Babies getting more expensive

Adding a new member to the family will cost first-time parents about $6,500 in basic supplies just for the first year, according to research by parenting and pregnancy website TheBump.com. Other expenses such as insurance, child care, support services and loss of income can add up to as much as $30,000.

Borrowing, bargain hunting and buying in bulk are some great ways to cut costs, says Carley Roney, editor-in-chief of the website’s online publication.

"It’s really important to consider the financial aspects of the baby before he or she arrives and to build a budget," Roney said. "That may mean you won’t be able to buy all of those cute newborn outfits because that’s not where your money needs to go."

Babies are most comfortable in little cotton T-shirts and sweat pants and don’t need toys until they’re at least 6 months old, Roney points out.

The necessities, however, add up. Diapers, which can cost about $1,000 in the first year, are much cheaper when bought in bulk. Breast-feeding, meanwhile, can save an average of $35 per week, or between $1,000 and $2,500 a year.

The best way to get the big-ticket items you need is to reach out to long-lost family and friends for a baby shower, she said. Be sure to let them know the stores at which you’re registered.

"If you can get a close friend or relative to organize your baby shower so that people can each pitch in $10 for a car seat or changing table, you won’t end up with a ton of small gifts that are adorable but that you won’t need," Roney suggests.

Total recall

About 7,600 cantilever patio umbrellas with solar lights, manufactured in China and imported by Bed Bath & Beyond Inc. of Union, N.J., because a plastic connector can break and allow the umbrella to collapse. The company has received 21 reports of umbrellas collapsing, including three reports of injuries. The umbrellas were sold at Bed Bath & Beyond stores and online through the company’s websites between February and June. Visit www.cpsc.gov.