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Potential parents: Can I afford a baby?
Results so far:
| Yes | 69% | 181 votes | Total: 262 votes | |
| No | 31% | 81 votes |
Yes
by Sinead Mckenzie
Created on: March 16, 2008
If you find yourself asking the question "can I afford a baby", then there are many factors to consider.
The gift of having a child is a wonderful thing to behold. Many people plan it, and therefore set aside funding for when their first bundle of joy arrives. Many people, however, do not plan it, and this is generally when the question arises.
There is no doubt about it that having a baby is a costly thing to do, and those who are unsteady financially may find it difficult, but there are many ways around this, so that you can overcome the hurdles along the way.
Firstly, during the pregnancy you have the expense of preparations for the baby's imminent arrival. Many items will be required, such as bottles, teats, a steriliser, clothing, a cot, a pram, car seat, nappies, not to mention the fact that you will eventually have another mouth to feed.
However, you don't have to buy everything brand new. Check out local classified advertisements where you will find used items that with a touch of cleaning, can look as good as new. Ebay is a brilliant resource for finding items at a fraction of the price that you would in stores, so sign up, and use it to search out your requirements.
Consider using re-usable nappies. Not only are they far better for our environment, but they will work out so much less expensive in the long run. Nowadays, they are much more user friendly, and far easier to clean.
Breast feeding will save so much money spent on pricey formula milk, and furthermore, it is far better for your baby to drink the mother's breast milk, especially during the first few weeks of the baby's life.
If you are a potential single mother, then you may be feeling despair, and you will no doubt be feeling terrified that having a baby will financially cripple you.
It will be a struggle, but it won't be impossible, and the feelings you get when you first hold your baby to you will far outweigh any financial struggles you may have.
There are many Government funds now to assist with single parents, and you should take all the assistance that is offered to you.
The beauty of having a child is the most important thing in life. We are here to pro-create, and therefore, the financial impact of doing so is just part of the parcel.
Yes, you can afford a baby, and you will enjoy spending every penny towards doing so.
Learn more about this author, Sinead Mckenzie.
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No
by Carmel Brulez
Created on: October 25, 2009
Whether or not potential parents can afford a baby depends on whether they put money, material possessions, sleep and freedom first and caring for and looking after a baby or child second. People who are very materialistic and long for lovely flashy cars, lots of fantastic holidays, freedom to come and go as they please and a lifestyle as good or better than they have now cannot afford a baby.
Firstly, babies are very expensive, even if you do it carefully. Nappies, time off of work, babysitters, food, clothes and doctors all add up. In fact even for the most careful couple they cost a fortune. You can help to cut costs by making your own baby food, using second hand clothes and free babysitters through family and friends but it will still cost you a fortune. Work it out. Babies cost a lot, then they grow up into children, then they are teenagers. That is at least 16 years worth of paying out, worrying, giving your time and your soul and much more. You may also have to think of moving into a bigger place and it is obvious that will cost more too. Both for the move and the extra rent or payments made for the bigger home.
But count the other costs too. Babies keep you awake and exhaust you. With their constant crying and needing to have an adult with them supervising them. You will no longer be able to just go out for a walk when you feel like it, let alone a proper evening going to a friend's or to a club or restaurant. That is presuming you can afford it. Every time you want to go out without your baby you have to go through the nonsense of arranging for someone to come and look after them and maybe waiting a week or more until they can, then probably paying them for it too. If you are on a low wage or a single parent the financial costs alone can cripple you.
Count the cost of the stress and worry. Maybe the baby will not be so much worry but when the baby grows into a child you will have to worry about its school work, teachers, friends at school and the possibility of your child being involved in drugs, crime, drinking or becoming a total loser who does not bother to work hard and expects you to keep them for the rest of their life! Even if they are wonderful and loving and never break the law or do anything immoral or dangerous you will be tormented by worries about their latest boyfriend or girlfriend, their marital problems, the fact they lost their job last week or how they cope with their own babies when they reach that age. You may also have to face that they just run off never to be seen again, perhaps emigrating after you have done your best for them and poured a fortune into them, with not a word of thanks.
A true parent will be worried and feeling responsible for their children until the day they die. Whether you can afford it or not depends on if your maternal instinct is stronger than your need for money and peace of mind. Yes I know I make it sound grim and dull and you will probably ignore every word I say. Proving that your maternal instinct is the stronger. When you make your decision remember it is not just for a year or two, it is forever, the costs go on forever too, both financially and emotionally. If you have any doubts shelve the idea for now. You can always come back to it later, whereas you cannot change your mind if you decide to have a baby once the baby is born.
Learn more about this author, Carmel Brulez.
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