First comes love, then comes marriage, then comes…. THE BABY IN THE BABY CARRIAGE! Who should throw the baby shower? Formal etiquette says not the couple and no family to avoid it appearing like the family is requesting … Continue reading
This “Bun in the Oven” topic I find perfect since I currently do have a “Bun in the Oven”. It has been an amazing 29 weeks, and myself and my husband are more than excited to meet our little girl. However, finding ways to save money while raising children may be more important than ever, given that the cost of raising a child is rising, according to Mark Lino, Ph.D., economist for the U.S. Agriculture Department (USDA).
“The cost of raising a child has increased 23% after accounting for inflation since 1960, [when the] USDA starting tracking costs associated with raising children,” says Lino. “Costs associated with childcare and health care are major contributors to these increases.”
The bare necessities (of life)
Deciding what your baby really needs vs. wants of your own is a great first step. In this day and age we are led to believe that our children will not be healthy or happy without each and every new gadget or material item, but that isn’t true.
Determine a budget
From working in the financial industry for half a decade I can say that developing an individual budget is always a successful tactic, thus implementing a budget for your child will be a great way to save money. We will always have those impulse buys, but setting monthly estimates and sticking to them will save money in the long run. Create projections for food, clothes, toys, furniture etc.
In my opinion the toys should be far and few between until they can physically request certain toys. Let the child master a particular toy before purchasing a new one because then you end up with a house full of toys that the child literally spends 2-5 seconds on and they are on to the next.
Hungry Why Wait
Because for the first year you will be most likely feeding your baby breast milk or formula it is important that if you are doing formula to buy in bulk.It’s MUCH cheaper than purchasing here and there. Once you start solid foods purchasing baby food will be the most expensive route. These are typically things (carrotts, green beans, apples, etc) you can make at home and blend well to provide the same nutrients that any baby food will provide.
Furniture
You’ll likely want to purchase a crib, dresser, rocker, changing table, bookshelves, and toy chest.
A great investment is the convertible crib that changes—as your child grows—into a toddler bed, then a day bed, and finally into a full-size or queen bed. Convertible cribs may have a higher initial price tag but can save money in the long run.
Instead of buying child-scale furniture that will last only a short time, buy an adult-sized book shelf and dresser that get use after the baby outgrows the crib and changing table. Furniture in neutral colors such as black, brown, or white are your best bet because they can be utilized in any part of the home.
Décor
Basic is best. Consider buying a comforter and window coverings in neutral colors and adding stuffed animals and a mobile as accents. Soon the little one will grow fast and you won’t be using Winnie the Pooh or Cinderella forever.
WeddinGuru 