Starting a family is costly, but with proper financial planning, you can ease the burden. In fact, insurer LV= estimates that the first year of a baby's life can cost an average of £8,500. Get ready to learn 10 crucial pre-baby tasks that will help you navigate this exciting new journey. We help families about to have a baby prepare for a new family member.
Tips and Tricks for Modern Parents
#1 Consider health and life insurance
Parenthood comes with a hefty price tag, so it's important to plan ahead to ensure your child is cared for in the event of an unexpected tragedy. Adding or increasing your life insurance coverage can help provide financial security for your family. This is especially important if one parent stays home with the child and doesn't have a significant income. Even if you're not earning money, your caregiving duties hold significant value and would need to be replaced if something were to happen to you. Another tip - when looking for the best insurance conditions, use VPN free, which will avoid price discrimination. Some sites inflate prices for services based on your search history and IP, but VPN hides this data from them. Don't wait to prioritize your family's financial future.
#2 Learn how to make frozen meals
After your baby is born, while your family and loved ones might bring you some gifts and meals, you'll find that fewer people are around to help in the following weeks and months. It's ironic that the time when you need the most assistance - when your baby is in the midst of the 6-week fussy stage - is when support tends to dwindle. If you or your partner are heading back to work during this time, it can make things extra challenging. To prepare for such eventualities, I highly recommend preparing some frozen meals in advance. With a collection of recipes, you'll have several options to choose from.
#3 Watch movies and series about parents
Among the best parenting tips is a very simple but effective way to change your lifestyle with the help of movies and TV shows. For example, there are many themed shows and movies on Netflix to help you understand parenting better. However, you may need a Netflix VPN to run it, as the service is not available in all countries. In general, with a VPN, you can access useful content all over the world. Moreover, VeePN has a free trial version, so you first test the product and then decide whether you need it or not.
#4 Start saving
Experts from the Institute of Financial Planning recommend that parents should have a safety net of at least three months' income saved up before their baby is born. This can help cover unexpected expenses during the transition to parenthood. Spokeswoman Sue Whitbread advises that parents have ample time to save, with seven to eight months of pregnancy. It's important to develop a habit of saving regularly, even starting with small amounts like £10 per month. Remember, every little bit helps!
#5 Learn to live on one paycheck
Having a baby can result in a dramatic decrease in income, which can be financially challenging. Preparation is key. Take Carrie Silversword, for example, a 32-year-old assistant manager at Goals Gym in Beckenham. She had her baby in March of this year and received 90% of her salary for the first six weeks followed by £123 a week for the remaining 33. Luckily, she and her partner Auri had budgeted in advance to pay their mortgage from his salary, avoiding any shock. If you're daring, practice living solely on one salary before the baby arrives, allowing you to adapt and save up for this life-changing event.
#6 Plan time for yourself, your family, and your children
Looking after yourself is just as important as taking care of your partner during pregnancy. Don't forget to spend time with friends, do things you enjoy, and treat yourself to some pampering. You'll be focused on caring for your little one for a while, so make sure to prioritize yourself too. Consider getting a maternity massage or pedicure to help you relax and feel your best. Trust us, it's a worthwhile indulgence!
#7 Find people who are useful to you
You should have contacts of the most necessary people:
- Pediatrician As a new parent, it's essential to have a pediatrician for your baby. However, it's important to find a doctor who aligns with your beliefs on medication and breastfeeding, and who has a great bedside manner. You'll be seeing them frequently, and it's crucial to have someone kind and approachable for your peace of mind.
- A lactation consultant can save you time and answer your questions, so you can achieve your breastfeeding goals, even without challenges.
- Trusted Support System: Having 2-3 dependable friends to cry with, watch the baby while you shower, or simply listen can make all the difference.
- A sleep consultant offers personalized advice to help your baby get on a schedule, sleep better, take better naps, and overcome sleep regressions.
#8 Make a will
According to Paul Sharpe, chairman of the Institute of Professional Willwriters (IPW), a lot of people still believe that wills are only necessary for the elderly. However, this is not the case. Wills are actually intended to protect what's valuable, and nothing is more valuable than your baby.
It's highly recommended that you appoint a solicitor or a professional will writer who is an IPW member to create your will. For a couple, this should cost around £150. Although DIY will kits are cheaper, there is a risk that they may not achieve their intended purpose.
#9 Apply for the health in pregnancy grant
If you're at least 25 weeks pregnant, make sure to apply for the Health in Pregnancy Grant! This one-time, tax-free payment of £190 is provided by the government to support expecting moms' health during pregnancy and childbirth. All you need to do is get a signed claim form from your midwife or doctor and submit it to HM Revenue & Customs. You'll receive the payment directly into your bank account. Don't miss out on this opportunity to support your, and your baby's, health!
#10 Get on a waiting list for childcare
Plan ahead if you're returning to work and need daycare for your baby. Don't wait until the last minute - many facilities have long waiting lists that can take a year or more to get off of. Act fast to secure your spot!
Conclusion
Raising a child is one of life's greatest challenges and joys, but it can also be overwhelming. By following these simple tips to help you prepare for parenthood, you'll be able to enjoy the process more. From saving money and finding reliable childcare, to learning about parenting through movies and series, make sure you have all your bases covered before welcoming your new baby.
