The Cost of Parenting

The Canadian population is being dominated by our seniors, and all too often are couples saying they want only one child, maybe two. One of the most common reasons: lack of funds, but children cost you only as much as you let them, and many of today's parent seem to unnecessarily go overboard.

Many childless couples go out. On dates, to parties, on trips, etc. The cost of these outings adds up, and the majority of couples with children claim they don't go out together regularly anymore (if at all), usually only one will attend a party on the weekend (it at all), and vacations are usually closer to home, and consist of less expensive activities. These changes in lifestyle post-baby seem to equalize related expenses.

Before you had children, you never had to buy diapers, formula, or baby food. Many parents feel the need to go out and get the best diapers, the best formula, and only organic baby food. A local RN claims there is no need to buy infant formula with Omega 3 & 6, and that formula companies use this pitch as a sales tactic. She claims that breast milk doesn't naturally contain enough of these fatty acids to be significantly comparable. If you don't want to dish out the cost for formula period, breast feeding is the number one alternative (and the number one choice nutritionally), and it's free. Many breastfeeding moms (or past breastfeeding moms) boast that not having to buy or clean bottles saves them a lot of time and money.

The cost for baby food can also add up, so, if this concerns you, consider making your own. It will taste better to your baby, be more affordable, and you need only do it once a week or more if you make a large batch and freeze it in portions. Making your own baby food also allows you to omit any additives. Because believe it or not there are ingredients added to your babies commercial food. By reading the label you will see that most baby food fruit for example does in fact have added sugar. If the fruit you use to make your own tastes a little sour, you can adjust it accordingly with honey (full of antioxidants), or molasses (rich with vitamins and minerals). It will also be much more self satisfying.

Diapers are probably the biggest cost related to babies. There is no need to buy the most expensive diapers for your little one. Many diaper companies seek contracts with companies like Disney in order to add cute characters to the diaper making it more attractive to the consumer. It is highly unlikely that your child notices, so try and discard it as a selling point. Many brand name diapers are also scented which they also use to hike prices. If you like the scent of brand name diapers, try using powder, which is now available in a solid form and does not become airborne. Big diaper companies also boast leak-proof diapers suitable for children who sleep all night. Unless diapers are individually defective, or too small (or on the brink of switching sizes), no matter the brand the diaper should not leak. If you are having a problem with night-time leaks try using a diaper the next size up at night-time only, just make sure you secure it snug enough. Children who sleep right through aren't taking in any fluids at night for their diapers to overflow anyway.

If you think the cost of diapers all together is too high, there are always cloth diapers. They have been modified a lot over the years so try and discard what discouragement your elders have to offer. You can even get disposable liners (similar in appearance to a toilet paper roll) which are said to be very affordable. If the idea of washing dirty diapers doesn't appeal to you, there are professional cleaning services who will pick up and drop your dirty and clean diapers off right at your door.

Toys and clothes are another cost of having children. There are many local thrift stores (Jinglers, on Prospect, Frenchy's in Oromocto, Salvation Armys, on Main St and Downtown, etc.) in the area with affordable, brand name baby clothes for a fraction of the cost. Many infants wear an outfit once or twice before outgrowing it so most second hand items will be in great shape. You can also ask around. While some people would love to make some money and sell their baby clothes, many are just looking to get rid of them quickly, and most friends and family are more than willing to keep an ear to the ground in your favor.

Yard-sale season is a great time to get some good toys for a huge discount. If you know you're having a baby in the spring, there is no better time to get your gear together than the summer yard-sale scene. You can also check on EBay for clothing and toy lots, if the shipping is reasonable or the seller is local, you might get a great deal.

So, while children might cost you the equivalent of a monthly car payment, there are many ways to offset the expenses, besides, aren't they more than worth it?