Parenting magazines are a great and inexpensive resource to learn about practical budgeting, the latest products and money-saving tips on baby essentials.

First and foremost on the budget should be medical expenses. Prenatal expenses for the expectant mother are essential. Some popular magazines featuring exercise tips, recipes and ways to expectant moms can stay healthy are Fit Pregnancy, Women’s Health and Body+Soul.

Then there are delivery expenses. In a survey conducted by Redbook magazine, one in four parents spends $2,000 on out of pocket costs for hospital bills related to normal deliveries. There are many delivery options that you should explore like whether you want to use a midwife or an OB/GYN doctor. It is a good idea to call your insurance company and find out exactly what will be covered. To aid in estimating how much medical expenses will cost, American Baby magazine published a helpful checklist of questions to ask your insurance agent in its “Financing a Family” series.

Breastfeeding is both essential to baby’s health and a major money-saver. On average formula is expensive, costing approximately $150. With formula you also have to purchase bottles, nipples and a bottle feeder. Breastfeeding also incurs some expenses like nursing bras and pads. You may also want to purchase a breastfeeding pump. For more information on the costs of breastfeeding vs formula, read Parents, Cookie and Parent & Child parenting magazines.

Disposable diapers cost American parents thousands of dollars each year. Parenting magazines like American Baby, Parenting and Cookie are now promoting the use of cloth diapers, which can cut diaper costs in half if you launder the cloth diapers yourself. American Baby magazine recently ran an article on the best cloth diapers, trends and average pricing. For more articles on diapering options read Wondertime, Kiwi and FamilyFun magazines.

There are many options and styles when it comes to baby furniture. Before you start shopping determine your price range and which baby crib features are important to you. An essential baby crib feature to keep in mind is safety. Decorating and furnishing a nursery can be a big expense so keep your purchases to the essentials like a safe and sturdy bed and changing table. For more articles on decorating baby’s nursery and money-saving tips read Parenting, Parents and American Baby magazines.

Financial planning for a baby is serious business. Another great resource for parents is business magazines like Businessweek, Forbes, Money, The Economist and Fortune. These magazines offer many articles on budgeting and choosing a financial planner.

Infants and Toddlers Products on our marketplace

For more on parenting magazines, visit http://www.magazines.com/ncom/mag?id=4157046011711&subject=0041 Jessica Vandelay is a free-lance writer in New York City.