Coupon Queen: How to save when having a baby

Having a new baby brings so much love and joy to a family! There is nothing like those new baby smells, but the costs of your new bundle of joy can add up. Try these four ways to save money as a new parent. They may help you stop stressing about costs and focus on the important things — like snuggling with your little one. Accept hand-me-downs Hand-me-downs are a win for everyone. Moms who have items to pass on usually love to see baby items that they have paid for (and often used just a handful of times) get used again with another child, and moms receiving the hand-me-downs get free baby gear. I've been on both the giving and receiving end, which brought me joy both times. I was able to get many bags of free clothes from my sister for my oldest son which saved us a bundle. I was even able to use many of them for my second and third sons. Buy used If you can't collect enough hand-me-down items, buying used is the next best thing. There are countless thrift and consignment stores dedicated to recycling baby items, from clothes to toys and everything in between. As quickly as babies outgrow their clothing and gear, these second-hand stores are a must. Buy in bulk Diapers, wipes and formula are good things to buy in bulk, but also think about household supplies that you use every day, such as laundry detergent. Not only can it be a money saver but a time saver, too. Buying in bulk can mean fewer shopping trips, an excellent perk for busy new parents. Think long-term When deciding on what big-ticket baby items you will buy, think about how you may use them in the future. If you plan on using them again for more children, it may be best to focus on quality products that will last for many years. Keep in mind that gender-neutral designs may be best also. Colors such as grey, black and yellow are easy to use over and over again. Searching for baby products that are convertible and grow with your child can also save you money. These can include car seats, cribs and strollers. Sometimes the initial cost is a little higher, but it will save you money in the long run when you don't have to replace it as quickly. This week's deal Here's a deal you can grab this week at CVS. Spend $30 on select Pampers Disposable Diapers, Get $10 Extra Bucks (limit 1) Buy 3 = $32.97 Use the $3/2 Pampers Products digital coupon (found at CVS online or on its app) Pay $29.97 Get back $10 Extra Bucks Final cost $19.97 total — just $6.65 each! Rachel Krych is passionate about helping others spend less and save more. In addition to her weekly column, she has a blog, Couponing With Rachel, which earns her compensation from Google for ads it places there, and from entertainment marketers whose promotional codes she touts. She doesn't write about entertainment in her column. Email her at couponingwithrachel@hotmail.com.