buy.

Swap parties & toy libraries

Ask your buddies who have had babies what baby things, products or items they recommend and what they rarely used. Switch parties are a really great idea. If friends have babies that are slightly older or younger than yours, organise to swap clothes with each other. Go ‘shopping’ at a girlfriend’s house for your baby’s new sized wardrobe and return the favour. Swap or loan maternity clothes once you do not need them any longer. When your baby is older, keep toys new and exciting by trading with all your friends once a month, or try a toy library which are growing in recognition and are a brilliant idea.

Breastfeed

Breastfeeding is the most cost effective means to feed your baby. The health benefits are renowned, however from a financial view point, making your baby’s milk yourself is the ultimate as it’s entirely free.

Use cloth nappies and wipes

Reusable nappies save cash and the environment. Modern fabric nappies are a world away from old fashioned terry-towling squares that a lot of parents were subjected to when they were babies, made from renewable fabrics like bamboo. Now in marvellous colours and designs, they are more like disposables in fit and function.

Using cloth nappies and baby wipes for succeeding babies make it even cheaper. And hey, what’s an additional load of washing every two or three days compared to purchasing a box of disposable nappies each week? But if cloth is not your thing, try using a cheaper disposable nappy in the day-time when you are changing baby regularly, and saving the more absorbent/expensive nappies for night-time use.

Cook or prepare your own baby food

It may well sound like tough work, but it does not have to be any more hassle than ordinary cooking. Cook up some extra vegetables with the family dinner, then puree or mash the vegetables as baby requires. Spoon them into an ice-cube tray, pop on the lid, and you have a week’s worth of baby food in your freezer!

If you have any leftovers left after you have served dinner for the family, spoon into a small container and freeze. Your baby can eat a array of family meals without any added effort or cost on your behalf.

Get Dad to make some toys

Make your own toys. Small babies like to grab an orange bag filled with loud paper. Crush up some newspaper and let them play with it. Fill up a little Tupperware container with rice and tape shut to make a shaker. Fill a soft drink bottle with water and bits of coloured sponge and food colouring and watch them roll it around the floor for hours. 

Make use of park - swing the days away.

Go to the local park, play on the swings, dabble at the beach, read a few books, have a picnic in your backyard. They are all free!