MAGAZINE

Got stories to share? Become a contributor… click here

Will Having a Baby Make Me Broke?
Parenting

Will Having a Baby Make Me Broke?

When you are contemplating having a baby, you envision providing the best life for them; one filled with all the things you didn't have while you were growing up. However, the reality is quite different.


With the current economic state, having and raising a child can get pricey, fast. Between the clothes, medical care, food, and other expenses, you can easily spend a tidy sum even before the baby arrives. However, this shouldn’t keep you from experiencing the joys of parenthood. These thrifty tips can help you identify areas you can cut back on and make things work without breaking the bank.


  1. 1. Borrow things 

Magazines, websites, and tv ads will all tell you that you need to spend a fortune getting the new supplies you'll need for your baby, however, this isn't true. Don’t be in a rush buying a lot of things before you make the news of your pregnancy public. Because once you do, you will get a lot of presents, including clothes, toys, baby furniture and equipment and so on. Women love passing on their things, so take advantage of this and save some bucks.


  1. 2. Buy second-hand stuff

Babies tend to grow very fast and many parents have loads of newish baby stuff collecting dust in their homes. Garage sales are a great way for such parents to recoup some of their money, and they present an excellent chance for you to get great deals on baby stuff. You can also shop at consignment shops that have baby and children’s items. Since the owners are quite strict about the quality of the items they agree to sell, you can be sure that what you find is in excellent condition.


  1. 3. Understand that you don’t need everything 

The baby section in most stores is always filled with so many wonderful things you might think your baby will need and you can end up spending a lot of money on baby stuff. However, you have to remember that your baby will quickly outgrow those cute outfits you bought, so while some things such as a stroller or a diaper bag are essential, you probably don’t need that cute onesie in six different styles.


  1. 4. Opt for a home birth

Home births are becoming quite popular because they cost a lot less than a hospital birth. You don’t have to have an obstetrician deliver your baby; you can use a midwife. Seeing a midwife is a lot cheaper, and they provide a peaceful and intimate birthing experience. You should, however, make sure that your midwife is affiliated with an obstetrician in case of an emergency.


  1. 5. Use cloth diapers

Even after going out of style, cloth diapers are making a comeback and they are even better. While they might seem like a lot of work, you can now buy then in a single package that includes a diaper and a cover. They also switched out the pins for velcro and snaps so there is no need to worry about hurting the baby with a pin. They are very durable and you can use them on your other kids.


It is quite hard to be completely prepared to have a child; however, with these tips, you can minimize the financial impact of your little one’s birth.


 

View more, it's free.

DOWNLOAD THE APP TODAY!

Share this
story

  • images not found
  • images not found
  • images not found
Shalom K

Shalom is a parenting freelance writer and enthusiast of child psychology and development. She is passionate about helping other parents enjoy the journey of raising well-rounded kids while remaining sane, and enjoying their own lives. When she’s not writing and interacting with other parents, you will find her cooking, swimming, or having some wine.

  • images not found
  • images not found
Got stories to share?

Become a contributor… click here

Other mom stories you might like

Best Resources for First-Time Moms to Learn More About Parenting

While new motherhood can be an exhilarating experience, it also comes with plenty of doubt and stress. The American Psychological Association notes that up to one in seven women experience...

read more

Holiday Activities for the Littlest Elves

The holiday season is upon us, and with it comes the opportunity to create magical moments and lasting memories with your little ones. If you're wondering how to keep your...

read more

Parenting

MomsBeyond-2792/mb_17005058818841.jpg

To diagnose or not: How do we best support our children?

Given the increase in the last twenty years in diagnosis in ADHD, autism, and other neurodiversities, I think this is an interesting topic. I appreciate a diagnosis can offer a...

read more