Save Your Pocket Book and Your Sanity!

With the cost of living increasing for just about everything these days, it’s no surprise that the cost of raising a child is steadily climbing. The cost for such essentials as diapers, clothing and formula, if you are not breastfeeding, are at an all time high. If you choose to or are unable to stay home with your children, childcare costs are also soaring. More parents are now living paycheck to paycheck worrying about how they will pay for their children's' day to day needs. In short, many parents are looking for ways to save on the things they will most often need for their children. Knowing your options can definitely help save money and provide some piece of mind when the savings start rolling in.

In the first few weeks of life, your baby will need frequent diaper changes. If you choose to use disposable diapers, you may be shocked to see just how much they actually cost. At an average of eight to twelve diaper changes per child per day, the amount of diapers you will need to have on hand is more than many new parents expect. The average cost of diapers is $80 to $130 a month! That's $1,600 to $2,300 by the time your child is potty trained! That number only increases if you have multiples. It may seem impossible to find ways to save on diapers, since they are an essential item you really can not live without, but it doesn’t have to be. Use coupons to save on brand name diapers, as well as shop generic when possible. Try a few generic brands to find one that works for you. Often times, a good generic brand will work just as well as the brand name and will cost much less than the brand name diapers. If you can, buy diapers in bulk. The cost savings will help over time and you won’t have the hassle of constantly returning to the store to purchase more. If you are lucky enough to receive a gift such as a diaper cake, the cost savings in those first few weeks will definitely be noticed.

 

Each new mouth to feed comes with extra expenses. A formula fed baby will feed every three to four hours. Depending on how many ounces a baby drinks at any one feeding, a parent can easily go through several cans of powdered formula a week. The easiest way to save on feedings is to breastfeed. This will save you several hundred dollars a month. However, if you can not breastfeed or choose not to, there are still some simple ways you can save on the cost of feeding your baby. Coupon vouchers are, often times, available for brand name formula. These can take as much as five dollars off the cost of a can. Buying store brand formula can also save you money. It is required that the quality and ingredients present in generic brand formulas be the same as those in brand name formulas. Most of the time, switching to a store brand formula will not negatively affect your baby and will save you money too!

When you have a baby, it is tempting to fill the closets and drawers to the brim with cute,  brand new clothing items. While there is nothing wrong with this, it can quickly spiral out of control. Babies grow out of their clothes so quickly. In reality, they may only wear an outfit once before they outgrow them. Aside from the occasional spit up, baby clothes remain fairly clean and in good condition with regular washings. So why spend so much money on clothes when you can get gently used clothes for pennies on the dollar? Resale stores, consignment stores and garage sales are all great places to find gently used baby clothing. Websites like craigslist.com also offer an inexpensive option for finding babies’ and children’s clothing. If you are lucky, you might even find clothing and other baby items being given away in the FREE section of the site.

For many parents, childcare is another budget buster. Unfortunately, the reality is that not every parent wants to or has the ability to be a stay at home parent. If you find yourself in that large group, finding affordable childcare can seem almost impossible. Look into daycare cooperatives in your area. With just a little time contribution on the part of the participating parents, childcare can be cut down to very little or no cost. Consider enrolling in a dependent care flex spending plan if your employer offers it. This allows employees the ability to set aside pre-tax dollars towards daycare reimbursements. These options may not be for everyone. For those that choose to explore them it can greatly reduce the cost of child care expenses.

Cost of living expenses continue to rise, while the average income does not. Sometimes it’s the little things that we can do to help save a dollar. Save your pocket book and your sanity by trying a few of these tips!

You Make What Out of Diapers?!

Diapers… plus cake… normally this wouldn’t be a winning combination. Yet, in a Diaper Cake it is! 

If you’ve never heard of diaper cakes or never seen one, the thought of putting diapers and cake together may sound a little off putting. Or maybe, you are imagining a yummy cake in the shape of a diaper, as many people have done before. However, once you see a diaper cake in person, you will be amazed at just how beautiful these cakes can be and you will surely want to order one for the newest parents to be in your circle of family and friends.

So what exactly is a diaper cake? A diaper cake is gift of diapers that is arranged in the shape of a decorative cake. They can be as big or small as you want them and range from simple designs to elaborate show stoppers. Most cakes are decorated with essentials for baby like travel bath products or blankets and onsies. Not only do these cakes make excellent, practical gifts for parents to be, but they also make a great centerpiece for a baby shower or diaper party. When you purchase a diaper cake for the new parents, you are sure to be the talk of the party.

