Baby . . . And Then They're 18

Raising a baby to the age of 18 not only generally takes every bit of time and patience a parent's got, it usually takes all their money, too

. A new child is a huge amount of work-and expense. Some experts say it costs $6000 in the first year alone to keep your darlin' squawker just in food and diapers. That's about $500 every month. Do you have enough? One way to check is to just live on $500 less this month, before the baby comes. Can you do it? What do you have to cut back on? Add to that expense the fact that most parents take at least a bit of time off work and so lose at least some income, and that first year can become a real financial kicker.

To take some of the pain out of that financial pinch, here are some ways to cut back and save in your first year.

Breastfeeding is pretty much the cheapest way to keep your baby full and satisfied. It also allows mom time to bond with baby in a unique and special way. So dad can bond, too, pump milk and refrigerate it so dad can bottle feed the baby in the evening. This is also a great practice to get the baby accustomed to bottle feeding for those nights when you'll want to go out alone, or when you just need some downtime from caring for your new one.

Cut it in half. Whether it's your baby bum wipes or any other disposable wipe or towel, cut it in half, or even thirds. You just don't need more than that for most messes-and your baby's bottom will still be clean and fresh.

Make your own baby food. It's easy enough to do and you can know exactly what your child is eating. If you're concerned about your baby's diet, consult with your doctor to ensure that what you are preparing is nutritious and well balanced.

No name is often the best name when it comes to diapers. Diapers basically have one purpose, and follow a pretty similar construction. So don't spend a fortune on name brands-honest, no name will do just fine. If you want sassy soakers, buy washable pretties you can pull over top your no names.

Buy clothing used; toys too. Most kids have just as much fun pulling pots and pans out of cupboards to smash and bang as with any high-priced item you might buy. So get your toys used and buy what other parents recommend-chances are, your child will love the same things. Same with clothes-kids outgrow clothing so fast, it's much better to buy used or take hand-me-downs. For special occasion items, check out eBay or Kijiji.

It only takes a few adjustments to make sure that first year (and the next 17-20) doesn't drain your finances entirely.

by: Molly Wider

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