What Monthly Expenses Will You Have As A New Parent?
As a new parent, there is a lot to think about, and your main focus is going to be on the care of your tiny baby and your own self-care (this is equally as important – if you’re going to be a good parent, you need to be in a good place yourself). However, it’s also important to consider the expenses that will come with having a child and how much that might add to your monthly budget. Knowing about this in advance and preparing for it is the best option since you’ll feel a lot more comfortable, confident, and relaxed and better able to parent without distractions. Read on to find out what monthly expenses you’ll have as a new parent.
Nutrition
You might think there is nothing to think about when it comes to nutrition for your newborn, especially if you are breastfeeding. Babies will only consume milk, and if you are breastfeeding, you don’t need to think about formula, bottles, or sterilizing equipment. If you bottlefeed, then you will need to add these things to your monthly expenses, of course.
However, although this will either be free or a fairly minimal cost, there are other types of nutrition to consider – not for the baby, but for you. You may want to take some supplements to boost your energy or to make up for any vitamins and minerals your diet could be lacking, and these will have to go into your budget. Don’t forget that over time, you’ll want to switch from all milk to pureed foods and finally to solid food, so bear this in mind; your budget will change over time.
Clothing
Newborns will need a lot of clothes. Although they will only wear onesies, for the most part, they will get them very dirty. A baby’s stomach is extremely delicate, and that means they will throw up more often than an older child. They may also have accidents that leak from their diapers. It’s good to have a lot of spare clothes so you’re not constantly doing the laundry. In that way, you can do one big wash that saves money and energy (and time). It’s a good idea to top up your supply of onesies every month so you can dispose of heavily stained items and because babies grow quickly and will need larger clothes.
Toys
Even the smallest of babies will benefit from some toys to stimulate them, so it’s a good idea to have a portion of your budget allocated to buying educational toys. For newborns, a mobile hung on the ceiling is a great option, and soft toys can make them feel safe. As they get older, building blocks from CreateOn are a great idea, especially as you can play with them and teach them Magna Tile building ideas to help them understand more.
Other Supplies
As we’ve said, babies need a lot of things that will have to be added to your monthly budget, and it’s good to be aware of them. Some of these things, such as diapers, baby wipes, and muslin cloths, will be needed regularly. Others are more expensive but are one-off costs. These include:
- Car seats
- Strollers
- Highchair
- Nursery furniture
Planning ahead will help you understand not only what is needed for your baby right from the start but also how much it will cost, so you can budget accordingly.
