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General Site Info => General Discussion => Topic started by: Irish_Alley on April 17, 2011, 01:30:11 am
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I know it can be expensive when buying things for kids but I don’t know off and what’s my new monthly bill going to be im not really asking for a amount but more of what they will use like how many diapers daily the average baby will use formula all the essentials for him. any help would be greatly appreciated
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Honestly it depends on the child and the parents. I have had two, a boy and a girl.
In my case they were about the same, but I was a parent who checked diapers a lot, so I used more. Feeding came at regular times with 2 snacks in between. There is the diaper rash creme, formula is expensive if you go that route. My biggest problem was keeping my wife from buying everything she could find for a baby, I'm sorry but a 2 or even 8 month old wont remember what he/she wore or had to play with, just as long as they are happy and have the support they need to grow up to be responsible adults is what really should matter, not impressing others. Sorry, got carried away there for a minute.
You should start putting money away though, sticker shock does happen with children, especially when they are first born.
In any case good luck, are you guys expecting, planning, or just had a child ?
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Sounds like someone is going to be selling a truck soon.
Just kidding. I hope the baby is doing well.
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Lol ill sell my wife before the truck. But she's due July 25th and like I told my mother in-law who hates my truck and who's been saying I should sell it. I told her I now have someone to pass the truck down to. Think I want to do that just to get under her skin lol. But I'm more concerned about the basics. Cause I know my and her family will buy everything else. For one we qualified for WIC even though I work for the state so that will help alot. Just trying to think ahead I know we will never have enough money but just looking for the basic supplies
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Kids are expensive, I raised 2. Both at home still, a Junior in HS and the other a Junior in college. I can't imagine how anyone can do it now a days. They say it will be worth it all... The jury is still out on that however I wouldn't trade the good times for anything. I felt I needed to sell my toy, a 72 Chevelle, because it would have become a money pit real fast. Sacrifices were made and life goes on. I found my extended cab and IMO have something more unique than the Chevelle ever could have been...
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First of all, congratulations! We had our first (a boy) 18 months ago. There is only so much you can do to prepare, because you can never fully prepare for what you're about to experience.
The first thing you'll notice is that all of the things you value now (yourself, your truck, your friends, your hobbies) will take a back seat to this tiny new person who depends upon you. Not that you'll lose yourself, just that you won't be #1 anymore. You'll only understand that once you meet him/her, look into his/her eyes, and see him/her looking back. You'll find yourself prepared to do whatever it takes to provide for the little one and your wife, since she is the primary source of life, love, and nurturing for the baby.
You've definitely got the right attitude about all the stuff that people are just waiting to sell you. They know exactly how to make it sound like your baby MUST have all this crap that, 100 years ago, didn't even exist yet. For that matter, people have been around for what... 5000 years? And they got along just fine without an electric baby-wipe warmer.
Still, there are a lot of expenses to prepare for. Yes, diapers. We probably spend around $50/month on them. Use Costco, or Amazon, or diapers.com and buy in bulk.
We never used formula so that saved us a lot of money. Instead, when breast-feeding got tough, we paid a nursing consultant (about $80) and fixed the issue. He is still nursing to this day. That's a very personal choice though and depends upon what works for mom and baby. My only advice is don't give up too soon and remember that breast milk has all the nutrients the baby needs, and it's free! We borrowed an electric breast pump from a friend (but bought our own tubes and bottles) so that mom could have a break from the baby once in a while. If you plan to use formula, budget $200/mo, otherwise maybe $20/mo for bottles and stuff. You can even rent a pump from the hospital for a nominal fee.
Accessories - crib, sheets, changing table, car seat, etc. Ask around, because a lot of your friends or family might be sitting on stuff that they'd be happy to get rid of. We got most of those items from friends or family, used, but plenty of life still in them. Don't buy into the concept of dropping $2k at Babies R Us. Not necessary. Craigslist is your friend. Budget about $200 up front and maybe another $40/mo for unexpected supplies.
Clothing - this is the one thing that is perfectly acceptable to beg for. Who doesn't love buying clothes for a tiny new baby?! Grandparents will take care of this for you, just be specific about what you need and what size. You don't want to end up with 10 jogging suits when what you really need are sleepers and onesies. Even so, sometimes you'll need something on short notice, so budget about $35/mo.
Health care - if you work for the state, you've probably got good coverage, but be prepared for the co-pays and deductibles, plus medicine, creams, etc. Maybe $50/mo.
It adds up! But if you have a realistic view on what is necessary and what is targeted marketing, you can come through in one piece. As you stated, the most important thing your baby needs is love and nurturing. I live in Seattle, where people have a lot of extra money lying around, and the general culture is that you demonstrate your love by spending lots of money. Nannies, gadgets, designer clothes, even foreign language classes (yeah that's right) for infants are all commonplace around here. Keep your wallet close, and your baby closer, and you'll be fine! Good luck man. And take good care of that truck so the kid will have something to take to prom.
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Elizabeth is 4 now. And all the projects I had got put on back burner. I don't miss them at all and wouldn't trade them for anything. She is my #1 project. I am currently working on my Blazer that takes me away from here for a couple hours on weekends. I feel guilty doing it some times.
