Good budgeting is an important part of preparing for parenthood, which is why it’s important to learn the skill as early as possible. You will be able to make savings while you raise your bundle of joy, something that will enable you to be the best parents to your baby.
Create a Budget for All Your Expenses
First off, it’s a good idea to come up with a budget for all your expenses. Write down these expenses based on your specific needs with help from the internet and friends or family who have had a child recently. If you plan to move houses, keep in mind some general pricing facts. For instance, the average sales price for condos in existing buildings in Manhattan in the third quarter of 2017 was $1.9 million. If you’re looking for a home in this area or another major city, therefore, you should know what to expect so you can plan financially for rent, utilities, and other important expenses.
Borrow or Obtain Second-Hand Maternity Clothes and Supplies
Keep your overall costs low from the beginning by borrowing or obtaining second-hand maternity clothes and supplies. These are items you will use for a short time, and so it’s going to be easy to find some in good condition, as they are generally used gently. Doing this will help you spare some money for expenses like paying caretakers and health care providers, whom you will need once your baby arrives.
Keep the Nursery Simple
While you may have a whole array of plans you want to put in place for the nursery, try and keep it simple. Go for calm, pastel colors which will be soothing and make it easy to decorate the nursery by getting decor and furniture that matches the walls and window treatments. If you need shades for the windows to help your baby sleep once they arrive, keep in mind that aluminum blinds are one of the most durable and low-maintenance options you can get for window treatments. They’re available for windows of all sizes on the market, so you won’t have a hard time getting some for your baby’s nursery.
Start Stocking Up On Diapers
It’s a good idea to stock up on diapers before your baby arrives because you will need plenty of them! Whenever you go out to get the groceries, add a few packs of diapers to your basket and you will have an easy time when the baby finally arrives. The largest number of diapers is used by a newborn, but this number declines steadily as the baby grows. Make sure to get good quality diapers so that you can have enough time to fuss over the baby’s other needs while keeping them clean and happy. Don’t forget to get wet wipes and a diaper bag as well, as these items will make it easy to stay organized when you travel with the baby.
Prepare for the Unexpected
As any other person practicing intuitive parenting will tell you, the best thing you can do at this stage is to prepare for the unexpected. Out of every 1,000 children born in America, two to three of them have a detectable hearing loss in either one ear or both ears. Startling news can be a lot for a new parent to deal with, so start preparing an emergency fund now so any unexpected expenses won’t cause a panic.
Parenting is fulfilling when done well, and although there is no line of accuracy when it comes to raising children, you can give it your best. Follow the five budgeting tips above and you will have an amazing time bringing up your bundle of joy!