Why siblings are cheaper additions
June 11, 2009 by Jennifer Chait
Filed under Baby Savings, children's activity
Everyone says, “Babies are so expensive.” I don’t totally agree. I also know folks who put off having a second tot due to perceived costs. First of all, babies are less expensive than advertised; not to make them sound like cars, but you can get a good deal on your baby (see the end of this post for tips), and secondly, siblings can be even cheaper than the first baby.
What costs do come up with all kids:
Food + health care + school (if you pay for private) + time (if you consider time is money).
How siblings don’t cost as much as people think:
Can you say, “hand-me-downs”? Hand me downs are free and because babies don’t tend to wear stuff out your gear is likely still in good shape. If you had cloth diaper the first time around, you’ll save even more.
Siblings can share a space. You don’t actually need rooms for everyone, and even if kids have their own space, you can have kids bunk together in winter and turn the heat off in one room. Personally, I did hate sharing a room growing up (in theory) but in reality, my sis and I had a ton of good times, and there’s no hard feelings now.
Free entertainment. I work at home. I have an only child. I am the ONLY person around to entertain my son which can, when he’s fussy, cost me time and money. I pay extra for things like activities with other kids too (when his friends are unavailable). Growing up with two siblings, I had built in entertainment all the time.
More tax breaks!
Kids always come with costs, there’s no way around it, but kids don’t have to be THAT expensive. It’s a matter of choice and smart decision making. Here are some more tips:
- Top 7 ways to save money while raising baby
- Budget Book Review: Expecting Money
- Secret way to save money on baby gear
- Save money on baby toys
- Don’t Buy Items Your Baby Won’t Need
- Should you wait for more money to have a baby
In what ways do you think siblings are cheaper than the first baby.
[image via stock.xchng]
This is what I have been saying when everyone tells us we are crazy for having another right now. So thanks for the post.
I don’t believe our monthly health insurance premium will go up with our next child. We are paying the family rate already.
I totally agree! My youngest has tons of hand-me-down clothes, he is breastfed and cloth diapered. He hasn’t cost me a penny! His nursery is his brothers crib and decorations, and when he gets older he will share a room with his brother.