As you probably know, baby expense should
be high on your list of things to plan
for, before the baby comes. There is no
cheap way to have and raise a baby: it
takes sweat, work, lots of cash, patience,
and more to have a happy, healthy baby.
Some studies suggest that you will spend
anywhere between $150,000 and $200,000
for your kids by the time they are 18
years old, not including private schools,
special lessons, or college.
But if you waited until you had enough
money, time and energy to have your baby,
you would probably end up without any
children. Here you*ll find a few ways
to ease the finances, so that you can
enjoy your new bundle of joy.
1. Get health assistance - if you don*t
have health insurance, and can*t afford
it, doctor*s bills can ad up really easy.
But there are options out there for people
just like you. This baby expense will
probably be one of your biggest, so don*t
be afraid to ask for assistance if your
family needs it.
2. Breastfeed your baby, if possible.
It*s free, it*s convenient, and it might
help against breast cancer. It*s recommended
as being the best form of nutrition for
baby.
If you can*t breastfeed, don*t feel guilty.
Try to apply for WIC (Women , Infants,
and Children): http://www.fns.usda.gov/wic
, a program designed to help middle and
low income families with educational resources
and food. You can also save money by buying
formula in bulk, clipping coupons, and
accepting free samples whenever they are
offered. This is a baby expense you can*t
do without.
3. Diapers - Some diapers are better
than others, but most are basically the
same. Store brand disposable diapers can
be just as good as the name brand, for
several dollars less than their name brand
counterparts. You can save even more,
if you use cloth diapers instead of disposable.
As with breastfeeding, it*s a little more
work involved, but well worth it.
4. Diaper Rash Prevention - instead of
taking action after your baby got a diaper
rash, prevent it with a drop of olive
oil applied to their bottom every time
you change their diaper: it works wonders
(you should check with your doctor first).
5. Baby food - When it comes to baby
food, a blender is your best friend: it
will help you keep this baby expense at
its lowest. Not only is it much cheaper,
but it*s so much healthier! Save the little
baby food jars for quick trips, or special
occasions, and give your baby pureed food
made by you. You can cook a week*s supply
on the weekend, put the blended vegetables
in the ice cube tray, for a few hours,
and then place them in a freezer bag.
Depending on your baby*s appetite and
age, you can microwave one, two or three
cubes before meal time. It*s quick, healthy
and inexpensive.
6. Clothing - There is no need to buy
expensive designer clothing for you little
one. Do you think anyone will really notice
that your baby is wearing Tommy Hilfiger?
Babies look cute in anything: don*t waste
your money! You can get most of your baby
clothing at yard sales or second-hand
stores.
7. Toys - they are big business, but
you don*t have to feel pressured to get
the latest and most expensive models.
My kids were happy with everyday items
as their toys: empty shampoo bottles (make
sure they are cleaned and rinsed very
well before handing them to your baby),
plastic bowls, plastic containers from
food products (margarine, sour cream ,
etc.) that they could stack up, etc. Also,
buy some toys that will help with your
baby*s development, are durable, and are
age appropriate: a baby expense worth
the money.
8. Wills - Get a will or update your
old will. Name a guardian for your child
and the trustee of your child*s inheritance
(often but not always the same person).
Without a will, the court will name these
individuals and also split up your assets
in accordance with state law which may
not be the way you would wish. Please
don*t try to avoid this baby expense:
your kid*s future might depend on it.
A simple will that includes a trust for
minor children costs between $150 and
$250.
Here are links to some great baby resources:
- generic brand wholesale diapers
( http://www.diapers-4-less.com/private-label-diapers.htm
)
- baby formula: free samples and coupons
( http://www.freestuff-for-babies.com/babyformula.html
)
Adriana Copaceanu is a work at home mom
of 2, and the publisher of Baby*s First
Year Companion http://www.babys-first-year.com,
an online resource for new parents.
