I am a bit concerned. I am taking 6 months off work and my husband earns a decent pay, but I am worried we wont be able to afford it. We are in australia, and not very good at the whole saving thing.
2007-01-18 07:28:46 · 16 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Other - Pregnancy & Parenting
All you have and then some!!!
2007-01-18 07:35:20 · answer #1 · answered by rudee 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋
I'm in the US-so sorry if this doesn't help. Figure diapers (generic work ok during the day, go for a good overnight brand or you will do extra wash) maybe $25-30 per week; formula (agian generic is ok if you read the label and see if it is the same as the name brands, powder that you mix is less and works just as well) around $50 a week; then all the misc items that you need-baby wipes (you will overuse them at first trying to avoid touching any nasty stuff-once you get over that first shyness you won't go threw them so fast), bottles and nipples even if you do breast feed, baby tylenol maybe, gas drops with out a doubt, clothes, blankets, getting the nursery set up, toys, books, doctors visits, etc.
If you are having a baby shower, register someplace and pick stuff you will use (bottles, blankets, onsies and essentail clothes) so you don't get a ton of cutesy outfits that never see any use. Don't be afraid to take gently used items from family and friends-except car seats, by those new for safety reasons.
Working or staying home, you will worry over money. I worried about how long to take on leave and then worried how to afford day care when I went back after 2 1/2 months. Kids are costly no matter what. But if you can stay home and enjoy time with your child-do it. I wish I could have. If you have to make some cuts in your own items you can do it (trust me, you won't need the perfect hair cut if you can't remember if you took a shower that day and a quick PBJ sandwich while your baby naps is a great lunch/dinner/snack before you get a nap yourself). The pay off in the end is time with your baby and that is priceless! Congrats on the new addition!
2007-01-18 15:52:32 · answer #2 · answered by VAgirl 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I believe our society's consumerist mindset contributes to the idea that babies cost so much. Of course there are costs involved but babies can be properly cared for on a lot less money than is often estimated. I'm assuming you have insurance of some kind to help with the initial expense of the birth which is the single largest expense early on.
I think the biggest issue is if you are willing to substitute some of your own time and effort in the place of money. You can breastfeed and use cloth diapers. This will bring the cost of the first few months of your baby's life down considerably. If you have a baby shower, you'll get a lot of the necessities and you can buy some things used. Be sure and have plenty of onesies and sleepers on hand. From my experience, you'll use a lot more of these than the fancy outfits. I get most of my children's clothes from a higher quality secondhand children's clothing store. I also got my stroller and toddler bed there. You can get a crib used as well. Just be sure it conforms to modern safety standards. (I've included a link below.) The main things you will need to get new are a car seat and crib mattress. If you save up for them before the birth, you should be able to afford them just fine.
Good luck and don't worry. Enjoy your baby. :)
2007-01-18 17:47:56 · answer #3 · answered by Faith M 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Not only do you have the cost of your normal bills but, you will also have the cost of medical bills. As you get closer to your due date you will go every week until you have the baby then you will stay 2 or 3 days in the hospital. When the baby gets here you will have to afford the formula and diapers. Here in the U.S., formula costs 3 dollars per can and diapers can cost as much as 20 dollars a package. You also will need to be able to afford the cost to clothe your newborn because they grow so rapidly you'll be buying new clothes every other month at least for awhile. A doctor will make you take off for 6 weeks after your baby is born. You have alot to consider financially when it comes to baby.
2007-01-18 15:42:15 · answer #4 · answered by darkchild39702 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well the first thing you better do is get good at the savings thing. If you don't you will be in even more turmoil than you think. Babies cost alot! Besides food and cloths there is Formula, diapers, baby wipes, doctors visits, medications, ect.ect. Now is the time to put your money in order and also stock up on needed supplies like diapers, wipes ect. And babys get bigger and need more money. The last thing to say is if your concerned enough to ask about cost then you know it won't be easy but you will make it through no matter how much money you have. You will put your baby first and give it what it needs. Good Luck and God Bless to you and your baby.
2007-01-18 15:36:35 · answer #5 · answered by smile4u 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Followed by "smile4u", insurance, mediclaim etc will reduce your long run cost. You got to put a share for your baby in a piggy bank... start doing it by today onwards so it would be your habbit. Buy a few fix deposits on the baby.
More you think, older you get. Its not that hard too.. just follow the guideline above & needed things would be bought on as & when basis... dont worry & congrats in advance.
2007-01-18 15:42:53 · answer #6 · answered by hmmm 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Costs of Having a Baby
You thought the home pregnancy test was expensive! The costs of raising a baby to age 18 costs between $125,000-$250,000 and that’s not including college tuition! In your baby’s first year alone, you can easily spend between $9,000-$11,000 (for diapers, formula, baby furniture, clothing, baby gear, etc.) If you go back to work right away, childcare can cost as much as $3,000-$4,500 in your baby’s first year. If you can stay home with your baby, you can save money.
I believe this info means in the USA. Just change the cost to Australian money.
2007-01-18 15:39:29 · answer #7 · answered by alex77055 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you buy clothes in bulk, (packs of 6)like the grows and playsuits
.Also by breastfeeding you wont be spending money on powder milk and bottles etc.......Buy bigger clothes that will have more wear......Also family always give loads of things....so you should not worry....
2007-01-18 15:37:09 · answer #8 · answered by hmmmmmm 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Try just getting what you absolutely need. Resist all the cute outfits and toys that your baby won't need and you'll be fine. Also consider breastfeeding, it's a lot cheaper than buying formula.
2007-01-18 15:38:04 · answer #9 · answered by Jo 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
id say not have one because they cost alot!!! but i have 2 wonderful little ones that mean alot to me and i would spend my last dollar on them. you got to decide what is more important - the baby or the parties.
2007-01-18 15:45:32 · answer #10 · answered by proud_mom 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Same as buying a new model of Ferrari. No kidding
2007-01-18 15:33:12 · answer #11 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