[sweeps]

I agree... Ignoring the nickle-and-dime stuff is a big mistake.

You mentioned diapers. Are you getting the best deal on diapers? We never pay full price. For example, we'll get a $5 off coupon at Babies R Us, and even then wait for the diapers to go on sale before using the coupon.

I agree with cicy33 that $500 for a new washer seems high. Even a new one should be less if you wait for a sale and/or use a coupon. I used to get extended warranties on things like washers, but I found I never use them (and in fact I'd lose the paperwork anyway), so now I don't waste my money.

Do you use a rewards credit card? For all the things you have to spend money on, at least you can get some cash back. You can get up to 5% cash back on certain purchases. Also if you plan on opening a college savings account, MBNA and Fidelity have a card that credits ALL purchases 2% towards a 529 account.

As far as other baby items, do you know others who have small children? Perhaps they can lend you certain items. For example, our son is too big for his bouncer. We may use it again for another child (God willing), but in the meantime we can lend it to someone else who could use it.

I'll think of other ideas....