Welcoming a new baby is an exciting time, filled with joy and love. You’re expanding your family, which is always exciting. As happy as you’re feeling, you’re also probably a bit apprehensive about the costs of having a baby.
Beyond diapers, bottles, clothes, and toys, there are some other expenses you should be ready to tackle. Here are 14 crazy expenses you should prepare for when having a baby.
1. Prenatal Vitamins and Supplements
Doctors advise you to start taking prenatal vitamins even before you get pregnant. These give you the folic acid and other essential nutrients you need for a healthy pregnancy. Budget accordingly since these supplements can be costly.
2. Maternity and Nursing Wear
You’re going to get bigger throughout your pregnancy. A woman in a normal weight class will gain between 25 to 35 pounds, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. With that in mind, you’ll need new maternity wear during each trimester. Later, you may also need nursing wear for comfortable breastfeeding.
3. Increased Utility Bills
A new baby means more laundry, more dishes, and a general increase in your utility bills. Budget accordingly so you’re ready for the increase in your monthly expenses.
4. Parenting Classes
There are many crazy expenses you should prepare for when having a baby, but some of these costs are avoidable. For instance, you may decide not to take childbirth or parenting classes. If you do have it in the budget, however, it’s worth shelling out for these to learn more about techniques and proper care.
5. Nursery Furnishings
Babies need a lot of new furniture, so they’re comfortable and safe. You may need a crib, changing table, dresser for the clothes, nightlight, air diffuser, rocking chair, and maybe a bassinet for the first few months. Register for these gifts at a baby shower to help cut down costs.
6. Medical Costs
One of the biggest costs of having a baby comes from the delivery. Even with insurance, out-of-pocket expenses, such as hospital stay fees, specialist fees, and unexpected medical procedures, can amount to thousands of extra dollars.
7. Postpartum Care
Your pregnancy doesn’t always end right after you give birth. During the postpartum stage, you may need to cover the costs for recovery and maybe even therapy or counseling. Keep in mind that this care isn’t always covered by insurance.
8. Lactation Consultations
Do you plan on breastfeeding? For any issues with the process, you may need to consult a professional. Lactation consultations can be really helpful if you’re struggling, but they can also be expensive.
9. Baby Safety Products
From cabinet locks to baby gates and corner protectors, the cost of baby-proofing a home adds up quickly. You’ll also need to budget for a baby monitor, a safe car seat, and plenty of swaddles for sleeping.
10. Formula
Many women try breastfeeding, but some opt for formula instead. If you go this route, or if you’re struggling with breastfeeding, the costs for baby formula can be anywhere from $40 to $240 per month. Luckily, you can sign up for discounts on various formula brand websites.
11. Extra Baby Gear
Items like a white noise machine, a special formula mixer, a bouncer, and maybe a running stroller are all extra costs that add up over time. Remember, your baby shower is an excellent opportunity to get some of these high-end items.
12. Bedding
Babies grow quickly. When they’re a newborn until about 3 months, they may need to sleep in a small bassinet by your bed. Eventually, they’ll graduate to a crib. By the toddler stage, it’s time for a big kid bed. All these costs will add up in the first few years.
13. Emergency Fund for Health Issues
Always be prepared for an emergency. Your baby could get a cold or infection, and you’ll need a financial cushion for unplanned medical visits.
14. Long-term Financial Planning
It’s never too early to start saving for the future. As soon as you learn you’re pregnant, it’s a good idea to open a savings account to start preparing to cover the costs of your child’s education.
Prepare Ahead of Time
There are a lot of crazy expenses you should prepare for when having a baby. However, it’s worth your time and energy. Bringing a new life into the world is one of the most gratifying moments of your life. Don’t let stress over the costs scare you from feeling unbridled joy!
Read More:
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Alyssa Serio has been a writer and editor since graduating from Aurora University in 2014. In her free time, she loves reading, playing volleyball, and watching any horror movie (even the bad ones) with her husband.