By Christina Taylor
Have you ever thought about the cost it would entail if you would raise a baby? It would certainly cost you thousands excluding tuition fees and medical expenses in case health illnesses, making you think twice about having one. But fret no more, there economical ways to raise a child. Here a few tips that might be useful for you.
Do breastfeeding
When doctor's said that "breastfeeding is still best for babies" they really mean it by heart. A baby that is breastfed are less likely to get sick compared to those who uses milk formula. The colostrum which is present on the first milk when you breastfed your baby, boosts the baby's immune system, making them less likely to get sick. This saves your money from being spent on medical needs. Apart from this, you don't have to purchase bottle feeds and sipping cups. Furthermore, if you're breastfeeding, you can delay introducing solids for as late as eight to nine months, as breastfeeding alone is sufficient. That will definitely save you thousands.
Make use of cloth diapers instead of disposable ones
Instead of buying disposable diapers, go for the modern cloth ones which are made from materials that wick away moisture from baby. They have Velcro snaps which made diaper changing easy. What's more they are reusable and can be bought at online auction, thrift stores and other diaper services that can be found in your local neighborhood. This is definitely a money saver! So if you are planning to host a baby shower, you can ask for cloth diapers as baby shower presents.
Re-examine your baby needs
Make a list. Think about what your baby really needs, which means the essential items. There are so many expensive baby items that are sold in department stores but are somehow unnecessary, some may be even harmful for your little one. There are people in any part of the world who were able to raise their baby well without the use of playpens, cribs, walkers – which are not advised by pediatricians, swings, changing tables, and many others.
A lot of mothers found out that a soft cloth baby carrier or a baby sling is all they ever really needed.
When it comes to toys, make sure to get the simple ones that stimulate the baby imagination. More often than not, these kinds of toys are the ones that are least expensive. If you have old toys back when you were still a kid, you may bring them out, clean it and give it to your baby. Toys don't have to be flashy or high end, sometimes all you need is a yard where the baby can get entertained with his or her surroundings.
Go for hand-me downs and gently used items
Inform your friends and relatives that you appreciate hand-me-down items. You'll surely get a lot of it. A lot of baby stuff doesn't really wear out because they don't have the opportunity to. Babies tend to grow at a quick pace. However, there are baby items that have been recalled from the market because these products have been found out to be a potential hazard for the baby. So make sure to check if these items have been categorized as one of those. You can browse the internet and get a list of recalled baby items. One exception in accepting gently-used items and hand-me-downs is a child's seat. Always make sure to buy new ones to avoid future accidents.
You may also shop at thrift stores, online auctions and consignment shops. Check for local magazines that features parenting and get tips.
Some mothers would prefer hand-me-downs rather than buying new baby clothes since most baby clothes these days are flame retardant. The chemical used on these clothes might be absorbed into the baby's sensitive skin, and besides we don't have any idea how this would affect our little ones.
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Source:www.isnare.com |
