4 easy ways to save bucks on baby gear

A new baby can take a surprisingly big bite out of your budget. Here are four easy ways to save:

Take advantage of freebies and coupons. If you don't mind getting your name on mailing lists, call the toll-free customer-service lines or register at the Web sites of formula, baby-food, and disposable diaper companies for their parenting newsletter and new-parent programs, including coupons and free samples. Even if you don't register, you may get them anyway. Somehow, when you have a new baby, word gets out.

Consider a discount club membership. At places like Costco or Sam's Club, you'll reap discounts on everyday items you'll use a lot of such as disposable diapers, baby wipes, and laundry detergent. Also, sign on for the loyalty savings card program at your drugstore and supermarket and you'll receive coupons that can rack up savings.

Watch for sales. Toys "R" Us, Babies "R" Us, and Buy Buy Baby stores, for example, routinely put out newspaper inserts and in-store fliers with savings of up to 20 percent or more for brand-name baby items.

Go online. If you shop online, compare prices on bassinets, cribs, changing tables, and hundreds of other baby products quickly by logging onto a shopping Web site such as www.bizrate.com, www.nextag.com, www.shopping.com or www.epinions.com, which also offers product advice from fellow parents. For even more savings online, log onto sites such as www.couponcabin.com for a wide selection of the latest online coupons from major e-tailers and printable coupons for in-store purchases. But keep tabs on your shipping costs and handling charges when buying online. They can sometimes negate any savings—and then some.

Ca-Ching: Attention, Savers!
Are you a coupon king or a discount diva? We'd love to hear about what you do to save money on baby gear. Send us your money-saving secrets so you can share them with others.