One thing that seems consistent in all the baby books that both Amy & I have been reading is everywhere that mentions how expensive it is to have a baby. There are some pretty outlandish numbers that they throw around for things like how much you'll spend on X stuff during the first year, how much in these types of bills, etc. The really scary one is where they mention how much it costs to raise a child to 18.
Now, I'm not really concerned about our ability to afford the baby. I know there will be some lifestyle changes brought on by the baby and necessity, and there will likely be thin times here and there, but I'm confident we'll be OK. What it really makes me think about are all those people right around the poverty level and all the children they have... I mean, looking at these numbers, having a baby is by far the most expensive thing you can do which doesn't first require you to pass a credit check. How do some folks do it?
On Carrie's recommendation, Amy picked up a really cool book called Baby Bargains. It seems to be a great book for helping sort through all the massive amounts of purchases and decisions that are coming in the next 6 months. It's crazy how much information and how many product reviews they seem to have somehow crammed into this one book.
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2 comments:
There are also lots of things you will pick up from friends. Tons of advice.
Start buying diapers now, a pack or two a month. You can always exchange unopened packs if baby jumps a size.
Don't buy clothes, crib sheets, high chairs, etc. Your first baby will garner so many gifts. Even from people who don't know you! Seriously! I got things in the mail from people I do not know!
Don't buy clothing even if you really want to. Again, hand me downs will happen and folks will buy tons of stuff for you. If you find out you are having a girl you will not have to buy clothes for her first year of life. No one can resist buying "just one thing" to give to you.
I'll be glad to help you with things you really do need to have, what you can do without. (Baby sleep positioner. Don't bother. Bobby. Must have 2 if Amy decides to BF)
Hey! Don't forget us! We will happily buy our grandchild anything he/she may need. (I'll try to avoid being over indulgent on the wants. But part of grandparenting is spoiling!)
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