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Baby Expense: What To Do When Baby
by: Adriana Copaceanu
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.
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