Comments on: How Much Does it Cost to Have a Newborn Baby

By: stlrapper

stlrapper — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 12:48:08 +0000

Not allowing the cost of a child deter you from having one is an irresponsible statement to make to the masses. As an advocate for children and knowing the reality of how many children in the US alone go hungry, I find that to be potentially dangerous and unrealistic advice.
When a parent is not financially prepared to raise a child, the act of rearing suffers as so much time, energy and frustration is placed into providing the basic Maslow’s needs.
It sounds as if many of you subscribing to this ridiculous statement are not paying for commercial daycare. That cost alone could be financially debilitating. If you have help with daycare such as family members or friends, be aware many people do not, nor will you necessarily always have that luxury. I have no idea why some people who have children get so invested into convincing others to do the same, to the point of spreading poor, illogical, and irresponsible advice. Everyone is different, and clearing misconceptions can be a good thing, but you should do so more responsibly and include disclaimers of your own personal circumstances that obviously won’t apply to all.

My experience and views come from seeing the long lasting negative affects on children from being brought into this world by parents who were not financially prepared. Do you need to be rich? No. But you do need to have long standing, viable means to feed, clothe, house, educate, and expand the horizons of this child through cultural activities for a minimum of 24 years (through master’s degree level education, which may not be enough by then as a bachelors often equates to a high school diploma right now), maybe longer, depending on the needs and temperament of your child which no one knows ahead of time.

By: Stephanie

Stephanie — Fri, 10 Dec 2010 15:39:12 +0000

I do have a couple of concerns…. I am not a parent yet I am a little scared
I am 24 years old and live with my boyfriend for aprox 1 year now. we have been talking about having a baby, we really want one but I am extremely scared!
I read all of the comments above me and its says “don’t ever let the cost of having a child keep you from having a child. You’ll never be ready if that’s the case”
and that is actually one of my biggest reasons why i hold back!! I am a recent college grad and just started my new job and im scared for many reasons like getting fired not being able to give a the Necessary things for the baby (like health care, diapers wipes lotion clothes etc), also not beining able to pay the bills?
I know it might sound like an excuse but i had a lot of examples around me and it was very hard for them specially my sister.
If there is anything else you want to recommend for me please do so!!! I really need advise.
Thank you

By: newborn toys

newborn toys — Fri, 16 Apr 2010 17:21:46 +0000

You spend as much as you want. Most overspend. I will give you the budget amount as I used to advise new mom college students.

If you breastfeed, make your own baby food, use cloth diapers, cosleep, use a sling, and buy a new car seat, you can get by for about $1000 including health insurance ($89/mo individual policy for infant) even if you buy new clothing (save even more buying via garage sales). Add another $225 for a regular crib (not a convertable), mattress and sheets if you can’t cosleep. Baby vitamins not needed, but if you live in the north, cod liver oil costs about $6. Lightweight stroller (not a travel system) can be bought for about $90.

Cloth diapers are not an economical option if you have to use a laundromat – Target Brand diapers work fine for most.

By: Yakezie Challenge Carnival #4 - The Growth Edition « Eliminate The Muda!

Yakezie Challenge Carnival #4 - The Growth Edition « Eliminate The Muda! — Sun, 21 Mar 2010 12:21:02 +0000

[...] Personal Finance Journey investigates How Much It Costs To Have A Newborn Baby [...]

By: Great Reads in Personal Finance! The Yakezie Challenge Edition | The Millionaire Nurse Blog

Sun, 21 Mar 2010 01:03:40 +0000

[...] Personal Finance Journey writes this post about the cost of a new baby-not upfront costs but maintenance. [...]

By: Dr Dean

Dr Dean — Sat, 20 Mar 2010 15:46:34 +0000

As an OB/GYN it is amazing to me how many people conceive, with no thought what so ever on the cost of having, and raising a child.

Just as home buyers frequently forget there ongoing costs of maintenance, insurance, property taxes, and utilities.

Just as new car buyers forget the higher insurance costs of a new car.

Planning, Planning, Planning! That is the difference between successful financial households!
Great Post and reminder for all.
.-= Dr Dean´s last blog ..“Linchpin” by Godin: A Book Review by The Millionaire Nurse =-.

By: harvestwages

harvestwages — Sat, 20 Mar 2010 10:34:44 +0000

Hey Latika,
You thought about the babies this time.
I’m not yet a parent, yet i consider your point advice. Buying from consignment shops has never been my choice, yet it saves some cash.
.-= harvestwages´s last blog ..Do you succeed when most people fail? =-.

By: Craig Ford

Craig Ford — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 20:16:18 +0000

I’ve got three kids under four years old. We’ve done cloth diapers and yes they save a TON of money. I calculated all our annual baby costs on this post (http://www.christianpf.com/how-much-does-it-cost-to-raise-children/).

The thing that non-baby folks forget is that there are so many people who have already had kids and they are happy to share what they have. Between showers, gifts, and handed down clothes we didn’t hardly spend anything on our kids.

Don’t let sticker shock scare you. If your frugal you can do it for much less.
.-= Craig Ford´s last blog ..Are Your Kids More Generous Than You? =-.

By: The Rat

The Rat — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 04:28:53 +0000

One of my relatives recently had a baby, and sometimes getting the baby’s room ready (crib, paint, decor) can cost a chunk of change but when I talk to parents, its one of the most exciting things to do! Visiting a baby’s room before he/she is born is interesting because there is an aura of anticipation and its nice to see people excited about that.

One of my friends held a ‘pamper party’ for all the guys while his wife had a baby shower. Sometimes gifts such as a stockpile of pampers can come in handy and last a long time and save money. Having friends and family give gifts makes a big difference in my view.

Nice post.
.-= The Rat´s last blog ..Rethinking Mutual Funds & Biting The Bullet With MERs =-.

By: PF Journey

PF Journey — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 13:13:18 +0000

A few things to keep in mind:

- Money can’t buy love, affection, and attention
- If you make more than $33K, you’re among the richest 5% in the world
- Being aware of the financial impact of a new addition gives you an advantage that others caught off guard won’t have.

I think Jason summed it up best in the first comment.