Baby Expense: What To Do When Baby
|
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 )
About The Author
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.
|
|
|
Baby Shower Hostess Etiquette
Does baby shower hostess etiquette allow for gift suggestions, if yes, how? Here you will find numerous ways how the baby shower host c...(related: Babies Help Articles)
Baby Shower For Second Baby
Having a shower for second baby used to be considered greedy and unacceptable. But now it is not only acceptable, but i...(related: Babies Help Articles)
A Daddy Baby Shower - New Twist On The Old Baby Shower
Try something new, a Daddy Baby Shower. Even though no one would realistically expect a new daddy-to-be to sit around with his closest buddies, opening baby shower gifts and playing party games while oohing and aahing over the imminent birth of his child. That doesn't mean that Dad can't have a baby shower-type celebration. Daddy deserves to celebrate the birth of his child, too!Of course, the term baby shower does invoke visions of baby themed parties. Like the one described above when planning a baby shower. So perhaps "baby shower" is not an appropriate name for this get-together. ...(related: Babies Help Articles)
Wooden High Chairs Offer Simplicity, Beauty, And Practicality For Todays Busy Families
Wooden high chairs with their looks and functionality make a great addition to any kitchen or dining room, no...(related: Babies Help Articles)
Teething Symptoms And How To Treat Them
Teething is what your baby experiences when her first set of teeth begins to appear.Some babies will go through this event without a problem. However, other babies will experience discomfort.To tell when your ...(related: Babies Help Articles)
Naming Ceremonies: Advice For First Time Godparents
Congratulations! It is a great honour your friends have done you, because being asked to be a godparent (aka as mentor, supporting adult, guideparent or guardian) is a significant responsibility and signals that they really trust you to look out for their child.Many first-time godparents are hazy about what their role is and what is expected of them during the Naming Ceremony.RoleGodparents step in when parents are not available, especially if they die or default. In my ceremonies I ask godparents to make promises to the parents as well as to the child, in order to signal their willingness to support the whol...(related: Babies Help Articles)
Should Your Baby Sleep In Your Bed?
Should baby sleep in her own cot or in bed with you? There are arguments on both sides.Advantages:
- Breastfeeding is easier, you don't have to get out of bed to feed baby.
- Many mothers say baby sleeps better - if she wakes she is more likely to be comforted by your presence and heartbeat and go back to slee...(related: Babies Help Articles)
Baby Room Decor Tips & Hints
When you plan for a baby room decor, the best thing would be to give attention to detail. Choose the one which would look eye catching to your guests, pleasing to you and comfortable to the baby. A well lit room could be beautiful provided it does not affect or strain the baby's eyes.Moving on first to baby furniture?. Baby furniture consists of items which could make the baby sleep and eat comfortably. An ideal, comfortable crib (which could give it sound sleep), high chairs, night stands (to store baby items in one place), and changing tables make up a furniture set for the baby.The most important item in the furniture and of course the baby room decor is the crib. The crib has to be strong and durable, from a reputed company. It should be free from rough edges or unnecessary protrusions. The paint s...(related: Babies Help Articles)
How Can I Teach My Toddler To Share?
Helping your child move from breast breast milk or formula to solids is a milestone for both you and your baby. However, it can be challenging for some parents. Here are some tips and tricks I've compiled for introducing solid foods to your baby. Do remember, however, that you should follow your pediatrician's advice if you're in doubt.Start with fruits One tip I've heard from various is to start with fruits. Use really ripe bananas, mashed with a fork. Or sweet potatoes (baked, with the insides scooped out).Use a baby food grinder You can try small bits of real rice, mixed with meats (without seasonings). The meat should be meshed with baby food grinder (you can find these pretty cheap).Don't feed your baby directly from the jar This is an interesting tip I've heard from ex...(related: Babies Help Articles)
3 Simple Steps In Searching For A Baby Name
1) BRAINSTORMIt is a good idea to pick a baby boy, girl, or a unisex baby name, even if the sonogram has already shown you the sex of your baby, after all, surprises do happen. Set aside time with no interruptions to clear your mind and brainstorm names that appeal to you and write them on a piece of paper. You may want to honor an endeared relative, or choose a name with religious meaning. Or perhaps you have heard a name before and said to yourself 'Hey, that's a cool baby name'. If you want the name to have a specific meaning, for example 'strong', do an internet search, or look it up in a book. Check out th...(related: Babies Help Articles)
Gift Giving For Baby
Since they are you friends or relatives, chances are you know their lifestyle. Do they like to travel or like taking day trips to the amusement parks or zoos? If yes, backpack diaper bag is a good idea. A backpack diaper bag frees up both hands and it looks good on both man and woman. Baby carrier is another good choice for gift for active parents. Think about other travel accessories like shopping cart strap, stroller cup holder and other small but ...(related: Babies Help Articles)
Language Development In Your Baby
From birth to one year your baby will go from crying to cooing to talking. Those are amazing milestones for your baby to accomplishment in such a short period of time as he develops his speech and language skills.Keep in mind that these stages of your baby's development are broad and that no baby will fall exactly within the timeframe of these expected milestones.One month:...(related: Babies Help Articles)
site-map - Copyright © 2008 | Contact Webmaster | All Rights Reserved. | Babies Help Articles