Baby Shower
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Raising Baby On The Cheap
   
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Dropping The Carbs - The Pros And Cons Of Ketogenic Dieting
We must all now be familiar with the Atkins Diet. Of all of the trend diets that move through our popular culture, none has caused as much interest or .....
Have you ever read those reports on the cost of raising a child?We must all now be familiar with the Atkins Diet. Of all of the trend diets that move through our popular culture, none has caused as much interest or .....
The last time I checked, I was told that it would cost the astronomical figure
of $430,470 to raise my baby... and that didn't include college tuition!
The people who come up with these figures must not be very creative.
Some of the best things you can do for your child are free or very inexpensive.
Here are some tips for raising kids on the cheap.
1) Breastfeed
You can save roughly $1,000 in formula costs alone in your baby's first year
by breastfeeding. Check out this report:
http://www.natural-moms.com/cost_of_baby_formula.html
This figure doesn't include the extra costs you would
incur from Doctor visits and medications. Breastfed babies are less likely
to need medical care and don't get sick as often as their formula fed peers.
Formula feeding increases a baby's risk of both acute and chronic health
problems not only during childhood but well into adulthood.
If you're a working and breastfeeding Mother, you're less likely to miss
work than if you were formula feeding.
Baby Boomers -- Now Shredding The Rules For Retirement
Baby Boomers -- Now Shredding the Rules for
Retirement
Are you a member of that unique generation -- the Baby Boomers? If
you are, conforming to the rules of .....
In addition, a breastfed baby can go straight from the breast to an open cup,Baby Boomers -- Now Shredding the Rules for
Retirement
Are you a member of that unique generation -- the Baby Boomers? If
you are, conforming to the rules of .....
thus eliminating pacifiers, bottles and sippy cups.
Even baby food is not necessary. The healthiest first foods for baby are
fresh fork-mashed avocado, banana, sweet potato and the like. If you're
breastfeeding, you may be able to delay the introduction of solids until
as late as 8 or 9 months.
2) Use Cloth Diapers
All I am saying...is give cloth a chance!
The modern cloth diapers are nothing like Grandma's. The nicer ones
are made from high tech materials that wick moisture away from baby,
and utilize snaps or velcro to close instead of pins.
They save you a lot of money especially if you save them and use them again
for subsequent children. You can buy them cheaply at thrift stores,
online auctions, and diaper services (check your phone book for listings).
Or ask for cloth diapers as shower gifts.
3) Rethink your Needs
Think about what you REALLY need to raise your baby. A lot of the expensive
items sold in baby stores are completely unnecessary and some are even
harmful. Most of the people raising children on the planet today do so
without cribs, walkers (which Pediatricians recommend against anyway!),
playpens, changing tables, swings, "educational" toys, etc.
Babys First Year What To Expect
As a new Mom, you are probably wondering about many things: how will he react to his new surroundings? when will she sleep for more than 2 hours? what can I expect in .....
Many Moms have found that a soft cloth carrier or baby sling was the onlyAs a new Mom, you are probably wondering about many things: how will he react to his new surroundings? when will she sleep for more than 2 hours? what can I expect in .....
gadget they really needed. Baby is happy, stimulated by your activities and
entertained. And Mom can get stuff done!
The best toys are simple and classic and require imagination.
These are often the least expensive too! And most kids do best with few
toys that are rotated. Think back to your own childhood...what were your
favorite toys? If you can even remember them, they were probably not loud,
flashy electronic battery powered gadgets. Your best childhood memories
probably come from activities...playing in Grandma's backyard, going
places with Mom and Dad, the simple things.
For the baby stuff you really can't live without...
4) Buy or Obtain Used
Let friends know that you welcome hand-me-downs and you'll be blessed with
all sorts of great stuff!
High quality clothing and baby equipment generally doesn't wear out from just one child's use.
For safety, check to make sure items haven't been recalled and get the owner's manuals
from the manufacturer's websites. (The one exception would be child safety seats.
Always buy those new.)
Shop at thrift and consignment shops and online auctions. Some of the very best
deals can be found at regional consignment sales.
Check local parenting magazines and websites for the locations of these.
Personally, I prefer used clothing because much new clothing has been treated
with flame retardants and other scary chemicals that can be absorbed into
children's softer skin.
Being a frugal parent minimizes the impact on the environment,
saves you money and models a healthy lifestyle to your kids. Teach your kids
what really matters in life...people, not things!