Baby Expense - When Money is Tight, and Baby's on the Way...
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.
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.
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), 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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
******* DISCLAIMER: The
information on this Web site is for reference only and is not
intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional
medical advice. Although the site's creators and contributors
aim to provide the most accurate information, it is your
responsibility to verify the validity of any information
contained herein. Please check with your infant's pediatrician
if you suspect a health problem or medical condition.
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