There is a reason babies are irresistibly cute. It’s nature’s way of keeping parents (and potential parents) from thinking about how much it actually costs to raise a kid from birth to adulthood.

I took a spin through Baby Center’s “Cost of Raising Your Child Calculator” and learned that raising my five-year-old son will cost me well over $200,000 by the time he turns 17. And this is a conservative outlook: It estimates childcare/education costs at a little more than $2,000 a year. I could only wish good childcare was that kind of a bargain.

Baby No. 2 will cost me almost $12,000 in the first year alone. And that’s not including what the Baby Center calls “one-time costs,” such as bouncy seat, high chair, crib, etc. I am forever grateful that my husband and I decided to store all of my son’s baby equipment rather than get rid of it. According to a recent Time article, parents with only one child spend 25% more per child than those with two children. The power of hand-me-downs.

So with that in mind, here are my top three ways to save money. What are yours?

Consider a childcare flex account: These are typically offered by employers and they allow you to set aside up to $5,000 before taxes for dependent care costs. You can then use the money to pay for at-home care (like a nanny or babysitter) and for outside care like daycare. One thing to keep in mind: Be careful how much money you set aside for the flex account because you stand to lose any remaining money that you fail to use during the calendar year.

Get a library card: I wish I would have done this sooner with my son. Not only can you get countless books that your child can select for himself, but libraries also have DVDs for rent. Making a trip to our nearest branch is now a special event – and often comes at the request of my son. Just be careful with those late fees. They can add up! (I learned this the hard way with the DVDs.)

Open a 529 savings account: It’s never too early to start saving for college. The longer you wait to save, the more it’ll cost you in the long run. With a 529 plan, you set aside money for your child’s education and watch it grow tax-free. Unlike pre-paid tuition plans, you can use it at any accredited college or university in the country.

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