Pregnancy is a wonderful time for soon-to-be parents, and rarely one where they worry about things like kids clothing. The woman dreams of her bouncing baby's arrival and her husband looks forward to the sense of worth that comes with being a dad. As her stomach grows, both feel a sense of excitement for what lies ahead, and the adventure of giving birth and raising a child through their parenthood.

Babies promise a lifetime of happiness to their parents. Still, there are things that come with that happiness that many parents forget amidst their excitement. When their child is born, they become suddenly aware of how much he or she needs to be raised. All these things cost money, and parents create an unfavourable situation in not knowing how to handle the expenses.

Clothes are one of the most noteworthy of all the new costs there are to cover. Even before they're in regular clothes, children have to wear diapers, which add up very quickly. Then consider having to buy all types of clothing later on, and things can easily be overwhelming. If you feel unprepared, here are some tips to save money on clothes.

Above all, you need to set a budget. This is determined by such things as how much money you make, how much you can afford to set aside specifically for clothes, and how many kids you have. Of course, there are other things to consider as well, and the unexpected can happen any time, so in addition to everything else, always be prepared.

Start saving money with where you go to get clothes. Discount stores offer items that are typically as good as the ones found elsewhere, but at 45% to 75% off. There might be a slightly more noticeable difference from new items over those at second-hand stores, but it isn't much and you will pay even less. You can also get by for free in doing what most other families do - having older siblings hand old clothes down to younger ones as they outgrow them.

You don't have to limit yourself from department stores completely. Try shopping during closeout sales, where you can find overstocked items or those from struggling factories at great prices. Similar discounts, typically applying to items in bulk, aren't always as well advertised but are just as good.

Shopping sales will teach you that timing is key. Likewise, some online retailers will offer coupons limited to a certain time period. Certain times of year bring savings on all sorts of items at all stores. The months of September, November, and December are the ones you should mark off in your calendar as the best times to shop for kids clothes.

One last thing is that you really do have to stand up against your kids when they try to get you to buy the latest fads. These items are always expensive and nearly every time, they will be forgotten as quickly as the styles that came before them. Within months, those things you spent so much on will be sitting in the corner of a closet and forgotten.