How to make your budget work for a second child
If you are going to have a second child, you probably already have experience and you know how things will turn out. You, as a mother, are already used to being sick during pregnancy, you know when and why to worry, and you already have a shopping list in mind for your next baby.
However, there are a few things to consider when you want to know how to prepare for your second child. Besides the psychological impact the second child will have on the big brother or sister, the financial perspective is also essential. So, in this article, we will show you how to prepare the budget for the second child.
The right time for the second child
How do you prepare for your second child and when is the right time to have him or her? When you are about to have it, it is good to think about the health of the baby to be born, but also of the junior that you and your partner have together already.
According to a study, the best age for a baby to have a sibling is until the age of one, or after 4 years. Children up to the age of 1 do not have a clear idea of their status, and children over the age of 4 have already spent time alone with their mother and father.
However, the specialists recommend that you wait a while before having your second child. According to them, if a mother becomes pregnant earlier than 18 months after the first child, there is a risk of complications such as premature birth.
It is best to talk to your doctor. A specialist knows very well what your health is, has all the information about how the first pregnancy went and will recommend a set of tests and investigations. Also, together with your doctor you and your partner can make the best decision for your health.
Financially speaking, the situations might differ from one family to another. The kid you already have will be consuming more and more money as he grows, while the little one, your second child, will also have needs, especially in the first two years of life.
The baby needs a crib, diapers, formula milk (if you do not breastfeed). Accordingly, you should be financially stable to satisfy all the needs your children might have.
Changing your way of living
Before having a second child, think about whether you and your partner are ready for this moment. If things have already settled in your family and you have become accustomed to the first child, then you must think about your financial situation first.
Moreover, remember that a new child needs to be taken care of all the time and will need a lot of attention from you.
The financial situation also plays a very important role. Even if your family is not run by money, the money will help you raise children, and a baby needs a lot of things. It would be good to do some calculations and make sure that you are ready for a second child, and thus you will avoid stressful problems.
Are you preparing for your second child, and are your financial situation worries you? Given the following tips, family life will no longer seem so expensive.
Reuse, resell, and more
You can take a few extra bucks if you decide to sell what you no longer need, then you can put in order the things your second child will need, such as sorting clothes by age, beds, and so on.
In fact, if the first child is not yet ready to sleep in a bed for older children, you can accept the offer of one of your family friends or acquaintances, when he offered to give you their crib for the baby that anyway I don’t use it anymore. Just be aware that anything you receive must be appropriate and safe for the little one.
If you are on a budget, you can reuse the clothes, toys, and other products initially used by the older child. This way, you will save a lot of money for the stuff that is indeed mandatory for the second child.
Think again about the decision to leave your baby at the nursery or to hire a nanny. Do you allow yourself to leave your baby in the nursery, especially if the first child is still in the nursery? If not, opt for other alternatives, such as choosing one parent to stay home.
Adopt a simpler lifestyle
Do you have two cars? How about paying less and using only one of them? Or what about giving up expensive brands of clothes, bags, or perfumes.
Also, keep an eye on banking commissions. You will be surprised about how much money you can save by simply opting for those banking commission-free services and products that are more and more common.
These changes may be a little difficult at first for you, but remember that it will take at least three weeks for you to get used to the new family rules, so why not give it a try?
Other tips on how to save money for a second child
Instead of frequent outings at the restaurant, with family friends, opt for a dinner or lunch prepared in your kitchen, at home. You will tend to buy more products when you pay by card, instead of cash.
Cook dishes that you can later freeze. Thus, whenever you need you will be able to access the food you have chosen to store.
Don’t buy too many clothes for pregnant women, especially since you will not use them after this period. If possible, use the things you already have in your family, rather than buying new ones. As long as they are functional and safe for children, you will be able to save money and time.
Always have, in the car, or even at your fingertips a small bag with what the baby needs, from a diaper to a change of clothes, without always buying something that the baby is missing when you go on the road.
The bottom line
Having a second child is not an easy task, especially when you are on a budget. However, it is beautiful to have as many kids as possible. The joy children offer can be measured or explained in words.
When you are on a budget, the before mentioned tips on how to save money for a second child might be helpful, so give them a try if you need them.
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