Everyone told us that having a baby would be the most expensive thing we'd ever do but we have managed to raise a baby on the cheap. To date, here are the typical baby expenses we've encountered:
Natural childbirth with no drugs: $1000 (This is what we paid, insurance covered the rest).
Pediatrician visits: $100 (5 well baby visits at $20 a pop).
Milk: Free! (I make my own milkies and Beatrice thinks they're delicious).
Diapers: $200 (We use cloth so this amount includes the initial cost of diapers and detergent. Best parenting/budgeting decision evah).
Food: A bazillion dollars (Our child is a little piggy. She eats like a teenage boy).
Clothes: $200 (I have not had to buy her anything but having a girl makes not shopping for mary janes and smocked dresses impossible).
Wipes: $50 (There are cloth wipes out there but I'm not that green).
Toys: $250 (See above birthday shopping extravaganza).
In a year, we've spent approximately $1800. When the average estimated cost of raising a child is $250,000 for 18 years, we feel pretty good about the measly 2 grand we've spent this year. I know it is only going to get more expensive as she gets older, but at this rate we can afford at least 3 more babies right away. Honey? Honey, are you there? Okay maybe not right away, but we can afford to buy a boat load of toys and books and clothes for our girl's first birthday in 3 short days. And maybe think about another baby soon......
Beatrice says, "I'm not ready to be a big girl."
That is some great budgeting. I definitely think it is possible to raise a kid on not a lot of money. And go you for being so green!
ReplyDeleteLOVE the photo. My kid...breakin the bank!! Sheesh!
ReplyDeleteYou have done good at not spending money! I on the other hand have not been so good. :) Happy almost birthday, Beatrice!
ReplyDeletehaha, that picture gave me a good chuckle this morning :) do you mind me asking, what kind of cloth diapers do you use?
ReplyDeleteYou did a med-free birth? Did you know going into it that you wanted it that way? How did you prepare? Did you ever do a birth story that I am missing:-) I want to go natural/med-free with the next (I had a c/s this time around due to position) My friends and family think I am crazy.
ReplyDeleteETA::I just read your amazing birth story:-)
ReplyDeleteGlad you found the birth story!
ReplyDeleteAmy, we use BumGenius 3.0s and some prefolds with covers. We LOVE them.