A recent government report revealed that a family with a child born in 2008 can expect to spend about $260,000 for food, shelter, and other necessities to raise their child over the next 17 years. As scary as theses statistics are, starting a family does not have to put you in the poor house. This new, exhaustively researched book will arm you with hundreds of innovative ideas and resources to save you money now. Baby items can be quite costly. Knowing exactly what you need to buy and keeping a budget is critical. You will learn many ways that you can get everything you need for the baby safely and on a limited budget. You will learn how to develop a budget, and you will be given a detailed list of all your new baby's needs. The author guides you through all the ways you can purchase what you need while staying on budget. You will learn detailed information on where and how to purchase clothing and linens, receiving blankets, consumables, baby furniture, cribs, toys and books, bassinettes, car seats, strollers, and playpens for less money.