How to Budget for Baby

Ever wonder why they use the word "expecting" for impending motherhood?

Sure, it might be because during that magical time, you're expecting life to change when your sweet, cuddly, beautiful baby arrives. But maybe it's because it's also the time moms start to feel all the expectations (i.e. pressure) to do everything right, from what to feed her child to what products to buy. No matter where she turns, she's told about some must-have stroller or environmentally friendly diaper wipe warmer that all the celebrities are pushing, or the mother of all baby carriers that just happens to cost as much as a mortgage payment.

It's estimated that it will cost a parent around $250,000 to raise a child from birth to age 17. But do we really need to shell out a big chunk of that over the first six months?

Absolutely not.

Here's a little cheat sheet, compiled by experienced moms, to help you save big bucks during those first baby days.