×
The Standard Group Plc is a multi-media organization with investments in media platforms spanning newspaper print operations, television, radio broadcasting, digital and online services. The Standard Group is recognized as a leading multi-media house in Kenya with a key influence in matters of national and international interest.
  • Standard Group Plc HQ Office,
  • The Standard Group Center,Mombasa Road.
  • P.O Box 30080-00100,Nairobi, Kenya.
  • Telephone number: 0203222111, 0719012111
  • Email: [email protected]

Pregnancy tips: How to save for a baby

Pregnancy
 Ensure your finances are in order before getting pregnant (Photo: Courtesy)

Children are a wonderful gift from God. As a parent, there is a deep joy you experience when you see your newborn for the first time, and that happiness is kept alive as you see your child grow.

Many people want to have children but there is a huge elephant in the room, the financial weight that comes with it.

Sometimes we underestimate how much it costs to bring a baby into the world and that is why it’s always better to plan. 

To avoid parenting blues and financial pressure, it is a good idea to have financial security before bringing the little bundle of joy into this unforgiving world.

Here is what you need to consider:

Start by researching

It is always a good idea to know what you need, especially if this is your first baby. There is an assumption that you need to buy every single item, but that is often not the case.

This step will help you to know what the most important items are so that you don’t end up spending on things that aren’t necessary.

This will also guide you on how much you will need and where you can get the best discounts as you start shopping for baby items.

Limit your spending

You might be used to splurging on expensive dinners, salon appointments and other self-care activities. This might have to come to an end or face major cuts.

Of course, there is nothing wrong with spending your hard-earned cash on yourself, but you need to be wiser if you’re planning for a child soon.

At this point, you will need to spend on essentials so that you have more money to put away and fund that objective of becoming a parent soon.

 Who said all the baby clothes must be brand new? (Photo: Courtesy)
Go thrifting

Forget the pressure of designer baby wear that you see parents on Instagram displaying. You don’t even have to buy new items.

In fact, some of these new items are actually low quality as compared to some thrifted items. If you’re cash strapped, you might want to look into good quality second hand items. Also keep it in mind that babies outgrow items quickly, so they will only be needed for a short time.

Only go for new items if it is really necessary. If you have friends or relatives who just had babies you can consider buying stuff from them at a throw away price.

Look for multi-use items

While you’re saving up, think of getting some items that can serve you for a long time. For example, you can buy onesies that have mittens sewn into them or convertible furniture so you won’t have to buy so many items separately.

This is also a great way of keeping your home organized and decluttered since you will be reducing the number of items you are bringing into your home.

Save for the unexpected

Thinking of some of the things that could go wrong like emergency hospital visits isn’t a comforting experience. But, it’s better to keep some emergency savings in case of anything. 

Make sure you have sorted your insurance early enough because maternity covers in most policies mature after a year and check on some of the limitations before you book yourself into a private hospital that isn’t covered.

Another key thing is to budget for out-of-pocket spending that may come your way.

Related Topics


.

Recommended Articles