Baby Book Offers Cost-Cutting Tips

Babies may be cute and lovable, but let’s face it: They’re also financial drains. Authors Denise and Alan Fields, who estimate the typical baby costs her parents about $6,000 in the first year alone, aim to reduce that drain.

Their book, “Baby Bargains” (Windsor Peak, paperback, $13.95), gives lots of specifics on where to cut corners - and where not to. When it comes to bargains, “you have to draw the line at your baby’s safety,” they write. For example, they strongly advise buying cribs and car seats new rather than accepting hand-me-downs or shopping garage sales.

Their four “truths that no one tells you about”:

1. Babies don’t care if they’re wearing designer clothes or sleeping on designer sheets.

2. Your baby’s safety is more important than your convenience.

3. Murphy’s Law of baby toys says your baby’s happiness with a toy is inversely related to the toy’s price.

4. It’s going to cost more than you think.

Baby Bargains was first published in 1994. The revised second edition includes name-brand reviews and recommendations for all sorts of essential items such as highchairs, cribs, strollers, diapers and bedding. A detailed table of contents in the front of the book and a comprehensive index in the back makes its information easy to find.

The book comes with a promise that it will save you $250 or you can return it for a full refund. If your bookstore doesn’t have the book, you can mail-order it by calling 1-800-888-0385. You’ll be charged an extra $3 for shipping and handling.