Now that we have two children, my husband and I like to think we’ve figured a few things out. We know how to diaper the kids so that they (usually) don’t leak. We can tell when they’re hungry – and when they’re just acting up because they’re kids. But most of all, we’ve figured out a few ways to save ourselves some money – that don’t include asking the grandparents to buy them all the clothes, diapers and food that they need (although that would indeed be a money saver).

Here are a few of the things we do.

• Save up and make “bigger” items special gifts. We’d love to have a season pass to the zoo and to the local YMCA, but they’re not cheap. For holidays or birthdays, we’ve asked family and friends to give toward these memberships instead of buying clothes or other items. That way, the gift will be used – and appreciated – all year.

• Buy used items. This one is a real money saver for clothing and other items that we seem to go though quickly. Winter coats and other gear are especially nice to buy used, either at consignment stores specializing in baby items or second hand shops. Be cautious, however, when buying used cribs, toys or other equipment – inspect them carefully for signs of wear and make sure all pieces are there. In addition, be sure to thoroughly wash or clean any used item before the kids touch it. Never buy used car seats – you don’t know if they have been recalled or ever been in an accident.

• Buy in bulk. Purchasing diapers in bulk saves money. Better yet, switch to cloth diapers. They cost more up front, but we have saved a great deal of money in the long run with using cloth diapers – especially since we have used them on two babies.

• Make it yourself. Instead of purchasing baby foods in jars, I try to make baby food whenever possible. Steam some extra vegetables and blend them into a smooth puree for baby. Many play items can also be made at home for far cheaper than they cost to buy, such as play dough and finger paints from kitchen pantry items.

• Take advantage of Free Offers! You can find a wealth of free offers, samples, and coupons on the internet. Many sites, especially Babies Online, work hard to bring you the very best free baby deals available. Often times these deals are brought to you with zero obligation.

• Playgrounds are free. While it’s nice to have your own play equipment in the back yard, it’s not truly a necessity. We like to take the kids down to the neighborhood playground – not only is it free, but it’s also a nice way to meet other kids – and parents.

While having kids is by no means cheap, there are some ways to save money. What’s your favorite money saving tip?

Buying used or second hand baby clothes is an easy way to go green. Not only are the clothes being used again rather than going into the landfills or stored in the attic or basement for all eternity, but they are also helping to reduce the amount of packaging being thrown away.

They’re also a great way to save some green – dollars, that is. Babies are expensive enough – why spend more than you need to on clothes they’ll soon outgrow?

My husband and I are big believers in buying second hand baby clothes. Our daughter grows so quickly, it seems like she is never in one size or one outfit for more than a few months and, now that we are expecting a boy, a large amount of her clothes won’t be handed down. What’s more, there have been times when she needed a special outfit, such as a dress for a wedding, and the store prices were exorbitant compared to the prices we found at a consignment shop, for nearly the same piece of clothing.

That said, there are a few safety precautions to take when purchasing used clothing.

• Inspect. – Look over the garment to make sure that zippers, buttons, etc., are securely fastened to the piece of clothing and work properly. In addition, any holes or tears can be a potential hazard and should either be fixed before wearing or not given to the child. The same goes for knit fabrics – make sure the knit is tight so that your child can’t get a finger or toe caught.

Also check to see that the garment is clean looking, with no spots or stains.

• No embellishments. – For infant and baby clothing, extra embellishments such as buttons or bows should be removed. Any small, decorative item can come off and be a choking hazard for your child.
• Wash first. – Just like clothing bought in the store or given by friends or family, any and all fabrics that will touch your baby’s skin should be washed. You never know if the clothing is clean or what the household conditions may have been; perhaps the family had a dog in the house and there are pet hairs on the clothes that may be an irritation or possible allergen to your infant. In addition, used clothing can sometimes carry germs or bugs that can get you or your baby sick. Or, for store-bought clothes, washing removes any excess dyes in the fabric. Most parents prefer to use gentle , dye-free detergents such as Dreft to minimize any irritation, at least for the first few washings.