Fresh parents guide: how to get fully prepared for what’s coming?
Photo by Jonathan Borba on Unsplash
Expecting a child can be very stressful and overwhelming. There are so many things that need to be taken care of and don’t even get me started on the expenses. For that reason, making a steady plan and knowing what to expect is crucial. These are some of the tips that will help you out.
Understand your health insurance and anticipate costs
First of all, you need to be aware of the costs that come with having a baby. Even if you are covered with proper health insurance, having a child is very expensive. For that reason, you need to sit down and calculate the expected costs early in your pregnancy. You can look for ways to be more organized when it comes to finances on the Internet and see how you can best prepare for the financial responsibility of having a baby.
Plan for maternity/paternity leave
Another thing you need to make a plan for is the quality time you will be spending with your child. Get informed about how much time off work you or your partner can get and whether you will be paid during that time period. This is a crucial piece of information. You need to be familiar with your company’s policies regarding this situation so that you know how your maternity leave will affect your job. Just remember that as much as it is important to make money for the family, it is also crucial for you to be there for your child in the early stages of their life.
Draft your pre-baby budget
Once you calculate the costs and get familiar with your company’s policy regarding maternity/paternity leave, it’s time to move on to the next step. You need to draft and adjust your pre-baby budget accordingly. You need to take these two above-mentioned factors, calculate them and see how much money you need. Take all of the possible expenses into account and try to set limits by stating the necessary and unnecessary items on your list. First, take care of urgent and necessary items and then, if you have extra money, take care of less necessary things.
Plan your post-delivery budget
You need to think of items such as diapers, extra food, and child care that will significantly affect your household expenses for some time in the future. You need to make a plan for these expenses on time.
Add your child to your health insurance
Speaking of costs and expenses, you also need to take care of your child’s health insurance as soon as possible. You will most likely have about 30 days from your child’s birth date. At this time you need to add your kid to your already-existing health insurance policy. In some cases, you may have about 60 days. Make sure to check that out beforehand so that you can manage to take care of this on time.
Take care of yourself while pregnant
Not everything is about finances. You also need to look out for yourself and your health while you’re pregnant. Some of the most important factors you need to think of are the food that you consume and the amount of sleep that you’re getting. Try to eat healthy food that makes you feel fresh and energized. Make sure you are taking your vitamins and having enough protein intake every day. Also, make sure you are getting that quality sleep that will make you feel well-rested.
Organize your must-have supplies
Then, you need to take care of the baby supplies and start thinking of ways to efficiently store them in your house. You can make it easy to organize things in your house simply by only buying items you certainly know you are going to be using. Some of the most essential baby items you will need in the house are diapers, wipes, first aid and hygiene kit, a night-light, a baby monitor, clothing ranging in size from 3-6 months, burp cloths, and a baby carrier. Make a list of things you need and then, step by step, make sure to purchase them all before the baby arrives.
Begin planning for child care
It’s never too early to start planning for child care. Whether you’re thinking of hiring a nanny or signing your kid up for a child care center, this process can last for a long time. If you want your child to make it to a reliable and professional care center, you need to make sure you are starting your application process as soon as possible.
Choose a pediatrician
You need to be ready to provide your child with proper medical care in case they get sick, catch a cold, or wake up with a high fever. For that reason, you need to find a reliable and trustworthy pediatrician who will be able to take care of your child no matter what happens. You can consult other parents and ask them for recommendations in case they know someone who would be a perfect fit for your child.
Save for his or her education
College may be years away, but it costs a lot of money and that is why you need to make plans for your finances. It’s important that you start saving money as soon as you can. Sooner or later, you will regret missing this step. Saving money little by little to make sure that your child will be able to get a proper education when they grow up is one of the best long-term investments you can make as parent. You can take a certain percentage (for example 15%) of your monthly salaries and store that money somewhere where you won’t be able to use it. You can also save the money in the new bank account and that gives your child access to that money when they grow up.
Conclusion
In conclusion, having a child comes with many responsibilities and huge expenses. That’s why you must be ready for the baby’s arrival. This list will help you stay organized and prepared no matter what.