Chances are they are there often, and can give you a fairly accurate assessment of how well or poorly the care is.

Considering a nursing home for a loved one? Ask the nearest EMS or fire station for their feedback on it.

Are you a new parent? Has it been challenging to balance your monthly expenses with having a baby on top of your day-to-day needs? It's tough out there, and no one wants to sacrifice their lifestyle (or sanity!) just because they've welcomed an adorable little addition into their family.

Well, fear not, financially worried parents! You don't have to reorganize your whole life to make ends meet - we've got some great money saving tips here while ensuring your baby is well taken care of. Who said living with a newborn couldn't be financially conscious? Here are 10 invaluable new parent tips to save money that will ease up the burden on your wallet and save you hundreds of dollars!

Breastfeeding your baby can be one of the best ways to save money when you're a new mom. Unlike formula-fed babies, breastfed babies require no additional supplies. All you need are accessories for breastfeeding, like nursing pads and clothes that make it easy to nurse in public.

Nursing newborns can be challenging, especially when mommy needs a break or needs to step away for some time. One thing that can help is borrowing a breast pump. That's right, you don't have to buy your own if it's not within budget!

Instead, reach out to friends and family who may have an extra one. You can also try local resources and support systems that often provide them for free or loaners at clinics. Working out a plan to borrow a breast pump might be your saving grace when it comes to newborn care!

Even if you choose to breastfeed part-time or use both pumped milk and formula to feed your newborn, there are ways to make breastfeeding even more budget-friendly. Research donations for unused breast milk so that you can still take advantage of the nutritional benefits of nursing without spending extra cash on formula products. If you don't plan on pumping often and require pumped milk, join a local support group to barter for breastfeeding support services or receive donated bottles or pumped milk in return for something else. By taking advantage of these low healthcare costs and resources available to mothers who plan to breastfeed their babies, you can significantly reduce the overall cost associated with feeding their little ones.

One of the biggest expenses for many parents is formula. According to the USDA, the average household spends around $1,200 a year on baby formula. With so many baby products out there, it can be hard to keep costs down - but luckily, you don't have to go over the baby budget for formula.

Formula companies often provide samples and coupons for new parents to use in stores and online. You can find free formula samples directly through different baby retail websites or companies. Even a quick search online will allow you to discover countless free baby formulas from various brands that fit your baby's needs and budget.

Side note: when inquiring about healthcare accounts, make sure to ask about any programs that could potentially cover your formula needs, including FSA cards, WIC programs (Women Infant Children). HSA accounts from employers and state organizations all have different incentives provided depending on your income, personal and work requirements.

<a href="https://www.usda.gov/media/blog/2017/01/13/cost-raising-child">Raising a child can cost</a> thousands of dollars over time. From their first crib to the money spent during college applications, there is always something you'll likely need to spend money on. And with a declining economy and rising prices, it can be challenging to keep up with the ever-growing costs of groceries. Fortunately, there are various ways to stay ahead of the game and save money.

One way is to sign up for baby food company newsletters, and coupon offers — many of them will offer exclusive discounts if you sign up. Additionally, some stores may have a 'baby club' program where after spending $100 on eligible baby items, you get $10 off your next purchase. Lastly, don't forget about coupons — from mobile apps to physical flyers at the store entrance, take advantage of all the savings opportunities these can present.

Buying baby gear in bulk might sound like a crazy idea if you're a first-time parent, but trust me - it pays off! From diapers and wipes to formula and baby food, buying bulk can help you save a lot of money over time. Plus, you don't need to worry about running out at the worst possible time. Look for sales at your local grocery store or warehouse club and stock up on items you know your baby will need.

With all the cute clothing items available for newborns in stores, it is understandable why parents become tempted to buy way too many clothes before their little one arrives. However, this could be a big mistake. Your baby may have a sudden growth spurt that would cause them to outgrow their baby clothes or accessories sooner than expected. Therefore, buying apparel and other necessary items (like diapers, etc.) along the way is wiser than filling your closet with clothes that may not fit in just a few weeks. This also helps you track your infant's size for each item, so you don't buy the wrong sizes. In the end, stay mindful of buying as your baby grows so they can always have the right fit for whatever activity or milestone awaits them!

When bringing home a new baby, parents soon realize how quickly the costs of clothing, toys, and accessories can pile up. Many new parents embrace pre-loved items for their growing family to save money. Many people now look to buy secondhand baby clothes—not just from local thrift shops and consignment sales. Nowadays, companies have popped up that make buying pre-loved clothing trendy and eco-friendly.

If you're worried about spending too much on your newborn, it's a good idea to stand back and consider whether or not the item in question is crucial to developing a healthy and happy child. Buying secondhand gear or investing in reusable options like machine-washable cloth diapers can help you save money in the long run while still meeting your newborn babies' needs.

