Lucas, here is another great example of why your mommy is awesome!
BabyCenter posted a list of top seven ways to keep baby costs down and save for the family. More money saved means less worries in the future and more attention to help baby grow. It saddens our hearts when we sacrifice time with you because we need to make more money to provide for your material needs. It turns out your mommy has been doing everything suggested on the list and much more not mentioned. Here is the list and some comments on how mommy exceeded the recommendations:
1. FormulaCost: $105 per month -
Cost to us is near zero!"I would have tried harder to breastfeed if I had known just how expensive formula was going to be," says one mom. Another, whose son required a pricier brand because of a milk protein allergy, says, "We spent about $500 a month on formula alone!"
Ways to save: Breastfeed for as long as you can. If you're not breastfeeding, stick with powdered formula, which costs less than ready-to-use or liquid concentrate. Buy in bulk at wholesale clubs like Costco, BJ's Wholesale Club, or Sam's Club. Sign up to receive coupons on formula manufacturers' websites to use and trade with friends.
Mommy Paulina is doing this - Great job breastfeeding since day one!
2. DiapersCost: $72 per month
"I was surprised by the range in price for diapers depending on where you purchase them — at a supermarket, pharmacy, or superstore like Target," says one mom.
Ways to save: Aside from using cloth diapers and washing them yourself, the best way to save on diapers is to buy in bulk at Costco, BJ's Wholesale Club, Sam's Club — or online from Diapers.com or Amazon. Sign up at diaper manufacturers' websites to get coupons, and stock up when diapers are on sale.
Mommy Paulina is doing this - Great job using diapers.com3. ChildcareCost: Varies
"Babysitting is $10 per hour where we live, and daycare averages $1,000 a month," says one mom. "We constantly feel in a bind financially."
Ways to save: For full-time care, consider asking a relative or friend. Family daycare centers and nanny sharing can also save cash. For occasional babysitting, trade time with a trusted neighbor or friends or hire a responsible student. If possible, try to stagger work schedules with your partner so you can each cover some of your child's care. Finally, consider enrolling in a flexible spending account for childcare expenses if your employer offers one.
Mommy Paulina is doing this - Great job finding family daycare with Ada popo who cares for you so much that they carry you to sleep and spoon feed milk to you when you don't take bottle.
4. Gear
Cost: Varies
"Everything costs about $100," says one mom. "After a while, that seriously adds up!"
Ways to save: Start with the basics — a good car seat, stroller, and bouncy seat, for example — and wait to buy other things. You may be able to try out a friend's activity center or swing to see if your baby likes it before buying. While it's a good idea to buy your car seat new, ask for other items as hand-me-downs and shop garage sales, community sites like Craigslist, eBay, and secondhand stores for other items. "I wish I'd bought more used gear," says one mom. "It wasn't until my baby was a few months old that I figured out how many moms would love to sell their barely used baby equipment."
Mommy Paulina is doing this - Great job with finding so many used gear.5. ClothesCost: $59 per month
"There were times I went out to expensive stores and spent $40 on just one outfit," says one mom. "A couple of weeks later, it wouldn't fit anymore."
Way to save: Ask for hand-me-downs from friends and relatives. Get gently used items from consignment stores, thrift shops, Craigslist, and garage sales. Buy on eBay and look for store sales. Finally, treat your child's soiled clothes with stain remover or a laundry booster so they can be worn again!
Mommy Paulina is doing this all the time and with much help from grandma in HK sending bags of clothes over.
6. FoodCost: $57 per month
"At one point, my daughter was eating seven jars of organic baby food a day at nearly $1 per jar," says one mom. "Baby food is ridiculously expensive," says another.
Ways to save: If possible, make your own baby food. "A good quality hand blender will pay for itself in about a month," says one mom. You may find that your child likes homemade food even better than jarred — and you can often make baby food out of what your family's already eating for dinner. If this doesn't work, clip coupons. "I know I should make my own, but with three kids, the convenience of buying jars tempts me," says one mom. "Portability and speed are worth something!"
Mommy Paulina is doing this - Great job making own puree food that makes you healthy and your skin glow.7. Toys, books, and DVDs
Cost: $35 per month
"Some toys are priceless, but you can't know which ones your baby will love," says one mom. "I found that my baby really only loves three toys out of the 20-something I bought," says another.
Ways to save: Let your child play with safe household items. "The whisk is a big hit with my little one," says one mom. Buy secondhand, borrow books from the library, ask friends for hand-me-downs, and consider setting up a toy exchange with friends or neighbors who have babies around the same age. Finally, keep in mind that less is more — though it's easy to get excited about the latest developmental toy, many older babies prefer to play with plastic food containers, plastic water bottles, TV remotes, and other "grown-up" stuff.
Mommy Paulina is doing this - Great job finding used toys and books in excellent condition. She also found "Your Baby Can Read" educational videos so still get to watch TV and learn at the same time. Surprisingly, your favorite toy is plastic tupperware...Special thanks to all the amazing friends and family of mommy and daddy who showered you with many gifts.
