I have posted about how worried I am about the cost of raising our new baby bean.
He's only bean alive 10 days, so it's too soon to tell, but I wanted to start a tally.
We've tried to be economical with everything.
The avg. new parents spends about $6,700 before the baby is born on thing like cribs, clothes and supplies. We spent $600. Everything was used except the crib. We also received many clothes and boxes of diapers as gifts. They have really come in handy!
Diapers: We spent about $200 on reusable cloth diapers, a brand called Happy Heiny's. They are one size fit all, so they should last. We bought some new and some lightly used through a diaper exchange.
Right now, we're using disposables, just because his belly button hasn't healed up yet and it's nigh impossible to fold down our reusable diapers to keep from irritating it.
Food: Right now, it's all about mama's milk. But the pump we borrowed wasn't getting the job done, so we rented one from the hospital for $60 a month. (about 2x was we expected, but still MUCH cheaper than formula.)
If we have to supplement for some reason, I have oodles of free Similac formula samples that the pediatrician and hospital gave me. I also received some free samples of it in the mail from Similac. It's all in the cupboard just in case.
College: Yes, I've been saving for Baby Bean's college since the first Ultra Sound. Right now, we're putting aside $175 a month into a 529 plan, which is enough to max out the $2,000 a year state tax deduction.
Still no word on the hospital bill. I have a 90/10 plan, and for some reason I'm under the impression that our out of pocket is capped at about $3,000. So we'll see. I am expecting to pay at least $3,000 for our birth plus 2 day stay at Chez Hospital.
Oh, and we did pay a $15 co pay at the pediatrician, and we'll have to do that again later this month.
Overall, I'd say so far so good. Beanie isn't totally breaking the bank.
Although, I am wondering how I am ever going to manage to go back to work....
The cost of baby Bean
April 11th, 2008 at 05:15 pm
April 11th, 2008 at 05:22 pm 1207934571
April 11th, 2008 at 06:48 pm 1207939718
Best of luck to you and your new little fam.
April 11th, 2008 at 08:37 pm 1207946230
April 11th, 2008 at 10:58 pm 1207954688
April 12th, 2008 at 12:55 am 1207961719
Congratulations! What is this pumping thing???? I breastfed all three of my kids and never could get the hang of it. I worked 3 days a week, but went at lunch to feed the babies....
My daughter has a pump system on her "wish list". I don't get it, she's not even working! (Not being critical, just figure a supplemental bottle is easier!)
April 12th, 2008 at 03:39 am 1207971595
I will be keeping an eye out on your blogs to learn from. Thanks
April 12th, 2008 at 05:47 pm 1208022440
The pump helps you bring your milk in more fully during the first months of breastfeeding. It also allows you to build up surplus milk so mom can go to work or leave the baby with a caretaker and still have plenty of breastmilk to feed him or her.
It's a good option for people who also have trouble breastfeeding, either due to nipple shape or latching problem, but still want to give their baby the benefits of breast milk. There are lots of reasons to have one! I think the Medela Pump in Style is the best one you can buy. Otherwise, she may be able to rent one from the hospital.
April 13th, 2008 at 01:34 am 1208050489
April 13th, 2008 at 02:43 pm 1208097782
April 14th, 2008 at 09:20 pm 1208208045
Anyway, I ended up selling my pump to a SAHM friends. It is just SO freeing to be able to store up milk and get a break from your baby, even if you don't work. I mean it is hard to even get a night out when breastfeeding.
Likewise, it helps with breastfeeding. If nothing else giving formula can reduce your supply. So you can take a break without supply worries. Hubby can help with night feedings, etc. I'd get one if I was a SAHM, knowing what I know now. I mean, the night feeding help is priceless, if nothing else.
But yeah - the free formula samples were plenty for supplementation too - I remember have free formula out our years (which probably doesn't go far if you bottle feed, but goes plenty far when you only supplement).
Baby will get easier. Phew. I sure enjoy the ages of 3/5 much more where they do not rely on constant 24/7 care. It's just a lot of work and the first few weeks are they hardest, they are just so helpless! But I guess that is why they are so adorable too.
April 15th, 2008 at 01:27 am 1208222868
Lots on E-bay, just checked!
April 15th, 2008 at 02:01 am 1208224877
Item #: 370040665947.
Can someone tell me if that is a good thing or did I just blow it?
April 15th, 2008 at 11:33 pm 1208302408
April 16th, 2008 at 02:22 am 1208312556