Jamie and I breast fed, and saved a TON on forumula like daschlag did.
Hindsight I agree 110% with what daschlag posted.
Keeping the obscene purchases in check was the hardest, Jamie wanted to buy everything for Liz. Her parents were doing the same and we finally decided to let them spoil her with stuff she didn't need; wipe warmer, diaper disposal bin, every possible outfit you could find as a gift and we left them in a box for a month and if it wasn't opened we returned it to the store.
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Thrift stores and garage sales for the hard parts, and Sam's club for the software. Having a shower will yield some must have items, and alot of people have boxes upon boxes of old clothes and toys that they would part with.
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congrats Irish! Enjoy every minute of this...don't miss a thing with your wife or the baby. Be there for everything and you'll never regret it. It's like alot of things...if you wait till you can afford it, you'll never do it. 20 years from now you'll look back a see how blessed you are. I can remember selling my first fishing boat because we needed gravel in the driveway. Lots of water over the dam since then! Both are getting married this year...wow....am I that old??? I wouldn't change a thing ;D
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Thanks for all the support and info. I am looking forward to this just making sure it all works out
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It will be the best day of your life, just like all your children b-days will be. Congrats, and I am sure everything will be fine.
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Jamie and I breast fed, and saved a TON on forumula like daschlag did.
That had to be rough on you there buddy...;)
Kids are expensive, but well worth the investment. My daughter is 18 so anything I remember won't apply in todays times. What I will strongly suggest is start a savings plan TODAY. I have no idea what your financial situation is, but I will guess that you are like most people and can't afford College tuition. It's absolutely insane what a College cost these days, so it will only be worse by the time your newborn is ready.
I opened a savings account for my daughter when she was born. Fortunately I was diligent enough to stick with it, so she has the luxury of attending a major University and will come out of it with a degree, and no debt.
Good luck with that baby, and enjoy every blessed moment that they bring. Please think of its future today.
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Congrats,
-When I found out I was going to have a little girl I bought 1 large package of diapers in each size. This way I had a diaper break every time she grew to a bigger size.
-When a mother to be is pregnant they have a "nesting" instinct.
With this in mind allow her to make the purchases instead of yourself and try to steer her in the direction of more practical purchases, Such as the diaper idea etc. Also try to wait until after a baby shower so you don't double up on items.
-Think of friends you have with children and ask them to keep the hand me downs for your new baby. My best friend will never have to buy clothes for his little girl beause I give all the stuff she outgrows to him.
-My little girls clothes come from garage sales. I buy stuff for the next several years if it looks good and box it up and open it up and go through it every time she grow a little bit. A good sale or two can save a hundred dollars easy. I have bought plenty of name brand stuff with tags still on the clothes.
-Soon you'll have a little helper for your truck
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Forget the money...you'll never have enough, but you survive...cherish the memories and be thankful cameras nowadays don't require film developing. It's been said here, you can't plan, just roll with it. Ebay and yard sales are great for clothes that will only last 2 or 3 months anyway, then resell them and buy the next size up.
Be prepared for the best moment of your life! I had a camera in the delivery room to keep the memory fresh for eternity. I have run marathons when I was younger and I thought I felt the best adrenaline rush, best seconds of my life when I first crossed the finish line at 26.2 miles. But, even that doesnt compare to the reality you're a daddy. After a 20 hr labor, when I went to the waiting room to tell the family at 3:07 am, I couldn't even talk, emotions just came over me in a flood. I was afraid the family would think something went wrong, because I couldn't talk...I simply held up the OK sign w/ my hand and then the thumbs up...i could not talk. Wow, what a feeling!
I pull up Andrew's website (now six years old) whenever I need a pick-me-up
www.AndrewDelbridge.com showing his birth pics, all the way up to the past year or so...i need to update it now. the family loves it because they can watch him grow.
Don't forget to take time for your wife...it can get hectic for a while after birth, but you must show your wife attention...lots changes, no time for anything, no sleep....don't forget the important things.
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+1 for start buying diapers now. I went to the store every week and bought diapers, make sure you get a decent quality brand name ones, your baby will inevitably be allergic to a bunch of random things for a little bit. If you've got a toys'r'us in your area, get one of the shopping cards they have, and buy diapers from them, they're usually cheaper than wal mart surprisingly. I'd say sizes 2-3-4 are the most important, my daughter turns 1 next month and is just now on the verge of going to size 5.
Buy clothes on eBAY. you will have so many 0-3, 3-6, clothes that you might as well get them from an online yard sale, and sell them back off that way too. Invest in Shout stain sticks and Dreft baby laundry detergent to keep it looking nice.
Avoid fancy name brand clothes, yes it is cute for your baby to have a new pair of nike's. your baby will probably wear them once. if at all. Check out etsy.com for handmade cute stuff on the cheap.
You also cant have too many receiving blankets and burp cloth's.
