To properly prepare for the arrival of a baby, it is often advisable to anticipate the preparations and the possible difficulty moving and getting around during the third trimester. Here are some steps to follow for effective preparation.
Calmly plan for the arrival of a baby
To properly prepare for the arrival of a baby, it is often advisable to anticipate the preparations and the possible difficulty moving and getting around during the third trimester. Here are some steps to follow for effective preparation:
- Make an appointment with a doctor or gynecologist to discuss your pregnancy and delivery options.
- Evaluate your health insurance options and make sure you have sufficient coverage for pregnancy and childbirth-related care.
- Start shopping for the baby’s essentials (diapers, food, clothes, a crib, and a car seat. Some items can be included in a baby registry, which we’ll cover later in this article.
- Talk to your employer about your options for maternity or paternity leave.
- Evaluate childcare options, such as daycares or nannies, to find out what will best suit you and your family’s needs.
Preparing for the arrival of a baby early enough helps avoid unnecessary stress at the end of pregnancy, so that you are ready to welcome the newborn in the best possible conditions.
The cost of a newborn
It’s difficult to give an exact cost for a newborn. However, here are some things that can give you an idea of the expenses you’ll need to plan for:
Pregnancy and childbirth costs
According to Social Security, the average cost of pregnancy and childbirth is between 2,000 and 2,500 euros, most of which is generally covered. However, costs can vary.
Varies depending on the healthcare facility chosen
In France, childbirth costs can vary depending on the region and the chosen healthcare facility. Generally, the costs of giving birth in a public hospital are covered by Social Security, while the costs of giving birth in a private facility may be higher and require supplemental insurance or out-of-pocket costs. It is recommended to contact your insurer or Social Security for more specific information on childbirth costs in a given region.
Variable costs depend on the care received
Health-related expenses should be anticipated. Most costs are generally covered, but this can depend on many factors.
Doctor visits, prenatal checkups, and ultrasounds can quickly add up to high costs. It’s crucial to ensure your budget can cover these expenses if they aren’t covered by your social security or health insurance. It may be a good idea to look for health insurance options that offer more comprehensive coverage for maternity care. By planning and being aware of potential costs, you can avoid financial surprises and focus on the health of you and your baby.
In France, most childbirth-related care is covered by Social Security as part of the public health system. However, some services may not be covered by Social Security or may require out-of-pocket expenses. For example, the costs of a cesarean delivery or the presence of a midwife or an anesthesiologist may be the responsibility of the person concerned.
Testimonial “I never paid a cent for any of my appointments with the midwife, nor at the laboratory for the monthly analyses. BUT a friend (same profession, same MGEN coverage) had to pay excess fees at the midwife up until the 6th month of pregnancy and some fees at the laboratory.”
It is therefore important to check with your supplementary insurance or Social Security to find out the precise terms of coverage for care related to childbirth.
Clothing and accessories
Another essential element: plan for the purchase of baby clothes and linens (pajamas, bodysuits, booties, etc.), as well as accessories (diapers, wipes, thermometer, etc.). This is one of the most important parts in terms of cost. Here are some little tips to help you reduce the total price.
Favor second-hand
A baby grows very quickly, and you need to change clothes often. So think second-hand!
There are some basic products that you will need to purchase that come at a significant cost.A
- A cradle,
- a stroller,
- a car seat,
- a mattress.
If you are looking to save money, you may want to consider buying used items.
The big trend is sites and applications like Vinted, Leboncoin, the Facebook Marketplace, or even Beebs (an application dedicated to baby items).
The most important tips for saving money on baby shopping are to look for deals, buy second-hand products, and avoid wasting money on items that aren’t essential. And to avoid spending more money than necessary before the birth, also keep in mind that you don’t need to buy everything at once; some products won’t be necessary during the first few weeks or months.
Food
If you opt for bottles and powdered milk, you should budget around 80 euros per month for feeding a baby. If you breastfeed, the costs will be lower, but you will still need to plan for the purchase of nursing pads, nursing bras, etc. The cost of milk can vary depending on several factors, such as the brand, quality, and type of milk. Beware of misleading marketing practices for powdered baby milk. For example, so-called “bridge” milks (following breastfeeding) can cost significantly more while having the same composition as conventional milks. Midwives recommend starting with the most basic and affordable milk. If it suits the baby, great; otherwise, you will have to explore the different milk options available on the market.
Childcare costs
If you need to hire a childminder or daycare, you’ll need to factor in childcare costs. Depending on the region, the cost can range from € 500 to € 1,500 per month.
In general, it is recommended to budget around 1,000 euros per month for costs related to the arrival of a baby. These high costs can be partially covered by the CMG (see below).
Help for a birth
There are several financial aids that pregnant women can claim in France:
The basic Paje (Young Child Care Benefit) allowance: this allowance is paid by the Caf (Family Allowance Fund) to parents of a child under the age of 3. There are conditions to be eligible for it, such as meeting the resource conditions set by the CAF and being up to date with the payment of social security contributions (for self-employed workers). The PAJE includes:
- Birth allowance : This allowance is paid by the CAF (French Family Allowance Fund) to the parents of a newborn or adopted child. It amounts to € 926.12 for an only child and € 1,852.24 for twins or triplets. It is payable if the household income does not exceed a certain amount.
- The birth bonus is also noticeable, depending on the parents’ income.
- Pre-ParEE financial assistance if one parent reduces their working hours to care for the baby.
- CMG Childcare Supplement, which is financial assistance to pay for the nanny, nursery, or micro-nursery.
There is also a tax credit for expenses related to employing a childminder.
There are other benefits and assistance available to pregnant women. For example, the free choice of activity supplement, which is intended for women who reduce or interrupt their professional activity during pregnancy and childbirth, or during maternity leave.
It is recommended that you contact the CAF or mutual insurance company to find out what assistance you are entitled to.
Birth list
A baby registry allows expectant parents to count on close friends and family to provide useful and thoughtful gifts. It’s common to give a gift to celebrate a birth. On average, people spend around 50 euros on a baby gift, but this can vary depending on various factors.
Here are some ideas that may be desired in a birth list:
- Basic needs for a child (bottles, pacifiers, etc.)
- Newborn clothes (bodysuits, pajamas, socks, hats, etc.)
- Furniture that often has a high cost, such as a bed, a high chair, a changing table, etc.
- Your child’s very first items, such as a rattle, early learning toys, stuffed animals, etc.
- A large quantity of accessories such as blankets, baby carriers, strollers, car seats, etc.
Testimonia: “I didn’t want to make a birth list for our future baby. It was my husband who convinced me. In the end, I don’t regret it, because it saved us some money! Family and friends gave us the essentials we needed for our daughter’s arrival before the birth… And we bought the rest.”
In addition to ensuring you receive gifts you like, the birth list prevents parents from receiving duplicate gifts.
Finally, if friends or family are hosting a baby shower, it is common for guests to bring a gift.
In summary, creating a birth list allows you to receive birth gifts that are appreciated by new parents and adapted to their home and lifestyle.
In the final months leading up to the birth, it’s important to plan for any missing items not included in your baby registry. In addition to these purchases, there may be unforeseen expenses, such as purchasing additional kitchen or bathroom storage units to store baby’s belongings that are taking up space. It’s therefore wise to anticipate these expenses and include them in your budget to avoid last-minute financial surprises.
