When I first new that I was pregnant, a good friend and neighbor said that I should buy the book “Baby Bargains.” Since she is one of the best money managers I know, I went out to Barnes and Noble and picked up my copy (of course this is after I inhaled saltine crackers and ginger ale to kick morning sickness).
When I first cracked open the book, my jaw DROPPED when I read that the average couple spends over $6,500 on a baby from birth to the age of one. So…basically, right when we’re going down to one income, our expenses are going to shoot through the roof?
I had always heard that children cost over a million dollars in their lifetime, but really, can’t I get on a payment plan or something?
Good thing I kept reading, because if you follow their guide, they can put you on a plan to only shell out about $4,000 for your first child. Still…I know what you’re thinking—what costs $4,000. When you add up maternity clothes, crib, changing table, swing, food, diaper genie, stroller, it can be a pretty penny. Just like planning a wedding, the basics seem so reasonably priced, then you realize you need a lot more than the basics.
How do they save you $2,600? No, it’s not through used, faulty cribs and items you would rather not pick up at a yard sale. They teach you which items are worth the investment, like the Chicco KeyFit 30, which is the car seat I purchase
d with their recommendation. It is amazing and deserves the A rating “Baby Bargains” gave it.
The authors, Denise and Alan Fields, also show you which items you can really live without and ones you don’t have to buy until after the baby is born.
The rating system is terrific, and I found that their results were always very close to the Consumer Reports conclusions. The difference here is that they wade through all the products for you and tell you which ones you actually need, rather than Consumer Reports, who simply rates products.
I have the seventh edition, but apparently they have a new version. I am sure either one will definitely save you some money.
© 2009, Amy. All rights reserved.
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Wow, that’s really astonishing when you think about it and how much it all adds up. Looks like a nice book, I’ll recommend it to my friends with babies.
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