A new baby is a gift, but it can also be an expensive one. From the moment you get that positive pregnancy test, to the first day of college or preschool—your child’s first year is full of big expenses. In this article, we will break down the costs associated with having a baby and give you some tips on how to save money while still enjoying your new bundle of joy!
Babies cost more than you think.
It’s important to remember that there are many hidden costs that you don’t think about. While some things are unavoidable, there are many ways to avoid unnecessary expenses and save money. Here are some things you should consider before buying your baby:
- Clothes and diapers – Clothes can be expensive, especially if they’re not on sale or used (and even then). Diapers may be cheaper at first but they add up over time–and don’t forget about wipes! You might want to consider cloth diapers instead of disposable ones because they can save money in the long run; however, this may require more effort on your part since washing them requires more work than just throwing out a package of Pampers every few days.
- Food – Feeding your little one isn’t cheap either! It’s best if you breastfeed him/her for as long as possible because formula is much more costly than breast milk.
- Transportation – Whether it’s walking or driving somewhere with your child by car seat/stroller combo depends on how far away from home he/she needs transportation
Newborn clothes
When it comes to newborn clothes, you can save money by buying used clothes. There are lots of ways to find used items:
- Buy from thrift stores or yard sales. If you’re lucky, someone will have an entire closet full of gently-used baby clothes that they no longer need (or want).
- Ask friends and family members if they have any extra clothes lying around that would fit your child. Your cousin’s son was born at the same time as yours? She may be willing to sell some of his outgrown onesies for less than retail price!
If none of these options appeal to you, consider purchasing secondhand clothing online instead of paying full price at a brick-and-mortar store like Target or Walmart–but remember that shipping costs can add up quickly when ordering multiple items so make sure it makes financial sense before pulling out your credit card.
Diapers
Diapers are the single biggest expense for many parents. In the first year, you’ll spend about $1500 on diapers alone–and that’s not even counting wipes or diaper rash cream!
There are many different types of diapers available: cloth, disposable and hybrid varieties that combine both cloth and plastic (with varying levels of absorbency). You can save money by buying in bulk or using coupons from manufacturers like Pampers or Huggies. However, if you’re committed to using cloth diapers at home but want something more convenient when traveling or out with friends who don’t have access to a washing machine (or don’t want their clothes soaked in urine), then consider investing in an all-in-one reusable product such as bumGenius Freetime All-in-One Cloth Diaper ($25).
Formula and baby food
Formula is expensive, but it can be a good option for parents who want to feed their babies something other than breast milk. The average cost of formula is about $1,200 per year (and that’s if you buy it in bulk). A lot of parents choose to make their own baby food instead of buying it pre-made at the store – it’s cheaper, healthier and more fun!
Baby food costs around $700 per year if you want to buy the jarred kind. If you want to make your own homemade baby food, though? You’ll only spend about $100 on fruits and vegetables over nine months. That’s less than half what those little jars cost!
A car seat and stroller
- A car seat is a safety device and should be fitted properly. It’s an essential item that you’ll need to get right, so read up on the subject before you buy one.
- A stroller is a necessity for transporting your baby around in public places like grocery stores and playgrounds. While it might seem like an unnecessary expense at first glance, having a good quality stroller will last for many years (and has many uses beyond just transporting your baby).
Healthcare costs
There are many healthcare costs to consider when it comes to a newborn.
- Vaccinations: The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends a series of vaccinations for infants and children, including the DTaP vaccine (dtap-hepatitis b-polio). You’ll need to get your child vaccinated against whooping cough, measles and other infections before they turn 2 years old. The total cost of all recommended vaccines can vary widely depending on where you live; however, the average cost is $190 per child, while in Australia, vaccinations listed in the NIP are free, according to a medical centre specialising in vaccination in Brisbane.
- Emergency care: If your baby gets sick or injured while you’re out and about, it’s important that you have enough cash on hand so that he or she can receive immediate treatment without having to worry about payment later on down the line. In some cases this may mean buying medications from pharmacies without insurance coverage until one becomes available later down the line – so make sure not only that there’s enough money in your bank account but also enough time left on any existing credit cards before purchasing anything medically necessary!
The first year of a baby’s life can be expensive.
The first year of a baby’s life can be expensive. In fact, it’s often underestimated just how much money you’ll need to spend on your little one in their first year. The good news is that there are ways to save money and cut back on some of these costs.
If you have been saving up for this moment, then congratulations! If not, don’t worry–you still have time before the due date to get ready and prepare for what lies ahead. There are many things that can help reduce the cost of raising a child over time (like breastfeeding instead of buying formula). But no matter how prepared or willing we may be when it comes to parenting expenses, there will always be unexpected expenses along the way.
Conclusion
The first year of a baby’s life can be expensive. The good news is that you don’t have to spend all your money on one thing at once. You can buy clothes and diapers for your baby as needed and save money by using cloth diapers instead of disposable ones. When it comes time for feeding, consider buying formula in bulk at Costco or Sam’s Club if possible because it will save money over buying small packages every week. And remember: if there’s something else on this list that seems like an unnecessary expense (like getting stains out of clothes), try doing without it!