How to Save Baby Expense – Raising a baby isn’t expensive! However there are many methods to save money. On this article below, you will find what exactly you could do about them, and the very best baby expenses mothers reported to us.
1. Formula
Cost: $60 to $100 per month
“I’d have tried harder to breastfeed if I had known just how expensive formula was really going to be,” says one mom. Another, whose son needed a pricier brand due to a milk protein allergy, says, “We spent about $150 a month on formula alone!”
How to save: Breastfeed for so long as you can. In case you are not breastfeeding, stick with powdered formula, which costs less than prepared-to-use or liquid concentrate. Purchase in bulk at warehouse stores, and sign up to receive coupons on formula manufacturers’ sites to make use of and trade with friends.
2. Diapers
Cost: $30 to $85 per month for disposable diapers
“I was surprised by the range in price for diapers depending on where you purchase them — at a supermarket, pharmacy, or superstore,” says one mom.
Ways to save: Using cloth diapers and washing them yourself is making a comeback with many budget-minded parents. One mom, who says she saved $2,000 by going this route, says, “You’ll be surprised by how cute, easy, and convenient cloth diapers are.” If you favor disposable diapers, the best way to save is to buy in bulk at warehouse stores or online. Sign up at diaper manufacturers’ websites to get coupons, and stock up when diapers are on sale.
3. Childcare
Cost: Varies
“Babysitting is $10 per hour where we live, and daycare averages $1,000 a month,” says one mother. “We constantly feel in a bind financially.”
Ways to save: For full time attention, consider asking a relative or friend. Nanny sharing and house daycare centers can also conserve cash. For occasional babysitting, trade time with friends or a trusted neighbor or hire a responsible student. If possible, make an effort to stagger work schedules with your partner so that you can each cover some of your kid’s attention. Eventually, consider registering in a flexible spending account for childcare expenses if your employer offers one.
4. Gear
Cost: Varies
“Everything costs about $100,” says one mom. “After a while, that seriously adds up!”
How to save: Develop a registry so friends and family members can help with the big purchases. Start with the basic — a good car seat, stroller, and bouncy seat and wait to purchase other things. You might be able to try a friend’s activity centre or swing out to see whether your baby enjoys it before buying. While itis advisable to purchase your car seat new, ask for other things as secondhand stores for other things and store garage sales, community websites, and hand-me-downs. “I wish I’d bought more used gear,” says one mother. “It was only when my baby was a month or two old that I figured out how many mothers would love to sell their just used baby equipment.”
5. Clothes
Cost: $20 to $50 per month
“There were times I went out to expensive stores and spent $40 on just one outfit,” says one mom. “A couple of weeks later, it wouldn’t fit anymore.”
Ways to save: Many first-time parents find they receive enough presents to keep their baby clothed for the first couple of months. After that, request hand-me-downs from friends and relatives. Get gradually used things from consignment stores, thrift shops, community websites, and garage sales. Search for shop sales and internet deals. Finally, treat your child’s soiled clothes with a laundry booster so they can be worn again or stain remover!
6. Food
Cost: $50 to $100 per month (after your baby starts solid food)
“At one point, my daughter was eating five jars of organic baby food a day at almost $1 per jar,” says one mother.
Ways to save: If possible, make your own baby food. “A good quality hand blender will pay for itself in about a month,” says one mom. You might find that your child enjoys home made food and you can often make baby food out of what your family’s already eating for dinner. When it really doesn’t work, clip coupons. “The know I should make my own, but with three kids, the benefit of purchasing jars tempts me,” says one mother. “Portability and speed are worth something!”
7. Toys, books, and DVDs
Cost: $20 to $40 per month
“Some toys are priceless, but you can not understand which ones your baby will love,” says one mom. “I found that my baby really just loves three toys out of the 20-something I bought,” says another.
Ways to save: Let your child play with home items that are safe. “The whisk is a big hit with my small one,” says one mom. Buy toys secondhand, borrow books from the library, ask friends for hand-me-downs, and consider setting up a toy exchange with friends or neighbors who have babies around the same age.
Article publié pour la première fois le 17/09/2015