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Top 10 Baby Bargains

Tips from the Experts!

By Denise and Alan Fields

Psst—hear about the great baby clothes outlet store where everything is 50% off? Or the one that sells brand-name crib bedding at a fraction of retail? We sure did—and we've compiled the most complete list of the best baby stuff outlets in the U.S.

7. Save $$$ and improve your child's IQ, all at the same time. Breast-feeding has received much press lately as a smart alternative to bottle feeding—yet did you realize how much money you'd save by not buying all those cans of formula? We calculated the savings and realized breast-feeding will save up to $500 over the first six months of a baby's life.

8. Rent that formal dress. Invited to a wedding and you're eight months pregnant? Why buy a formal dress for $200 when you can rent one? We found that many maternity shops will rent you their for_mal dresses for one time occasions at one-third the cost of buying.

9. Shop the new baby "mega-stores." The past year saw great changes in the baby superstore race, as Babies R Us and Baby Depot opened stores around the country. Read the latest news in BABY BARGAINS on this topic, complete with a run-down of "who's who" among these mega baby retailers.

10. Travel in coach. Is that fancy $300 European stroller really worth it? We found several new models from a Japanese company that are high-quality and lightweight—and sell for under $100. The Combi Kidsport is a great example