As you plan to add a new family member, your heart may be filled with enthusiasm, excitement, and maybe a little nervousness. Becoming a parent, especially for the first time, is a colorful and thrilling experience. But at the same time, it demands a lot of preparation. One aspect that is very important to be prepared for is financial.
Preparing for a new life is an investment, both emotionally and financially. Babies need many things, from baby equipment, labor costs, to health care costs. Not to mention other costs for his future. Then, knowing how much to prepare will help you plan your finances better and reduce any anxiety that may arise. No need to worry, every expense incurred will be paid for by the infinite happiness and love given by your little one.
To make this trip smoother and free yourself from unnecessary financial burdens, it is important to understand and plan for any costs that may arise. As babies grow, their needs will develop and change, requiring flexibility and adjustments in the family budget. Therefore, from now on, let's be prepared to welcome your little one with good and mature financial planning.
Costs That Appear After the Baby is Born
Labor Costs
Labor costs are one of the important components that must be prepared when welcoming a new baby. This fee includes all expenses related to the delivery process, including doctor's fees, hospital fees, medicines, and sometimes also prenatal consultation fees.
There are several factors that can affect the cost of childbirth. The first is the type of delivery. The cost of delivery can be different depending on whether you have a vaginal delivery or by caesarean section. In general, caesarean deliveries are usually more expensive than normal deliveries. If there are complications or special medical needs during delivery, labor costs may increase.
Second, delivery costs can also vary depending on where you live. In some areas, delivery costs may be higher than in other areas.
In addition, if you have health insurance, this can greatly affect the cost of delivery. Some insurers may cover most of the costs, while others may cover only a small portion or none at all.
Given the high cost of delivery, it's important to plan well and consult with your doctor about the options available. In addition, check the health insurance policy you have, and find out how far this insurance can help cover the costs of childbirth.
Baby gear
Baby equipment includes various items needed to care for and ensure the comfort of babies from birth. Having the right equipment is not only important for a baby's well-being but can make it easier for parents to care for him.
Some of the main items included in baby equipment include baby clothes, ranging from clothes, pants, blankets, and so on, as well as diapers and nipples, milk bottles and equipment—including if you also need to pump breast milk later—as well as baby beds, strollers, and car seats. Not including treatment, starting from soap, creams, shampoo, and so on.
A lot huh? Yes Therefore, when preparing baby equipment, it is important to prioritize needs over wants. Baby gear can be a big expense, so make a wise buying decision. Also, being open to receiving used items from friends or family and taking advantage of offers and discounts can help keep costs down.
Baby Health Expenses
Infant health costs include all expenses related to maintaining the health and well-being of infants. This is very important because babies need special care, especially in the first few months of life.
When they are still a few days old—especially if a baby is born with certain conditions—there may be routine health checks needed to ensure that they are growing properly and that there are no serious health problems. This includes a physical exam, growth measurements, and counseling regarding nutrition and development.
The baby will also need a number of immunizations. For certain immunizations, the government provides free of charge which can be obtained at the smallest health facility, namely the Puskesmas. However, outside of mandatory immunization, you must pay according to the rates specified at certain hospitals. Even though it's not mandatory, it's a good idea for your little one to still get a number of these immunizations, because they are very important for their health.
Then, you also need to be prepared if the baby asks for more attention for his health. For example fever or flu. Indeed, this is a normal thing for babies, but if it continues, you will need to see a doctor or buy medicine. It also needs a special budget.
So, don't forget to add your little one to the family health insurance that you already have. Health insurance can help cover most health care costs.
Nanny or Daycare
As time passes after the birth of a baby, many parents have to return to work, and this creates a need to find safe and reliable care for their baby during working hours.
Commonly considered options are hiring a nanny or using a daycare service .
If choosing a nanny, they will be responsible for all aspects of baby care including feeding, changing diapers and playing with the baby at home. Some caregivers may also perform other household tasks related to the baby. Nanny fees can vary depending on experience, responsibilities, and location. Quality of care and trust are important things to consider when choosing a caregiver.
Whereas daycare is a facility that cares for children in groups, and usually they have staff trained to care for children of various ages. In daycare, babies will have the opportunity to interact with other children, which can be good for their social development. Daycare costs can also vary depending on location, facilities, and hours of operation.
So, do you want a nanny or daycare, it all depends on your own family needs and budget. In addition, ensuring that the baby is in an environment that is safe, supportive, and stimulates his development is a top priority. So, take the time to research, visit daycare facilities, and interview potential caregivers before making a decision.
Preparing Finances to Welcome Newborns
Welcoming a new baby is a very happy event and of course changes the dynamics of family life, including finances. Managing finances with an effective strategy is the key to avoiding stress and ensuring families are ready for these new challenges.
Firstly, it is very important to have a clear picture of the current financial situation of the family. Start by reviewing your monthly income and expenses, and making projections of how these numbers might change with the arrival of the baby. Remember that in addition to regular expenses, there are also unexpected expenses that may arise, so having an emergency savings account is wise.
Then, let's talk about insurance. Making sure that you have adequate health insurance to cover the costs of delivery and care of the baby is very important. Additionally, you may want to consider life insurance as an additional layer of protection for your family.
When shopping for baby gear, be wise. There is no need to buy all new things or spend a lot of money on expensive things. Find out what's really essential and what might be borrowed from friends or family. Also, consider buying good quality used items. This not only saves money but is also a more sustainable option.
Finally, communication is key. Be sure to talk openly and honestly with your partner about finances and setting goals together. It may also be helpful to seek the advice of a professional financial planner who can help you navigate the different options and create a plan tailored to your family's unique needs.
Remember that planning ahead and making wise decisions now can ensure that your family can enjoy precious time with the newborn without worrying about finances.
Written by: Nadia Harsya CFP®
Nadia Harsya is a Certified Financial Planner and activist of financial literacy for empowered women, mothers and families. Take a peek at other financial tips in simple language on the Instagram account @noninadia.