Let us face this fact: your baby's needs are very expensive. As parents, we hesitate to think of our beautiful baby as a huge expense, but we have to cope with the financial challenges in order for our newborn to be healthy and happy as they grow. The baby has needs beyond just some peek-a-boo or other toy that produce gurgling sounds or whatever. Babies require their nutrition (breast milk or formula), bottles, diapers, baby food/purees, strollers, high chairs, carriers and the list goes on. In addition, when they get sick, we have to pay for doctor visits and buy them medicine. The list goes can seem endless. You may even be wondering right now how you can raise your precious one as you endure the baby expenses, in good economic times and bad. The strategy is simple; all you have to do is create a plan.
This plan starts with a proper budget. One of the first thoughts people have about a budget is cutting costs. But when you are adding a baby you are adding costs. You want to manage the baby expenses, but at the same time you have to make sure that you do not compromise the safety and quality. So what do you do?
Be creative, think and do your homework:
1. Take a deep breath because you don't have to buy all of this yourself, especially if this is your first baby. People will naturally want to help. Many of your friends and family have been in your shoes and they know how expensive it is. One of the best money savers here is when you have a baby shower. Before you start buying up everything you need give your friends and family a chance. You will be receiving many gifts from those who were invited. Additionally, they will be giving you items for both you and your baby. Once the baby shower is through you can start to see what is still missing that you need to get.
2. Don't overlook free use of baby items. You can ask and request from your closest friends or relatives who have already had babies and they will be happy to share exactly what you need. In fact, many will be thrilled to get cribs, strollers, and high chairs out of their house so they have more room and you have put a dent in the baby expenses.
3. When it comes to the diapers you do not have to buy those expensive, well-known brand name ones because as much as they want you to believe otherwise, they all function the same way. You can also opt for cloth diapers so that you will not only save money but also do something helpful for the environment.
4. Infant formula is costly so if you can breastfeed this will do a lot of good to you and your baby. It is free, safe, hygienic and convenient.
5. As your baby start to wean off the milk and begins to eat baby food you can make your own recipes. This is cheap and really nutritious. For instance, an hour or two on a Saturday afternoon is all it takes to steam some butternut squash, sweet potatoes, peaches, or apples and puree by hand. This works great even for working moms because it is very quick and then you can put the pureed food into ice cube trays and freeze. Toss a couple cubes into a dish before you head out by feeding time they are thawed and ready to go. If not, you can simply microwave them.
6. You do not have to buy them fancy toys and clothes. Choose those that are appropriate for their age and they will be satisfied.
Now, you do not have to worry about the baby expenses at all.