Babycenter.com estimates that a baby’s first year of life will cost $10,158. No matter what your income level, you'll probably worry at some point about that price tag. Never fear! While it's fun and sometimes best to purchase new clothes, gear and furniture for your baby, there are many money-saving tips and tricks to be found. Some could potentially save you hundreds of dollars. Here are some guaranteed ways to save on your baby’s most expensive needs.

Diapers

The first thing to remember when buying diapers is that the more you buy, the more you save. Generally, the higher the diaper count in a box, the lower the cost per diaper. Try using store brand diapers, which are typically the least expensive, but if those don’t work for your baby, many other brands offer coupons and promotions.

For example, when you register on Luvs.com, you can receive special offers and coupons, and Huggies almost always runs coupons in the Sunday paper. Also, both Huggies and Pampers have reward codes on the diaper and wipes packaging that can be entered online to earn coupons and discounts.

Another place to earn rewards is BabiesRUs.com, where the “Rewards R Us” program can earn you free diapers and discounts on all kinds of items. Websites like BabyCenter.com and Diapers.com also have coupons and special offers available.

Formula

If breastfeeding doesn’t work out for you and your baby, the cost of formula can seem insurmountable. Fortunately, coupons are available for formula too. Sign up at Similac.com or Gerber.com to receive special offers or print coupons instantly on Enfamil.com. You can also choose to purchase the less expensive store-brand formula instead, which sometimes comes in larger containers. When it comes time for baby food, many moms suggest making your own. Use a food processor to grind fresh, frozen or canned vegetables and fruit.

Clothes

Because babies grow so quickly, it seems they always need new clothes. Many moms say the best places to purchase play clothes are Target and Walmart, where you can get many shirts and pants for less than $5. When it comes to name-brand clothing, buy off-season, when you’ll always get a better deal. For example, Dillard’s holds end-of-season clearance sales with discounts up to 75 percent.

Another great way to save on clothes is to shop at consignment sales. You can sell your child’s clothes there too, and earn a little money back. Central Arkansas has a wide variety of seasonal consignment sales with lots of gently used merchandise at great prices. Check our Family Fun section this month for winter sales by Rhea Lana and Duck Duck Goose.

Toys & Baby Gear

With a new baby comes the need for a stroller, a car seat, a high chair, a swing and countless toys. If you purchase all these items from traditional retail outlets, you’re going to spend more than you want or need to.  Instead, check out websites like Amazon.com and Overstock.com, where you can get discounted items, or buy used at Ebay.com or Craigslist.org. Consignment and yard sales are also great places to shop for these items, which are often barely used.

Furniture

Consignment sales are great places to shop for furniture, too. But make sure to go on the first day of the sale before all the large items are snatched up. Also, check the listings in your local newspaper, another popular place for selling baby furniture. And ask family members if they still have their children’s cribs or changing tables in storage. Older furniture can often be repainted to look as good as new. Not to mention, it will add sentimental value to your child’s room if they are using furniture from a loved one.