First-time mothers often find it difficult to budget for a baby. You want to give your child everything he needs, but your resources are limited. How do you know what's essential and what's a luxury? Here are a few tips that will help you plan your baby budget, along with a few money-saving hints.
8 Baby Budget Essentials:
1. Medical expenses – Hopefully, you'll have comprehensive health insurance that will cover most of your baby's medical needs including post-natal check-ups and vaccinations. If your policy includes significant co-payments, make sure to include them in the budget.
2. Baby Food – Breast is best, but it's not an option for everyone. Formula can cost around $500 per year.
3. Diapers – Diapers aren't cheap, and your infant will need lots of them. Count on spending around $100 per month. If your budget is tight, consider reusable cloth diapers. They're better for the environment and make babies look extra cute.
4. Baby Clothing – You can buy a lot of clothing second-hand or get hand-me-downs from friends and family with older kids. Your infant won't know the difference between new and used.
5. Nursery – Again, you can get most of this second-hand, as long as it's safe and clean. The minimum you'll need is a crib with several sets of baby bedding, a changing table and a baby monitor.
6. Traveling Baby Gear – You'll need a stroller, a car seat and a diaper bag. You may also want to get a sling or a front-carrier, when a stroller is too bulky.
7. Toiletries – Your infant will need baby shampoo, diaper-rash cream, a bathrobe, towels, baby nail clippers, etc.
8. Child care – This is a big expense that many parents forget to include. Whether you're planning to put your child in day care or get an occasional babysitter, the costs can be huge.