*Babies grow fast and will quickly outgrow many of their firsts from the close*t. It won't take long to realize your baby is growing at a record pace; just when you've picked out the perfect baby jacket and matching shoes, don't be surprised to find that the shoe no longer fits a month or two later.

Instead of buying dozens of outfits every few months, you can save some money by planning ahead and buying a larger size whenever possible. Here are some other ways to cut back on baby expenditures so you can keep up with the family budget:

Rely on the Onesies
Outfits that snap on, zip on or are draped over baby's shoulders like a gown are some of the most versatile and cost effective baby clothes money can buy. Stock up on these outfits to make them the foundation of your baby's closet. You can buy these in a larger size so that they grow into them. Since most are made with a stretch fabric, they'll last much longer than your average cotton and polyester blends.

Consider the Weather
If your baby is going to be between 6 and 8 months come summer time, make sure you're buying clothes for that baby. It's easy to forget how quickly your newborn will grow by the end of the season, so plan on buying clothes that will fit them in the right season. If you're worried about the high price of new items coming in for the season ahead, shop the sales and clearance aisles for last year's lineup and make the most of the discounts.

Don't Be Afraid to use Hand Me Downs
While having a fresh new set of clothes for your newborn is important, you don't have to buy every item right off the rack. Consider asking friends, family members and neighbors for any gently used items or even nearly new items they mistakenly purchased for their newborn. You can focus on building up a basics baby wardrobe and count on used clothing for play wear or even baby accessories when the budget's tight.