<-- Back to Current Category
Raising Baby On The Cheap
By: Carrie Lauth, Tue Mar 14th, 2006
Have you ever read those reports on the cost of raising a child?
The last time I checked, I was told that it would cost the
astronomical figure of $430,470 to raise my baby... and that
didn't include college tuition!
The people who come up with these figures must not be very
creative. Some of the best things you can do for your child are
free or very inexpensive. Here are some tips for raising kids on
the cheap.
1) Breastfeed
You can save roughly $1,000 in formula costs alone in your
baby's first year by breastfeeding. Check out this report: http:/
/www.natural-moms.com/cost_of_baby_formula.html
This figure doesn't include the extra costs you would incur from
Doctor visits and medications. Breastfed babies are less likely
to need medical care and don't get sick as often as their
formula fed peers.
Formula feeding increases a baby's risk of both acute and
chronic health problems not only during childhood but well into
adulthood. If you're a working and breastfeeding Mother, you're
less likely to miss work than if you were formula feeding.
In addition, a breastfed baby can go straight from the breast to
an open cup, thus eliminating pacifiers, bottles and sippy cups.
Even baby food is not necessary. The healthiest first foods for
baby are fresh fork-mashed avocado, banana, sweet potato and the
like. If you're breastfeeding, you may be able to delay the
introduction of solids until as late as 8 or 9 months.
2) Use Cloth Diapers
All I am saying...is give cloth a chance!
The modern cloth diapers are nothing like Grandma's. The nicer
ones are made from high tech materials that wick moisture away
from baby, and utilize snaps or velcro to close instead of pins.
They save you a lot of money especially if you save them and use
them again for subsequent children. You can buy them cheaply at
thrift stores, online auctions, and diaper services (check your
phone book for listings). Or ask for cloth diapers as shower
gifts.
3) Rethink your Needs
Think about what you REALLY need to raise your baby. A lot of
the expensive items sold in baby stores are completely
unnecessary and some are even harmful. Most of the people
raising children on the planet today do so without cribs,
walkers (which Pediatricians recommend against anyway!),
playpens, changing tables, swings, "educational" toys, etc.
Many Moms have found that a soft cloth carrier or baby sling was
the only gadget they really needed. Baby is happy, stimulated by
your activities and entertained. And Mom can get stuff done!
The best toys are simple and classic and require imagination.
These are often the least expensive too! And most kids do best
with few toys that are rotated. Think back to your own
childhood...what were your favorite toys? If you can even
remember them, they were probably not loud, flashy electronic
battery powered gadgets. Your best childhood memories probably
come from activities...playing in Grandma's backyard, going
places with Mom and Dad, the simple things.
For the baby stuff you really can't live without...
4) Buy or Obtain Used
Let friends know that you welcome hand-me-downs and you'll be
blessed with all sorts of great stuff!
High quality clothing and baby equipment generally doesn't wear
out from just one child's use. For safety, check to make sure
items haven't been recalled and get the owner's manuals from the
manufacturer's websites. (The one exception would be child
safety seats. Always buy those new.)
Shop at thrift and consignment shops and online auctions. Some
of the very best deals can be found at regional consignment
sales. Check local parenting magazines and websites for the
locations of these.
Personally, I prefer used clothing because much new clothing has
been treated with flame retardants and other scary chemicals
that can be absorbed into children's softer skin.
Being a frugal parent minimizes the impact on the environment,
saves you money and models a healthy lifestyle to your kids.
Teach your kids what really matters in life...people, not
things!
About the author:
Carrie Lauth publishes an informative newsletter for Moms doing
things the natural way. Get your free issue at
http://www.natural-moms.com
Home |
Post Garage Sales |
Find Garage Sales |
Edit Garage Sales |
Products |
Site Info |
Help