Babies on a Budget: Tips to Save You Money

Many local councils and community groups establish toy libraries for area residents. Generally, toy libraries require parents to pay a small annual membership fee in exchange for the right to borrow toys weekly or bimonthly. A few volunteer hours at the center may also be required.

"It's brilliant," says Dianna Stewart, mother of two. "When your child has mastered a puzzle or becomes bored of a game, just return it to the toy library and swap your item for another. Not only do you save money but you also avoid storage issues associated with bulky toys such as ride-on bikes."

Ultimately, there is nothing wrong with spending money on your new arrival; children are an expensive endeavor. Yet if you allow advertising to appeal to your fears about parenting, you are likely to succumb to more pressure and anxiety than you should feel during such an exciting time in your life.