Starting a Family
Starting a family is a very big decision to make. Partners should be prepared in every way that counts, and that includes being ready financially. If you have a baby on the way, or are planning to have one soon, here are some tips and suggestions on how to save bucks for the future.
Consider breastfeeding your baby. If Mom is healthy, has an abundance of milk, and baby has no problems taking it in, this is going to be a very wonderful way of saving on baby formula -which can be very expensive these days. This can also be a great way of bonding with baby.
Check the usual list of baby things that you are supposedly required to buy. There are things there that you can actually do without. For example:
A changing table is rarely used. You can simply lay a towel on your bed or a table and change your baby there.
You can also consider using your clean kitchen sink for bathing a baby. You really don’t need a tub.
You don’t need to buy a separate bottle warmer. If you have a microwave oven, you can use this.
Instead of buying a diaper bag, you can have a regular large bag or purse which has pockets and compartments.
Do not go overboard when buying clothes and toys for baby. For clothes, you can buy something a little too big because babies go fast and they’d be able to make more use of them. Simply buy what you need.
Consider accepting or asking hand-me-downs from friends and family. If you take care of these things properly, you can always give them to the next new parents.
Apply for insistence programs such as WIC and Medicaid. If your application is approved, WIC can help provide food for you and baby. Medicaid can help cover the costs of doctor visits, prenatal care, immunizations and other prescriptions.
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