According to a recent Cost-of-a-Child LV survey, British parents spend up to £186,032 on raising a child from birth to the age of 21, which equals £8,859 a year. In the US, according to estimates from the Department of Agriculture, for a child in a two-child, husband-wife family, annual expenses are up to $9,450 for households with gross income under $56,870, up to $13,480 for households with gross income between $56,870-$98,470 and up to $22,960 for households with gross income over $98,470.
These figures seem astronomical, but if parents consider the cost of equipment, food, clothes, toys, nappies, plus childcare and education, having a child can critically impair finances. And the economic downturn is making things even harder for families.
Baby Bargains
Stores are full of baby equipment but not all that is displayed under bright lights is essential. Before buying baby gear, parents should visit comparison sites and read reviews of items to make informed choices. Because of inexperience, many parents buy items that don’t get used or that have a short lifespan, despite the huge price tag. There are plenty of parenting sites with forums – even general shopping sites such as Amazon welcome product feedback from users.
If a parent doesn’t mind buying something second hand, good ports of call are: trading site such as eBay, classified ads in local papers and customers’ ads in stores. In the UK, the NCT’s Nearly New Sales are a must go for baby bargains, along with charity shops and jumble sales. In the US, there are plenty of thrift stores, garage sales and markets where to buy cheap baby stuff.
Two items are best bought new: the car seat (if it has been in an accident or its fittings are damaged, it’s not safe) and the cot mattress (dust mite, mould and bacteria can trigger allergies in babies).
Gratis and Green
Freecycle is a worldwide online network where items are up for grab. The aim is to reuse objects that are still in good order to avoid filling up landfills. Waste not want not is a saying that can reduce carbon footprints.
Books for Babies
Local libraries are full of books for all ages and they are open to all. In the UK, libraries give away free new books through the Bookstart initiative. Or why not joining the worldwide Bookcrossing initiative? Parents can give their books a new lease of life and pick up books for their children.
Cheap and Free Outings
Public parks, museums and other amenities are excellent places to take a baby. In many cases they are free or entry is inexpensive. It might be worth investigating if there are groups of parents in one’s area; for instance, in the UK, the NCT has a network of coffee mornings in most areas. Many churches have groups for children which are free and open to all.
Using Craft Skills to Create Family Heirlooms
If a parent can sew or has any other craft skills, these should be put to use to make unique items for a child. A parent’s hobby can produce family heirlooms her children can pass on.
Baby Basics
These lists do not make a buying bible, so if a parent has any feedback or advice, he/she should leave a comment at the bottom of this article.
For the nursery: cot (cot beds have a longer life), mattress, sheets, soft bumper, sleeping bag (safer than blankets for younger babies), baby monitor (if the nursery is far away from parents’ room), changing mat, nappies and barrier cream for rashes.
Out and about: pram (rain cover and blanket for bad weather), sling/wrap or baby carrier (these can replace a pram), car seat, first-aid kit, portable changing kit.
Clothes: several one-piece suits (versatile and very reasonably priced), six body suits, socks (shoes are needed only when a baby can walk outdoors properly as going barefoot is believed to be better), a coat for winter, two outfits for special occasions; two cardigans or jumpers for winter, bibs (for teething and then weaning), sunhat for summer and one for winter.
Bathroom: non-slip mat for bathing with a baby, small tub for early days, soft towels, baby shampoo and wash, cardboard file for early days and nail clipper when more confident.
Breastfeeding and bottle feeding: nursing bra (normal bras can be customised), breast pads, sterilising equipment if bottles are used, bottles or cups to feed breast milk or formula, breast pump (optional as mums can hand express).
Weaning: bowls, soft-tip spoons, beaker, sieve (can replace blender and food processor), normal cooking implements such as pans, spoons and other cutlery.
Toys: play mat (or even baby gym), books, CDs of nursery rhymes, tactile toys.
There are many ways parents can reduce the costs of raising children. Shopping for baby bargains, using public libraries instead of buying books, making use of public parks and museums and buying only what's needed for kids are some measures that will be friendly to the family budget.
