Having a baby can really hurt your wallet. Before you start counting how much each smile will cost you, here are some money-saving ideas for parents of new babies.

* Babies outgrow things fast. Look for good-quality used items. Babies really don’t care if their things are new. After they spit up on it, it won’t be new anyway! Look for good used items at consignment stores, thrift shops, yard sales, and on local classified ads such as Craig’s list. Be sure that anything you buy is in good, safe condition, and do watch for recalled items. If in doubt, you can do an internet search for recalls on that item. We found a $200 co-sleeper - still in the box- for $80 on a local classified ad and a nearly new $60 swing for $5 at a yard sale.

* Ask around to see if friends will let you borrow or have their used baby items. Many times you’ll find that you can borrow a crib, highchair or other high ticket item.

* If at all possible, breastfeed your baby. Breastfeeding is healthier than bottle-feeding for many reasons. It helps reduce ear infections and colds, so you’ll save money at the doctor too! Formula will cost about $125 a month, plus the cost of bottles. Breastfed babies have been shown to be healthier, learn faster, and have fewer ear infections than bottle-fed babies.

* Trade babysitting with another parent or group of parents. You’ll get a chance to get out of the house and save money too. Even if money is tight, a short break from baby duty can do a world of good for your marriage - and divorce is expensive! Try something inexpensive like going out for ice cream cones or finding a dollar theater. You don’t need to spend a lot of money to take a break. We often use buy-one-get-one-free restaurant coupons for a half-price date.

* Consider cloth diapers. Disposable diapers will cost you about $2,000 or more for 2 years. Cloth diapers, even the really good, easy-to-use kind, will cost about $300-500 over those same 2 years. Even with the minor added expense of electricity and water, you’ll save a lot of money. Reuse those diapers on a second child, and you’ll save a total of $3500! Modern cloth diapers are so much easier to use, and you’ll benefit the planet too!

* Consider whether one parent can stay home or work from home. Although it may seem impossible to give up one income, when you look at the real cost, it can often save money to have one parent at home full or part time. Add up the cost of daycare, additional meals out, a second car, commuting costs, etc., and you may realize a savings very quickly.

Savings can really add up when you combine these money-saving tips. My daughter is four months old and we have already saved more than we have spent on baby things. We actually have more baby things than she can even use, enough to pass along to her younger cousin and still have plenty for our next baby.

A little creativity can make having a baby much more affordable. Just be sure that no matter what you choose to save money on, you never lose sight of how precious your baby is each day.