Child expenses and advise?

Question

Good Morning, mothers!!

I a 24 year old student almost finished with my bachelor's degree and my husband and I are considering have a child. What expenses are normally associated with infants and babies? What is the average cost of diapers, formula, and other baby needs? I just need some realistic advise on having children. Is it smarter to have them while you are young? Or wait until you are older? This will be our first child so we are really nervous.

Answer 1

Hi! My husband and I have an 11 month old and we are both 24. If you wait until you are "financially ready" to have a child.. you never will. There are always those unexpected things that occur that may surprise you every now and then. As far as prices of things now days: We spend, on average, $60 a week on diapers, baby food, formula,wipes, etc. Daycare is costing around $80 a week. We have health insurance on our daughter so doctor's visits cost anywhere from $30-$100, depending on any prescriptions. Aside from her normal checkups with shots, we've had to take her to the doctor 4 times since she's been born for earaches or colds.

We do not go out much anymore because we do not have the extra money to do so. We "treat" ourself to maybe one outing a week (like going out to eat).. because we try to eat at home as much as possible. Children do cost a lot.. but they are worth every penny!!! God Bless you in your decision!

Answer 2

You are going to get a multitude of answers to this one believe me!!!

In my experience, I am married and 25, have two children ages 5 and 2.5yrs. I love them to death and would do anything for them but wish I had waited a little longer to have them. I do love the fact that I am young and able to keep up with them although it is still hard. I will be 40 and have grown kids so be able to have 'a life' so to speak, but I wish I had taken the time to be 'me' for a while longer, established more of a career, travelled more and bought a house first.
These are all material-like things though so not a necessity but a comfort.

Money wise, babies only cost as much as you want to spend. Formula is an option if you choose not to breastfeed but obviously costs more and isn't as good for them as human milk, you can use cloth diapers and disposables when you go out, so another money saving idea.
Babies also don't know if they are sleeping in the most expensive cot or have 'labelled' clothes or a fancy mural on the wall. You can save money everywhere when it comes to babies, they don't know if you got second hand or not.

The real costs come when its time for daycare, school, bigger cars etc....If you think you can accomodate that stuff then thats what i would be worrying about.

If you have only just finished your degree and not even had the oportunity to work and establish a money base yet then i would wait another 1-3yrs. Make sure all the things that are important to you, other than a baby, are taken care of and then start trying to conceive. You have a few baby making years left yet, so don't rush it.

best of luck making a decision

Answer 3

The cost of diapers are $15-$20not including tax... depending on which brand you purchase formula depends on what type your using (powder or liquid). You also have to take in consideration health care costs baby clothes medicine etc. if you go to work daycare costs. Babies are precious and having a family is wonderful. There is no smart answer waiting till your young or older... That's just a personal preference and if you believe you are ready. Are you ready to wake up every three hours at night not all babies are like some are. I am glad I had my babies while I was young I won't be grandparent age when they graduate high school. I had more energy to raise them so far... If you and your husband still enjoy going out constantly etc.. I wouldn't advice having a baby. I was never much into the party scene so it really didn't have an effect on me...Good Luck

Answer 4

I had my son when I was 23. My husband and I were both in school and my son was a big surprise. It all worked out though. I breastfeed, so I don't know about formula, but if I remember correctly I spent between $10-$20 a week on diapers. Our family was very helpful with clothes and baby furniture. I really don't feel like I spent a lot of money on my son. I am waiting for the teenage year for him to empty my pockets. There are lots of things you could buy for your new baby, but you don't need them all. You will need a crib, dresser, stroller, car seat, and some other kind of other equipment (a swing or bouncy seat). You can worry about the highchair later. One thing to consider is child care. Child care is very expensive. I put school on hold and worked on the weekends or evenings when my husband was home. There was no way we could afford child care at that time, and no one in my family was available to watch my son during the day.
Good luck to you!
Oh... I like being a younger mother. I am now 27 and expecting number 2 in December.

Answer 5

formula is VERY expensive and *im gonna get flamed for this i know* breastfeeding so SOOO much better for baby.diapers...it depends on teh brand...name brands are obviously more expensive than store brand,but the diapers depend on you and baby...my brothers and sister got rashes from name brand diapers and the name brand diapers...well the kids would leak out of the stupid things all the time.lol.mom bought the cheaper name brand diapers..wipes i find that name brand work better than the skinny little store brand wipes.baby clothes?well.get walmart/kmart brand clothing onsies and socks for the kids,few pants and a couple nicer brand stuff for special occasions...it also depends on where you live, i suggest going to a couple different stores in your area and checking and comparing prices of stuff...as for waiting or having them young..it all depends on you and how you feel.personaly just from reading your question i think your ready...


EDIT
w00t.i just love some of these answers...oops!! i forgot...go rummage/yard/garage saling or to a consignment shop/second hand shop for baby clothes!!!!!!omg that saves so much money...a couple books you might like to read...they are called The Tightwad Gazzette by Amy Dasycyzyn *i think thats how her last name is spelled not quite sure and its pronounced Decision*

Answer 6

You will never be financially ready for a child. It's not a matter of how much a baby costs, but if you're emotionally ready, and if it's the right time in your career.

The fact that you're putting so much emphasis on finances shows that you're responsible enough to understand the weight a child will have on your life. Congratulations on trying for a baby!

Answer 7

I think its better to have them young!!! Ive heard its like 100 month!! You can save money though if you breast feed!! Daycare is also expensive, so its good if you can find a family member, or you and your husband can altenate shifts with the baby!!! Good luck in whatever you choose!!:)

Answer 8

hospital, that can be 10,000 USD (most often less i think) then there would be beading, dippers, formula's

Answer 9

Breast feeding is free.