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by: Adriana Copaceanu
As you probably know, there is no cheap way to have and
raise a baby. It takes sweat, work, lots of cash, patience, and more to have
a happy, healthy baby. Some studies suggest that you will spend anywhere
between $150,000 and $200,000 for your kids by the time they are 18 years
old, not including private schools, special lessons, or college.
But if you waited until you had enough money, time and
energy to have your baby, you would probably end up without any children.
Here you'll find a few ways to ease the finances, so that you can enjoy your
new bundle of joy.
Get health assistance - if you don't have health
insurance, and can't afford it, doctor's bills can add up really easy. But
there are options out there for people just like you
Breastfeed your baby, if possible. It's free, it's
convenient, and it might help against breast cancer. It's recommended as
being the best form of nutrition for baby.
If you can't breastfeed, don't feel guilty. Try to apply for
WIC (Women, Infants, and Children), a program designed to help middle
and low income families with educational resources and food. You can also
save money by buying formula in bulk, clipping coupons, and accepting free
samples whenever they are offered.
Diapers - Some diapers are better than others, but
most are basically the same. Store brand disposable diapers can be just as
good as the name brand, for several dollars less than their name brand
counterparts.
You can save even more, if you use cloth diapers instead of
disposable. As with breastfeeding, it's a little more work involved, but
well worth it.
Diaper Rash Prevention - instead of taking action
after your baby got a diaper rash, prevent it with a drop of olive oil
applied to their bottom every time you change their diaper: it works wonders
(you should check with your doctor first).
Baby food - When it comes to baby food, a blender is
your best friend. Not only is it much cheaper, but it's so much healthier!
Save the little baby food jars for quick trips, or special occasions, and
give your baby pureed food made by you. You can cook a week's supply on the
weekend, put the blended vegetables in the ice cube tray, for a few hours,
and then place them in a freezer bag. Depending on your baby's appetite and
age, you can microwave one, two or three cubes before meal time. It's quick,
healthy and inexpensive.
Clothing - There is no need to buy expensive designer
clothing for you little one. Do you think anyone will really notice that
your baby is wearing Tommy Hilfiger? Babies look cute in anything: don't
waste your money! You can get most of your baby clothing at yard sales or
second-hand stores.
Toys - they are big business, but you don't have to
feel pressured to get the latest and most expensive models. My kids were
happy with everyday items as their toys: empty shampoo bottles (make sure
they are cleaned and rinsed very well before handing them to your baby),
plastic bowls, plastic containers from food products (margarine, sour cream
, etc.) that they could stack up, etc.
Also, buy some toys that will help with your baby's
development, are durable, and are age appropriate.
Wills - Get a will or update your old will. Name a
guardian for your child and the trustee of your child's inheritance (often
but not always the same person). Without a will, the court will name these
individuals and also split up your assets in accordance with state law which
may not be the way you would wish. A simple will that includes a trust for
minor children costs between $150 and $250.
Here are links to some great baby resources:
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generic brand wholesale diapers
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baby formula: free samples and coupons
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baby food: free samples and coupons
Copyright 2003 Adriana Copaceanu
IVWCC Online Ambassador
Remember them, so they'll remember you.
http://www.abcGiftsAndBaskets.com
Toll Free 866-740-8678
About the Author:
Corporate gift strategist Adriana Copaceanu specializes in helping
entrepreneurs increase their referrals through the strategic use of gifts.
She offers a customized worry free gift giving service to fit the budget of
any size business to assist them in standing out from the crowd. To sign up
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here.
Visit her at
http://www.abcgiftsandbaskets.com/ |
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