Re: BTDT moms...expense of a baby

I think we all sacrificed some things to pay for our wedding. That was important to us and so is a little munchkin.

I don't think a baby is THAT expensive. I agree with Anna's theory on making it work, but you also have to remember that you do have another dependent to claim which will also bring in extra $ each week and during tax refunds.

I'm saving now for my future kid's school expenses through Upromise and savings bonds. There are also 529 plans and little things that you can do ... like putting some money away each week into a savings account. You will be surprised, it grows!

Also ... for most of us, it will get easier. Generally, our mortgage payments will be the same (aside from taxes) but yet, we'll receive increases each year.

Re: BTDT moms...expense of a baby

We did get a lot of the major items at my shower, and a very generous relative bought the nursery furniture. Although, as a mom you will want to shop for some clothes and stuff yourself before and after the baby is born, I've probably spent about $500 on clothes, linens and her cosleeper. I have been spending probably $30 a month in diapers the last 2 months and $20 for one large can of powdered formula a month since I am bfding about 90% of the time. Lyla is only going through about 5 diapers a day now, the first couple of weeks it was like 10-12 a day!!

A couple of people gave us cash gifts recently, so I'm using that to buy her fall/winter clothes. For Christmas we will request clothes, books and toys.

So, I agree that the big expenses in the beginning are diapers, clothes and food. Later I hope to give her the opportunity to have extra curricular activities like ballet, sports, music lessons, so I know that will be expensive, and like someone said the 'in' clothes, all the high tech 'toys' all cost money.

Right now I want to concentrate on starting some sort of college savings, which on a monthly basis will also need to be included in our budget.