2007-09-26 07:57:06 · 14 answers · asked by drama life give to meh 1 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Pregnancy
Its really not that bad because at some point, you stop thinking about it and just do it. Diapers are probably your most expensive monthly thing. My 16 month old goes through 60 dollars in diapers a month.. thats about 200 diapers a month. He is off formula which for the first year takes a chunk at 13- 25 dollars a can. Breast feeding and pumping less expensive. But I am a single mother. I get no childsupport and I do it all, but its rewarding. It really is . I can think of nothing I would rather do with 20 bucks than buy diapers.. even if there is a cute lil shirt I may want.
2007-09-26 08:08:13 · answer #1 · answered by candyred1999 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Is it hard to take care of a baby? Yes and no!
Yes, because a baby needs and wants love and attention constantly. If you want to do what's best for the baby you CAN'T pass him or her off to a caregiver all day long. Babies need their mommies. Day care is expensive and nothing replaces a mother's care. Even the best day care will fall short.
Yes, because caring for a baby means a loss of your freedom to some extent and this is a hard transition for many women.
No, because in a sense the needs of a baby are very simple - love and nutrition. That's about it.
As to cost, it depends a lot on whether you nurse or bottle feed. If you nurse, the monthly cost is quite low. You will probably spend about $15-20 each for a couple of nursing bras that will last you a long time. You might also spend $10-15 on nursing pads, if you tend to leak a lot.
If you use formula, each can costs from $10-13 dollars depending on where you live. The average baby (not newborn) goes through 6 cans per month. Then you will need to buy bottles and accessories, baby food, wipes, shampoo, etc. That's another $50 or more per month.
Beyond feeding, there are typical costs associated with all babies, like about $50 per month for diapers and then of course how much you spend on clothing is up to you. I go to yard sales and buy through Ebay and second-hand stores and get great deals.
Prepare to spend a lot (but only one time) on large items like:
1. Bassinet ($50) or Crib ($50 at a yard sale or $200 in the store)
2. Stroller ($20 for a cheap one, $300 for the deluxe model)
3. Car Seat (at least $30)
2007-09-26 08:03:21 · answer #2 · answered by Veritas 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
It really depends on the person, if they can handle it or not, and a persons situation, its always much easier when you have partner to help you, (and I don't mean just in the home or in the child life, I mean a father that is there to actually help). I am a single mom (and full time nursing student) of a 5 yr old when he was born his father was there in the home but never wanted to be around than after our son was 2 he left me for another women (I may as well have been a single mom since he was born). I would have to say for me there are days that are harder than others but overall, everyday is a blessing to have him and I love being a mom, I would never change it.
the second part of your question I think its how much does a child cost per month, I have no Idea I haven't been keeping receipts, but it's not cheap, my son just started kindergarten and I realize all these new expenses that I didn't have before.Children are very expensive and the one thing that doesn't cost anything and means the most to any child is love over anything make sure that is what the child has.
2007-09-26 08:11:38 · answer #3 · answered by CHUTKA 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
YES it is! And it cannot be measured in months. It is measured in YEARS! Every single moment that baby is awake you are taking care of it. You cannot leave a baby alone in a house even when it is sleeping. You are tied to that child 24/7. Until that child is dropped off at its first day of kindergarten, you are taking care of that child your every waking moment and then some. You will not be able to eat when you want, sleep when you want, take a shower when you want or do anything else UNLESS you can afford to hire help in the house or have a relative who is willing to lend a hand. But you can not depend on anyone else to take care of your baby as it is not their responsibility.
2007-09-26 08:11:19 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
well its a 24 hour 7 day a week job! Its neverending and goes on and on! There are days when sleep is a luxury especially when they are sick! I love my children I have a 3 and 4 yr old but I had never felt exhaustion till I became a mother and as a single person with no kids I use to work alot but at some point I could always sleep, well with kids it doesn't work that way.
As far as cost well it can get pricey. I breastfed but you still have diapers, clothes, all the other necessary baby items.
Of course now my kids sleep well but we are extremely busy with preschool, swim classes, and just all sorts of stuff! Its go go go! Then there are times when they get sick back to back and that can get costly .
2007-09-26 08:05:40 · answer #5 · answered by anjelahoy 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It certainly is hard to take care of a baby. It takes all of your time and energy. Diaper changes, feedings, crying for unexplained reasons, throwing up, and that is just with a normal/happy baby. Once they get a bit bigger and are mobile than you really need to be on your guard! Baby-proofing and trying to keep up with him/her can be draining! The stress that is involved is the worst part. When the baby gets sick you just feel helpless. A parent tends to think the worst and worry a LOT! I couldn't count the amount of $$ I have spent on my kids. My youngest is 15mos old and I'm still working on the bills from his BIRTH!
However, my babies are well worth the work!
2007-09-26 08:08:42 · answer #6 · answered by cupajoe 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It has a lot to do with money, but that is not all you should be focused on. Do you have the time, energy, and mental stability to be able to raise a baby? Because I tell you....there are always places to buy cheap clothes...and reasonably priced baby stuff, but when that baby starts SCREEECHING, YELLING...BARRRFING, POOOPING....and gets an ear infection...a bad cough...and CANT SLEEP AT ALL!!!!! ..... money is the last thing that will be on your mind! You will have sleepless nights...and maybe even Depression. Don't base your decision on money...although money is necessary. Will you be able to pay for her school, uniforms, ballet classes, a stroller, vaccines, child care, caugh syrup, .... and will you be able to handle the extra stress of a child clinging to your leg all day.
I LOVE my baby....but like most other women...I didn't consider everything that comes with one.
Make the right decision for yourself....and first and foremost...for that baby.
2007-09-26 08:05:08 · answer #7 · answered by dimondld1 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Is it really that hard? Hell yes it is...it is exhausting, frustrating and wonderful!
Per month we are spending (daughter is 6 months old).
$110 for formula
$10-20 baby food
$50 diapers
$20 diaper wipes
$30 clothes
$20 misc (lotion, baby wash, toys, etc)
$400 daycare
So that is about $650/mo. This doesn't include the cost of the crib, changing table, dresser, car seat, stroller, bouncer chair, high chair, bumbo, etc.
And she is worth every penny....
2007-09-26 08:05:51 · answer #8 · answered by Aundrea 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is pretty expensive - there's formula and diapers. Canned formula only lasts a few days and diapers, well it depends on the size bag. Without factoring in child care, clothing, doctor's visits it's several hundred dollars. Double that, at least with everthing else. They're worth it though
2007-09-26 08:03:45 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
What do you mean?
You can't really measure the time you spend taking care of your baby and if you did you probably wouldn't have gotten pregnant in the first place! When they're newborns, I bet you spend 18 hours/day on them and when they get older they sleep longer but when they're awake they keep you even busier.
2007-09-26 08:01:43 · answer #10 · answered by ChefMel 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