Having a New Baby Doesn’t Have to Break the Bank

Having a baby is one of the most expensive things you will ever do in life. It makes buying a nice house look like a budget affair. With a house, you save up a down payment. After signing a one-inch stack of papers, you pay a monthly mortgage for the next 30 years or until you get tired of it and sell it to the next person.

Have a baby, and you sign surprisingly few papers. But you pay for pre and post-natal care, a good therapist, and everything associated with keeping a person alive and healthy for 18 years, sometimes more. No backsies. If they want to be an artist, you might be keeping them for the next 35 years. There is no upper limit.

What's pregnancy really like? One expecting mother put it this way:

So who belongs on the cover of “What to Expect When You’re Expecting?” Maybe Archie Bunker, his face flushed with rage, wearing a big, ugly maternity tunic made out of camouflage. Anything less is false advertising.

Don't worry, expecting moms. This might be a little hyperbolic. Pregnancy is not some paramilitary organization for the temporarily insane. But you will have to be prepared to do battle with the budget. Whatever you think it costs, double it, then double it again. Here are a few tips that will ensure having a baby will not break the bank:

Buy Second-hand, Resell When Possible

Pretty much all of us wear used clothes all the time. That is because clothes are used the moment you put them on. Run them through the wash even once, and they're not even worthy for the discount rack at your favorite boutique. That fact should help you get over the ick-factor of wearing second-hand clothes.

More to the point, your baby doesn't even know the difference between new and used. She would be perfectly happy if you were to buy online here for gently used toys and accessories. If you do decide to splurge on something new with tag, be sure to resell it to help finance the next thing you have to buy. A baby grows fast, and will outgrow clothes long before she wears them out.

Skip the Brands

Other babies will not judge your baby for not wearing Prada. It is possible to break the name brand obsession. Instead, ask yourself the following:

  • Does it look good on you?
  • Is it comfortable?
  • Does it make budget sense?

These are not difficult questions that require a lot of thought. If you are tempted by name brands, don't shop at stores that carry name brands. When it comes to baby clothes, quality may not be the main concern. At that stage, the baby will outgrow clothes before they can wear out.

It's not just about baby clothes. While there are some things you should never skimp on, most things can and should be obtained without regard to brand. The brands are largely artificial. They're all knockoffs of something even more expensive that you really can't afford.

Don't Buy All That Baby Junk!

You realize that there is no law requiring you to outfit your baby as a different Marvel super hero every day of the week, right? Pokemon is not actually a religion. And child services will not show up at your door if your baby's breakfast mush is not sponsored by Disney. Stop it!

You don't have to buy all that junk! Stop buying your baby new things just because you get bored with the old things. You are going to be caring for that little person for a very long time. The sooner you learn to say NO to none sense purchases, the more sustainable your budget will be.

None of this changes the fact that having a baby is likely the most expensive thing you will ever do. You might even do it more than once. But it doesn't have to leave you impoverished. Just remember to buy second-hand, bypass the labels. And say NO to all that junk.

Lisa Martin

In April 2006, Lisa began blogging to stay connected with distant relatives and friends. As she delved into blogging, she discovered the potential to assist others by sharing her experiences. Lisa has actively engaged in numerous exclusive media ventures. Notable among these are her participation in events such as the Sony Mommy Bloggers Event, the Pampers Mommy Bloggers Event, the Epson Event in Chicago, the Stouffers Event, a memorable yacht excursion with Lands End, collaborations with 1-800-Baskets, an exclusive tour for bloggers by Mrs. Prindable’s, partnerships with Hallmark, PopCap games, Chicago Cubs Mastercard Priceless Events, and Rug Doctor. In addition, she has collaborated with Nutrisystem on a weight loss initiative, teamed up with Buick and Chevy, and served as a brand ambassador for Sprint. Lisa's collaboration portfolio also extends to Disney, where she has participated in press trips for significant movies such as Frozen, Guardians of the Galaxy, McFarland USA, The Good Dinosaur, The BFG, and Cars 3. Notably, for projects like Frozen, The BFG, and Cars 3, she was granted the privilege of walking the red carpet and conducting interviews with celebrities. The impact of Lisa's blog has gained recognition, with The New York Times referencing her content. Moreover, she has been featured in interviews by respected publications such as the Southtown Star, The Chicago Sun Times, and inside.

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