Raising a baby isn't cheap. (You can check our Baby Costs Calculator to see how it all adds up.) But there are plenty of ways you can think about saving money now. Below you'll find the top baby expenses moms reported to us, and what you can do about them.

1. Formula

"I would have tried harder to breastfeed if I had known just how expensive formula was going to be," says one mom. Another, whose son required a pricier brand because of a milk protein allergy, says, "We spent about $500 a month on formula alone!"

Ways to save: Breastfeed for as long as you can. If you're not breastfeeding, stick with powdered formula, which costs less than ready-to-use or liquid concentrate. Buy in bulk at wholesale clubs or superstores and sign up to receive coupons from formula manufacturers' websites.

2. Diapers

"I was surprised by the range in price for diapers depending on where you purchase them – at a supermarket, pharmacy, or superstore," says one mom.

Ways to save: Aside from using cloth diapers and washing them yourself, the best way to save on diapers is to buy in bulk at clubs or superstores or online. Sign up at diaper manufacturers' websites to get coupons, and stock up when diapers are on sale.

3. Childcare

"Babysitting is $10 per hour where we live, and daycare averages $1,000 a month," says one mom. "We constantly feel in a bind financially."

Ways to save: For full-time care, consider asking a relative or friend. Family daycare centers and nanny sharing can also save cash. For occasional babysitting, trade time with a trusted neighbor or friend or hire a responsible student. If possible, try to stagger work schedules with your partner so you can each cover some of your child's care. Finally, consider enrolling in a flexible spending account for childcare expenses if your employer offers one.

4. Gear

"Everything costs about $100," says one mom. "After a while, that seriously adds up!"

Ways to save: Start with the basics – a good car seat, stroller, and bouncy seat, for example – and wait to buy other things. You may be able to try out a friend's activity center or swing to see whether your baby likes it before buying. While it's a good idea to buy your car seat new, ask for other items as hand-me-downs and shop garage sales, community and auction sites, and secondhand stores for other items. "I wish I'd bought more used gear," says one mom. "It wasn't until my baby was a few months old that I figured out how many moms would love to sell their barely used baby equipment."

5. Clothes

"There were times I went out to expensive stores and spent $40 on just one outfit," says one mom. "A couple of weeks later, it wouldn't fit anymore."

Ways to save: Ask for hand-me-downs from friends and relatives. Get gently used items from consignment stores, thrift shops, and garage sales. Buy on community or auction sites and look for store sales. Finally, treat your child's soiled clothes with stain remover or a laundry booster so they can be worn again!

6. Food

"At one point, my daughter was eating seven jars of organic baby food a day at nearly $1 per jar," says one mom. "Baby food is ridiculously expensive," says another.

Ways to save: If possible, make your own baby food. "A good quality hand blender will pay for itself in about a month," says one mom. You may find that your child likes homemade food better than jarred – and you can often make baby food out of what your family's already eating for dinner. If this doesn't work, clip coupons. "I know I should make my own, but with three kids, the convenience of buying jars tempts me," says one mom. "Portability and speed are worth something!"

7. Toys, books, and DVDs

"Some toys are priceless, but you can't know which ones your baby will love," says one mom. "I found that my baby really only loves three toys out of the 20-something I bought," says another.

Ways to save: Let your child play with safe household items. "The whisk is a big hit with my little one," says one mom. Buy secondhand, borrow books from the library, ask friends for hand-me-downs, and consider setting up a toy exchange with friends or neighbors who have babies around the same age. Finally, keep in mind that less is more – though it's easy to get excited about the latest developmental toy, many older babies prefer to play with plastic food containers, water bottles, and other "grown-up" stuff.

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