Babies Cost A Fortune!

By: Kevin Hart
Submitted: 2007-01-17 16:20:38
Print this article | Tell a friend | For publisher | Social Bookmarking
Rating:
 

There is an old saying and one that has a lot of truth in it, 'babies cost a fortune.'

Most new parents are surprised at how cash-draining a new baby can be. How can such a small individual eat into so much of the family budget?

Fortunately the expenses do not have to be incurred all at once. Planned or unplanned you have nine months (give or take) to prepare for the event and make some plan to deal with the undoubted expense that a new baby brings. There are several steps that expectant parents can take to help cut down on some of the major expenses that are expected.

Baby showers are great blessings for an expectant mother, especially a first time mother. It's a time when friends and family members literally shower the newborn with presents. I've known many a mother who was embarrassed to take advantage of the situation and ask for what she really needed. Don't be! A decent shower can often cover most of the immediate baby layette needs.

The normal practice is for a close friend or relation to host the shower and in reality they want you to drop hints, or even ask directly for what you need, it makes their job much easier.

How far in advance? Well the simple answer is as far in advance as possible.

Start adding diapers to your regular shopping list and try to pick up one or two packages each week. At this point you've got to think size. Start with a pack or two of the newborn size and then sizes one and two. If you have a bigger baby you don't want to be stuck with lots of newborn size diapers that you'll never use. If the baby is "normal" size it is easy to buy newborn sizes while you need them and rest easy in the knowledge that you're already stocked up on the next sizes up.

You'll find that grandparents are usually delighted to help out with some of the major expenses like cots and nursery furniture. Maybe you have some relations or in-laws who no longer need baby equipment. If asked they'll probably be more than willing to pass good unused equipment on.

If a used crib, stroller, or playpen is in good condition, there is no reason not to buy it over a new one. A lot of money can be saved here.

There is one item I would not buy second hand and that's the car seat. Safety must always come first and unless you buy new there is no way to be sure that it measures up to current safety standards.

Plan and think ahead and you'll find that you can save serious money perhaps enough to open a college account, and it's never to early to think of that either.

Kevin Hart lives in Armagh City, Ireland. He is an author and researcher. More articles on babies and toddlers can be found on his website at http://www.babies-worldwide.com

Article source: Expert Articles

Most Recent Articles in Babies Toddler category

  • Baby Shower Favors - What Will You Choose? - By: Jnet Verra
    Planning a baby shower can be a lot of fun, from making and sending invitations, selecting adorable decorations, planning the menu to preparing party games. Traditionally, they are the basics that baby showers need to consider. However today, if you are planning a baby shower, the more it is unique, the more it will become exciting and fun. Think outside the box! There are so many unique ideas that are beyond traditional when it comes to throwing a baby shower.
  • Nursery Furniture - Things You Need to Know Before You Buy - By: Phil Martins
    There are many things consumers need to know before purchasing nursery furniture. Buying nursery furniture is important to the safety of the infant as well as matching the decor in the home.
  • Involving Baby Gift Baskets During A Baby Shower - By: Jnet Verra
    To welcome an upcoming little bundle of joy, a family member or friend likely to plan a baby shower for the mom-to-be. Such event is not just a fun affair for everyone involved, but it is also a great time to shower the mom-to-be plenty of baby shower gifts that will definitely make her happy.
  • Baby Shower Supplies - Party Decors - By: Jnet Verra
    Planning a baby shower involve decorating the entire event. Decorating a baby shower is may sound challenging, but actually it is not. You don't have to worry about buying baby shower decors and party supplies, because there's a myriad option to choose from available in the market today. All it takes is to be creative and patient whenever you are scouting for baby shower supplies.
  • Tips When Hosting A Baby Shower - By: Jnet Verra
    Baby showers are a traditional practice thrown to someone who's expecting a child. Hosting it comes along with several things that needed to be considered. Although century old, the manner of hosting a baby shower changes over the time. Today, when planning a baby shower, everything needs to be carefully planned to make sure that it will turn out to be fabulous and memorable event, which the mom-to-be and guests will never forget for years to come.
  • Baby Shower Gifts - Personalized Baby Presents - By: Jnet Verra
    The baby's arrival cause family and friends to celebrate a baby shower, and thought to be showered with lots of baby shower gifts. Giving baby shower gifts has been a tradition, which means providing something that the new parents will need when their little child arrives. Today, there are thousands of stores both online and local that carry a wide variety of baby items that can be presented as baby shower gifts.
  • Arranging A Baby Shower - By: Jnet Verra
    A baby shower is a great detour, which honors the mom-to-be as her pregnancy is about to end. This event bring family and friends together to help the new parents welcome their upcoming baby, full of love and laughters.
  • How to Choose Baby Gifts or Baby Shower Gifts - By: Camber Lea
    Choosing the right baby gifts can be very stressful. Here are a few gift suggestions and ideas may help you find the perfect baby gifts. There are lots of gifts you can give to new baby, no matter how trendy or unique the gift is, always keep it practical!
  • Baby Shower Gift Ideas - DIY Baby Gift Baskets - By: Jnet Verra
    Coming up with an impressive baby shower gift on a budget is a bit challenging. Today, where the economy is struggling, one should think practical when it comes to giving gift. Since there's a new baby coming, which cause family and friends to celebrate, presenting baby shower gifts is a great add-on to the entire celebration.
  • Make Baby Night Nursing Easy - By: Camber Lea
    If you are struggling with the night nursing issue, here has some tips and advices from experienced parents may help.