Why is a diaper cakes the perfect gift? The answer is simple. They take the guess work out of trying to select a gift! Not only will the recipient get a batch of diapers (that will be in big demand in those first few weeks) but they will also have some other cute essentials to add to their stock of baby gifts. Not only is the gift practical but it’s beautiful too!

Giving a diaper cake as a gift is the perfect treat – No baking required!

5 Baby Shower Gifts I Couldn’t Live Without

When I was pregnant with my first child I was overwhelmed with the thought of purchasing baby items. What items did I really need and which ones weren’t all that necessary?

I was lucky to be the recipient of a lovely baby shower where I received many wonderful gifts from family and friends. Although I am grateful to everyone for all the things I received, some things, I have learned I just couldn’t live without while others weren’t as necessary as I thought they would be. In those first few months, having these items became a great help and saved me precious dollars, time and sanity.

Diapers

You may see diapers and think, “Really… diapers?” However, what most people forget is that, although it may seem like a boring and uneventful gift to give, the parents will greatly appreciate it. Diapers are an essential item no baby or parent can live without. The cost of diapering supplies is expensive and in those first few weeks and months diaper changes will be frequent. The parents will appreciate the cost savings and the sanity it brings to have diapers easily on hand during those long sleepless nights. I know I did! If you are looking to make your gift of diapers more exciting, consider purchasing a diaper cake. The diaper cake not only serves as a practical gift with diapers and other essential baby items but can also serve as a beautiful and unique centerpiece.

Onesies

At a baby shower, the parents-to-be will very likely receive an abundance of baby clothing. Although the cute little outfits are fun to give and receive, simple clothing options like onesies are a great choice in those first few weeks. The reality is that, although those cute clothing items are fun and make for great photo opportunities, onesies in various sizes are much more practical and are an essential all parents must have. Remember that newborns grow quickly in those first few weeks. Be sure to buy a size larger than you may normally buy so that the baby can grow into it. I found onesies to be a valuable asset to my supply of baby items. In those first few weeks, it was as an easy clothing option with very little hassle.

Baby Sleep Sack

When decorating the nursery, new parents will most likely purchase a cute baby bedding set, if they do not receive one as a gift. However, in those first few months, it is recommended that babies do not sleep with anything except a fitted crib sheet. That includes not using a blanket or crib bumpers. In the beginning, you may be able to get away with swaddling the baby. They will be comfortable and you won’t have to worry about them moving around or the potential hazards that come with baby blankets. However, once they begin moving around more, swaddling will most likely not be an option. That’s where the baby sleep sack comes in. This cozy bedtime option is great for both baby and parents. The baby will be kept warm and comfortable even without a blanket and the parents won’t have to worry about the hazards baby blankets can bring while knowing that their baby is comfortable. My children slept great while using the sleep sack, which was a life saver from those many sleepless nights.

Bibs and Burp Cloths

Before I had children I did not realize how much of an asset having a large collection of bibs and burp cloths could be. Once I had my own children it became clear that the more we had the better. In those early months, babies tend to spit up a lot. Having a large selection of bibs and burp cloths will help keep your baby clean and fresh as well as save the parents from dealing with the stained clothing that comes from the frequent spit ups. Bibs with cute sayings or phrases make a cute addition to any gift set.

Baby Bouncer Seat

Normally, I don’t subscribe to the idea that parents need a bunch of fancy gadgets and baby gear. However, I will admit that the baby bouncer seat I received as a gift when I was pregnant with my first child was a life saver. Many models come with gentle vibrating action, which my children couldn’t live without. When we first brought our children from the hospital it became our go to piece of baby gear. Both our children had reflux as infants and the seat was a great way to give them the incline they needed while they napped. As they started to grow and play with toys, it was a great way to keep them occupied while we caught up on the much needed housework.

When choosing gifts for parents-to-be it’s best to give items that they will get great use out of. Although they may be practical, they don’t have to be boring. Purchasing a diaper cake can be a great way to include diapers and several other baby essentials, including bibs and onesies, which all parents will need. Gift sets or Baby Bouquets are also a great way to give practical essentials while adding some flare to the gift.