Preparing A Budget Baby Layette
It has to be admitted that babies are expensive; at least, if you want to care from them with all the modern conveniences available to you. Even here in the Philippines, some baby things do come out very expensive by comparison to other daily items. Diapers, for example, take up maybe 5% of our monthly household budget; the equivalent of 25% of our rent.
Back in England, the proportionate costs were different, but there's no denying bringing up a baby is a big drain on the bank account. The baby will not ask for anything, except milk, so the rest is down to choice by the parents. You should make that work to your advantage, and always remember the baby's needs are very basic: warmth, security, love and food (breast milk or formula). She will not be fashion conscious initially, and will not distinguish between new and second hand.
One thing expectant parents should not do is to make a long list of everything that is needed for the new baby, then work out the total cost based on the full price of new items. There are several steps that you can take to help cut down on some of the major expenses that are expected when your baby arrives. Here are a few simple tips:
Baby Showers
A baby shower is a very old tradition, whereby expectant mothers get baby gifts from their friends and family members. Never be embarrassed to take advantage of this tradition; people love babies, and you'll be amazed how willing your friends and family are to come to your aid. In fact, many will get a lot of pleasure from so doing.
A good baby shower can often cover most of the immediate baby layette needs, so there could be a big worry tossed out of the window. Usually somebody will offer to hold a baby shower for the expectant mother, but she should not be afraid to drop a few hints here and there, to close friends and family.
Buying Diapers in Advance
You may well find that cheap diapers are a false economy, or at very least drive you and the baby crazy. So it is probably best to opt for a good quality. That can mean some hefty diaper bills once baby arrives. But there is no reason why you should not stock up on diapers in advance, once you know you are pregnant. That may not reduce the cost, but it does spread the load.
You can start adding diapers to your regular shopping list, and pick up one or two packs every week. Vary the sizes between one and two, with perhaps a pack or two of the newborn size. If you eventually have a bigger baby, you will not want to be stuck with lots of newborn size diapers that you will never use.
If your baby is an average size, it will be easy to buy newborn sizes while you need them, and be grateful that you are already stocked up on the next larger sizes up.
During your pregnancy, watch out for special diaper promotions, and stock up when there's a low price offer.
Buy Second Hand and Get Help Whenever Possible
For the costlier baby items, such as cribs, playpens, and buggies, you will hopefully get the help of family members with these purchases. Proud grandparents are usually more than happy to help if they have the money. When you have to buy yourself, a lot of money can be saved by purchasing these items second hand. If a used crib, stroller, or playpen is in good condition, there is no reason not to buy. The one item you should never buy used is a car seat. These items must meet safety requirements in most countries, so your baby seat could contravene the law, as well as endanger your baby.
A bit of planning ahead is all it takes to save significant money on most of your initial and ongoing baby needs. Plus, never let pride intervene; so long as you are caring well for your baby, then that is all that matters. After all, the baby will not worry if the crib is new, or later the playpen. So, why should you?