Welcome to Born's Throwback Thursday, where we select a favourite or useful article from the Born blog archives and re-share!
First published back in 2012, we've updated the figures for this article using the most recent 2014 report but our money-saving tips are still as current as ever...
The 2014 report revealed the cost of raising a child from birth to their 21st
birthday now totals a record £227,266. This equates to £10,822 a year,
£901 a month or £30 a day. Really, £30 a day! It
seems an awful lot, but don't be too panicked - a closer read reveals that there are a fair few extras hidden within the figures...
The report shows childcare and education to be the greatest expenses. However, the cost of
education includes school uniforms, after-school clubs, and university
tuition fees! Why not include the cost of buying them their first car
or home as well – just to whack on a few 000’s!
If you’re wondering how that effects parents of babies or toddlers, LV
put the cost for year one at a touch over £11,000 – but remember that
includes childcare. From one to five, the cumulative amount is £59,957.
Changing times
With times for everyone proving a little tight the report interestingly
says that four in ten of those cutting back are buying items from
second-hand shops and more than half (52%) used vouchers and discount codes when shopping.
So how can you enjoy this wonderful time but not incur massive debts
along the way? Now we can’t help with childcare or university fees but
here are our top ideas!
Our top baby budget busting ideas
Carry don’t push!
Slings and carriers not only promote great bonding between parent and
child but they also make fantastic economic sense. A quality, good
fitting sling may mean you can go without a lightweight buggy for a few
years. But make sure you choose a carrier that you feel comfortable in
and on that is built to last – something like an Ergobaby or Je Porte Mon Bebe may be a few pounds more but they'll last and you’ll enjoy the experience a whole lot more!
One fantastic buggy is better than two not so great buggies!
Before choosing a pram, pushchair or buggy think about what you’re
really going to need. So many people buy huge 3 in 1 travel systems that
in principle are great but in reality can be unsuitable for day to day
activities – a bit like buying a Rolls Royce when really what you need
is a small Polo! So think about something that
really fit your lifestyle - that’s why many of our customers love The Bugaboo Bee3 - it works from birth to walking and it's nifty enough for the bus or tube!
Non- Disposable nappies = disposable cash
You’re probably aware of the eco-benefits of reusable nappies but did you know that washable cloth nappies will save you money as
well! (Especially if you save them for future babies). So even if creating a greener planet isn’t
high on your priorities then saving £600 can prove very
motivating. For a breakdown of costs check out Money Saving Expert.
You’ll see that the savings you can enjoy with washable nappies will
depend upon the type you choose – but our top tip is to balance the
savings with choosing the nappies that are right for your lifestyle.
For more information why not read our Reusable Nappy guide or download the Real Nappy Guide
Swap & reuse
Parents have always borrowed or received handed down clothes from
friends and family with older children and now more and more websites
are springing up offering baby clothes to swap. It’s worth seeing if
your local NCT or baby group run a swapping service.
Rent
In the US it’s increasingly common to find parents choosing to rent baby
products, including clothing rather than buying outright. This is
especially true for items you may only need for a small period of time.
Our Bristol store hires out hospital grade breast pumps,
great for if you only need one for a short time or to make sure you
will get on with it before buying one. Contact our Customer Service Team for details.
We also host a sling library on a Monday morning, where you can hire a sling, try before you buy and chat to the expert consultants about which carrier is right for your family.
Choose things that grow with your child
The Stokke and Leander range of furniture are great examples of how choosing well can also save you money. The Stokke Tripp Trapp has been in our stores since we first opened over 15 years ago – not only is it a wonderful bit of furniture for the home and a design classic but it also makes fantastic economic sense because it can be altered to fit your child’s age from new born to old age.
Equally, the Leander Cot Bed transforms from cot to cot bed to junior bed. Five different steps allow your child to gradually transition at their
own pace from the comfort and safety of the cot through to the
independence of their own bed.
Do you have any tips on how to save money when you have a young baby or toddler? Share them with us and we can help spread the word!
No comments:
Post a Comment