Savvy Ways to Welcome Baby

By Laurie Grossman and Hilary Zalon

These days, it seems like you can’t turn on a TV or pick up a newspaper without hearing or reading about the economy. A new baby means new expenses and this is not an optimistic time for our wallets, but you can still be optimistic about your growing family. And you can still welcome baby in style, with these smart and savvy tips:

Announcing Your New Arrival
Forego the stamps and paper, and announce your baby’s birth with an e-card. You’ll save money, time, energy and paper, therefore saving a tree. Very eco-chic! You can find birth announcement e-cards at The Cradle, or at online photo shops such as Shutterfly or Kodak Gallery.

Dressing Your Little One
Think ahead and buy clothes at the end of each season when clothes go on sale. Buy one to three years in advance and store them away until your child grows into each size. You can find some really cute, designer clothing for a fraction of the price, especially in January and July—big sale months.

Not Sweating the Small Stuff
Trust us when we tell you that you don’t need to buy many clothes for the first few months. Your newborn will mostly lounge around at home in a onesie or swaddling blanket, and those tiny newborn-sized clothes will be too small before you know it.

Thinking Outside the (Wrapped) Box
When registering for gifts, consider options that will last much longer than clothing or toys. Companies likeCord Blood Registry and Freshman Fund allow friends and family to donate to your child’s health and education—priceless!

Hilary Zalon is Founder and President of The Cradle (www.TheCradle.com), an online lifestyle destination for expectant and new parents. Laurie Grossman is content director for the site. She is currently expecting her second child.