Raising a baby isn't cheap! But there are plenty of ways to save money.
Below you'll find the top baby expenses moms reported to us, and what you can
do about them.
1.
Formula
"I would have tried harder to breastfeed if I had known just how expensive formula was going to be," says one mom. Another, whose son required a pricier brand because of a milk protein allergy, says, "We spent about a month on formula alone!"
Ways to save: Breastfeed for as long as you can. If you're not breastfeeding, stick with powdered formula, which costs less than ready-to-use or liquid concentrate. Buy in bulk at warehouse stores
"I would have tried harder to breastfeed if I had known just how expensive formula was going to be," says one mom. Another, whose son required a pricier brand because of a milk protein allergy, says, "We spent about a month on formula alone!"
Ways to save: Breastfeed for as long as you can. If you're not breastfeeding, stick with powdered formula, which costs less than ready-to-use or liquid concentrate. Buy in bulk at warehouse stores
2.
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 N70, 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.
"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 N70, 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.
3.
Childcare
Daycare averages N30, 000 a month," says
one mom. "We constantly feel in a bind financially."
Ways to save: For full-time care, consider asking a relative or friend. Home daycare centers and nanny sharing can also save cash. For occasional babysitting, trade time with a trusted neighbor or friends or hire a trustworthy and responsible maid. If possible, try to stagger work schedules with your partner so you can each cover some of your child's care. Finally, consider enrolling 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!"
Ways to save: Create a registry so friends and family members can help with the big purchases. Start with the basics — a good car seat, stroller, and bouncy seat, for example — and wait to buy other things. You may be able to try out a friend's activity center or swing to see if your baby likes it before buying. While it's a good idea to buy your car seat new , ask for other items as hand-me-downs and shop garage sales, community websites, and secondhand stores for other items. "I wish I'd bought more used gear," says one mom. "It wasn't until my baby was a few months old that I figured out how many moms would love to sell their barely used baby equipment."
5. Clothes
"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."
Way to save: Many first-time parents find they receive enough gifts to keep their baby clothed for the first few months. After that, ask for hand-me-downs from friends and relatives. Get gently used items from consignment stores, thrift shops, community websites, and garage sales. Look for store sales and online deals. Finally, treat your child's soiled clothes with stain remover or a laundry booster so they can be worn again!
6. Food
"At one point, my daughter was eating five jars of organic baby food a day at nearly $1 per jar," says one mom. "Baby food is ridiculously expensive," says another.
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 may find that your child likes homemade food better than jarred — and you can often make baby food out of what your family's already eating for dinner. If this doesn't work, clip coupons. "I know I should make my own, but with three kids, the convenience of buying jars tempts me," says one mom. "Portability and speed are worth something!"
7. Toys, books, and DVDs
"Some toys are priceless, but you can't know which ones your baby will love," says one mom. "I found that my baby really only loves three toys out of the 20-something I bought," says another.
Ways to save: Let your child play with safe household items. "The whisk is a big hit with my little 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.
Ways to save: For full-time care, consider asking a relative or friend. Home daycare centers and nanny sharing can also save cash. For occasional babysitting, trade time with a trusted neighbor or friends or hire a trustworthy and responsible maid. If possible, try to stagger work schedules with your partner so you can each cover some of your child's care. Finally, consider enrolling 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!"
Ways to save: Create a registry so friends and family members can help with the big purchases. Start with the basics — a good car seat, stroller, and bouncy seat, for example — and wait to buy other things. You may be able to try out a friend's activity center or swing to see if your baby likes it before buying. While it's a good idea to buy your car seat new , ask for other items as hand-me-downs and shop garage sales, community websites, and secondhand stores for other items. "I wish I'd bought more used gear," says one mom. "It wasn't until my baby was a few months old that I figured out how many moms would love to sell their barely used baby equipment."
5. Clothes
"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."
Way to save: Many first-time parents find they receive enough gifts to keep their baby clothed for the first few months. After that, ask for hand-me-downs from friends and relatives. Get gently used items from consignment stores, thrift shops, community websites, and garage sales. Look for store sales and online deals. Finally, treat your child's soiled clothes with stain remover or a laundry booster so they can be worn again!
6. Food
"At one point, my daughter was eating five jars of organic baby food a day at nearly $1 per jar," says one mom. "Baby food is ridiculously expensive," says another.
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 may find that your child likes homemade food better than jarred — and you can often make baby food out of what your family's already eating for dinner. If this doesn't work, clip coupons. "I know I should make my own, but with three kids, the convenience of buying jars tempts me," says one mom. "Portability and speed are worth something!"
7. Toys, books, and DVDs
"Some toys are priceless, but you can't know which ones your baby will love," says one mom. "I found that my baby really only loves three toys out of the 20-something I bought," says another.
Ways to save: Let your child play with safe household items. "The whisk is a big hit with my little 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.
No comments:
Post a Comment