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You also cant have too many receiving blankets and burp cloth's.
my son rec'd so many baby blue blankets when he was born and shortly thereafter. Believe it or not, six years later, he still declares one of those his favorite bankie. Must, Must, sleep with it every night.
I think he'll take it with him to college! What will his room mate and girlfriends say?
Oh, and he doesn't like it washed...gotta have that "smell".
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Congrats Irish! It's the greatest joy in life, bar none.
Here's my novel about it;
I had many of the same concerns as you when we found out we were gonna be parents. Has it been a big change in our lives? You bet it has. Our little girl (Riley) is 3 now. The first two years were the most expensive by far, so far. Formula, diapers, doctor visits, etc.. But that has really calmed down in the last year. She eats grown up food now, is past all of the routine doctor visits that occurred seemingly every month, and she's potty trained (or as I put it, "House Broken") now.
We rarely ever have to buy clothes. The rest of the family shows up randomly with all kinds of stuff for her to wear. My sister and Mom are recreational shoppers. My sister's name is Aunt Shoppin', as far as my little girl is concerned. The only clothes I pay for are camo and "boys" clothes that I like and the women don't ever get for her.
Now I can't take her to O'Rielly's w/o having to buy her a hot wheel. Or Walmart w/o buying her a toy. But that's something I let happen, I guess I'm a little soft that way.
My advice to you, not knowing your financial situation, is buy a load of diapers up front. You can't have too many. Breast feed if at all possible. My kid didn't take to it, and formula got expensive. But on WIC, that will be covered. Formula is a gamble, as some will be allergic to certain kinds. Mine didn't do well on anything but Similac sensitive (or something like that), which is about the most expensive there is.
Buy a good swing for the kiddo, and don't be ashamed to use it. It was a life saver for us when we dealt with colic for about 4 months.
Use hand me down clothes whenever you can. The kid will outgrow them so fast it won't matter that another kid wore them for two to three months before your kid does.
Don't go overboard on all the fancy toys. More often, the kid will have more fun with the box they come in than the toy itself.
Even if you work and your wife doesn't, be prepared to take shifts with her when you get home. Keeping the new mom sane goes a long way!
This will have all your hobbies on hold for a period of time. But they will not need to go away all together. If you're like me, all of your toys are paid off. So they won't be eating anything while not in use. Thus, no reason to cave to the MIL and sell anything. I can make a few assumptions about her, wanting you to sell the 4x4, but that's not what the thread is about. I still hunted and fished religiously during my kids infant years. It's who I am. My wife understood and didn't want me giving up my identity just because we had a kid. I did give up a wonderful deer lease the week after finding out we were to be parents. A move I've never regretted. I went back to huting family land, and still put a LOT of meat on the table every year. Some of the family didn't understand my, seemingly, lack of wholesale change. But that's their problem. It's YOUR WIFE, YOUR CHILD, YOUR IMMEDIATE FAMILY that counts. Do what it takes for THEM, and tell the rest to jump in the lake if they don't like it.
Obviously, everyone's situation is different. But selling off stuff now only means you'll have to re-acquire it later when money is even tighter. Keep you toys if at all possible!
Due date is July right? Find yourself a project now. Something that keeps you home, doesn't cost a lot of money, and keeps you outside of the house. Keep a cordless phone on you with a conference button in case your wife needs you. But stay away, as far away as you practically can. It'll let her do her nesting thing, and you to have an escape instead of sitting around watching her go seemingly crazy, and dwelling on all these changes everyone is warning you about. Then, after the kid is born, be aware that it will take a few weeks, at least for the hormones to stabilize in your wife. She will be Jekyll and Hyde during this time. It's just the way it is. Don't fight it. Both of you should talk about this as much as possible now, so you can realize it when it happens later, and laugh about it. We did! My wife would be going freakin nuts, and we'd be laughing about it because we were prepared mentally.
Buy "Babies First Year for Dummies". Great book. Took us through the first year with minimal calls for advice to our more experienced parenting friends.
Lastly, when yours and your wife's parents, mostly moms, tell you you're doing something wrong with the child, and they will....Tell them at the first opportunity that they have raised their kids, and this one is not theirs. They will have their chance to spoil your kid when it gets older, but it is YOUR kid, and will be raised how YOU see fit. Speaking for you and your wife of course. Educate yourself to the rough points, and take the rest day by day. It's a great experience. And always remember, parenting is instinctual. Knowing everything up front is not necessary. Common sense will guide y'all through this. There's nothing I wouldn't give up for my child. Including my life, literally. But you seem like a common sense kind of fella, and we are the type of people that keep this world turning. We find a way.
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Congrats on the new addition.
items to buy new:
car seat. as this will get you one wit the newest DOT regs.
bottles 6 to start with 4 4oz, 2 8oz
crib, as with car seat meats newest safty laws
most other items can be bought at secondhand stores garage,yard sales, goodwill, salvation arny, and thrift stores.
diapers, you don't have to buy name brand, house brands are cheeper and in most cases are just like name brands. we would most often buy from wal mart because there ginaric brand was just like Luvs and came in larger amounts for about the same price (ie. 120 verses 40).
good luck and have fun