First Year

about how much per month would you say you spend on diapers and formula? what are some other expenses to think about on the monthly basis?

Re: First Year

TBH, I really didn't notice a major dent in my finances with diapers and formula. IMO, the fear of the expense is exaggerated. When my first son was done with those things, I didn't notice any extra money either!

I just look for sales and use coupons. I just got 3 boxes of diapers in Target for under $45 by the time I was done with coupons, my red card, the $25 gift card you got when you bought 3. They will last probably 3 months.

Formula...register on both the Enfamil and the Similac websites. You will begin to get checks from them as coupons. I usually either buy formula at BJ's or Target when it's on sale.

Other monthly expenses (besides any child care) would be food when they get bigger. I go to Fairway and buy organic stuff and make his food. It's cheaper to make it then to buy the jars and then you know for sure what they are eating. Other than that, the only other expenses are clothes when they need them. We go through onesies and socks a lot but thats about it.

ETA: I think formula costs roughly $100 month. It sounds like a lot but it's really $25/week which really isn't all that much to feed a kid. My bigger guy costs me much more than that!

Message edited 2/4/2016 10:54:22 AM.

First Year

I did not see any difference in my finances. I would buy diaper and formula on sale and stock up when there were good sales. The only thing that has hit my budget hard is daycare. Otherwise I would never see the difference.

Re: First Year

Message edited 2/5/2016 8:36:06 AM.

First Year

I have to agree, I'm not sure how much we spend on diapers or wipes. DD is on a specialty formula so my insurance covers it and my copay is $100 per month.

Re: First Year

Message edited 2/4/2016 10:51:33 PM.

First Year

Honestly the diapers and formula were the least of our expenses..daycare is what kills you. No coupons for that...

DD is 8 now and honestly it's still pricey between afterschool care, activities, clothes get more $$$, etc etc. I don't think it ever gets better until they get married and or move out the house

Re: First Year

Posted by jellybean78

Honestly the diapers and formula were the least of our expenses..daycare is what kills you. No coupons for that...

DD is 8 now and honestly it's still pricey between afterschool care, activities, clothes get more $$$, etc etc. I don't think it ever gets better until they get married and or move out the house

Re: First Year

Posted by MK2010

Posted by alli3131

I did not see any difference in my finances. I would buy diaper and formula on sale and stock up when there were good sales. The only thing that has hit my budget hard is daycare. Otherwise I would never see the difference.

ITA.

Also, there will be a hit to your social life...fewer dinners out, movies, concerts, hobbies that cost money - it will more than balance out.

Daycare is a doozy! $$$$

Re: First Year

I can tell you, after having my first, my DH and I were like "it's not really that big of an expensive having an infant" (no daycare, I'm home during the day, work early mornings or nights), and I BF so no formula expense.

Then came #2...she has a chronic digestive illness coupled with food allergies, so formula is $50 a can - no coupons, lasted 3 days as an infant, lasts about a week now, and we go through about 10-12 diapers a day - at 18 months old - it's crazy, normal is probably half that. Also had to put DD1 in more school/activities so I could take care of the baby.

So my point here - ya just never know.

Re: First Year

I use Amazon subscribe and save. Luvs are like $25 and a box of overnight another $20. Wipes are $17. Formula is about 130.

DS drinks a ton of formula, like 30 oz right now. I breast fed him for 5 months and used free samples for like 1 month. I'm also now buying baby food which is another 50 a month. For DD I had more time and made it, saved a ton. He is late with teeth but when he gets them we can give more table food and cut down on pouches - that's a short term expense.

We don't go out, drinking is at home. You end up saving in other ways that offsets it.

Daycare is the major expense, clothes too but we still get a lot and I shop sales/coupons.

Re: First Year

I know I responded on the other board, but I do agree with a pp in that it depends on your child. For us, dd1 was on a prescription formula covered by insurance. For dd2, she needs a special formula but it's not severe enough to be deemed medically necessary, so it's $250 a month even with Amazon subscribe and save. No chance of target generics here.

Same goes for wipes and diapers for each of my kids, they have super sensitive skin. I pay $50 a month for water wipes, and I have to use pampers. Again, I use subscribe and save, but still around $100/month.

Probiotics are another $45/month due to their stomach issues.

Be aware that you may or may not be able to use discount products on your child, and you may have to incorporate supplemental products.

Re: First Year

Message edited 2/8/2016 9:49:41 AM.

First Year

I already registered for day care and know that's a hard hit. Thanks for sharing all the other expenses at least I can relax in that department.

Re: First Year

Check to see if your company offers depedent care FSA - you can put away 5k pre tax towards daycare!

Re: First Year

Re: First Year

My twins are 9 months. I can't even keep track. I feel like every 2 days Im on Amazon or diapers.com for either baby food, formula, diapers or wipes. LOL