As a parent, you'll be looking for every way possible to save money on your baby's items and services. That's why investing time into cash-back offers can often be extremely beneficial. Cash-back, coupons, and rewards are some of the easiest ways to reduce prices on baby needs — whether it's purchasing diapers or feeding accessories.

Swagbucks is an app that lets you take advantage of various offers. Installing this service on your device enables cash-back on online purchases and access to discounts from numerous online retailers. The program also provides searches for money-saving coupon codes and discounts in response to participating outlets' queries.

Now is the time to analyze your spending habits and determine where cuts can be made. Consider dropping luxuries such as a cable subscription or Netflix account or downgrade from a monthly gym membership to an annual one. Even small changes, like eating out less or using coupons for groceries, can add more money to your monthly savings. Envelope systems, budgeting tools, and apps can also be helpful when trying to track your spending closely. Additionally, look for any subscriptions you no longer use and cancel them immediately.

Budgeting for a Family: Tips for New Parents

You did it! You survived the toddler years, and now your kid is old enough to socialize with other kids at the park. Congrats, mom and dad! However, just because your little one is ready for playdates doesn't mean you're off the hook entirely.

We'll share some practical playground tips for parents to help keep you safe and sane while your kid plays in the sandbox or swings on that swing set.

Tips for Ensuring a Successful Playdate at the Park

Before meeting up with friends and family for a playdate, you must do some essential things to ensure a successful time at your local playground

Not all playgrounds are the same. When selecting a playground for your child's playdate, opt for a playground with age-appropriate equipment for them and their friends. Try to find a playground with both toddler-friendly and older kid-friendly equipment. That way, everyone can have fun, and no one feels left out.

When managing young children, hunger is your number one enemy. Pack plenty of snacks and drinks for everyone— including yourself! We recommend packing some easy-to-eat finger foods like grapes, string cheese, crackers and some heartier options like sandwiches or fruit cups. And don't forget the drinks! Water is always a good choice, but juice boxes or pre-packaged iced coffees can be excellent refreshments on hot days.

This one should go without saying, but we'll say it anyway: apply <a href="/tips/beauty/wear-sunscreen-with-zinc-oxide-as-the-active-ingredient">sunscreen</a> to everyone before heading to the park— and reapply it frequently! Depending on how long you're planning to stay at the park, you may need to reapply sunscreen every few hours—more often if your kids take a dip in the water fountain or play in the sprinklers.

4. Have an Exit Strategy—or Two (Or Three)

Let's face it, sometimes things don't go as planned—especially when young kids are involved. It's always a good idea to have an exit strategy in mind if things start going south (i.e., someone gets hurt or isn't sharing). However, it's also important to be flexible and have backup plans for your backup plans! After all, with kids, anything can happen...and usually does.

Perhaps most importantly, don't forget to relax and have fun yourself! Playdates can be exhausting, but they can also be a lot of fun. So take a deep breath, enjoy watching your kiddo interact with their friends, and savor this special time in their lives—it'll be over before you know it!

Playground Safety Rules to Keep Everyone Safe

The primary purpose of a playground is to provide a fun place where kids can run around and play safely. But unfortunately, playground accidents are common among young children. In fact, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (USPSC), ERs treat more than&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nsc.org/community-safety/safety-topics/child-safety/playground-safety#:~:text=According%20to%20the,including%20concussion.">200,000 playground-related injuries</a> annually.

Clearly, playground safety is a concern. But the good news is that many of these severe injuries are preventable if you take some simple precautions and follow these standard playground rules.

Make Sure Kids Understand How to Play Safely

If your child wants to climb onto something like the monkey bars or slide, ensure they know how to do it safely. Teach your child how to use the playground equipment correctly and what to look out for. For example, teach them never to stand directly under a moving swing set or slide. Instead, tell your child to sit on the ground and wait until the swing stops before getting up.

Teach them how to balance on slides and teeter-totters. You can even instruct them how to ride a bike or scooter. Make sure they always wear helmets while riding bikes, scooters, skateboards, roller skates, inline skates, and snowboarders.

When your child is playing near other people, follow basic playground etiquette. This includes teaching your child to avoid running into others or getting hit by objects such as balls or sticks.

Also, ensure your child understands what to do in a dangerous situation. For example, if they notice someone else getting hurt, they should tell an adult immediately.

But even if you've taught your child the playground safety rules, it's still important to have adult supervision around when they're playing. Accidents can happen quickly, and you'll want to be there to ensure your child is safe. Look for potential hazards like slippery surfaces around playground equipment like sand, grass, and gravel, as they can cause falls. Your child should know which areas are off-limits and which games are age-appropriate.

Also, encourage them not to play alone. If there are other children nearby, nudge your child to join them. And if they start to get too wild, remind them of the playground safety rules. With your active supervision, they'll be able to play safely and have a great time.

Hovering is great because it gives you a better view of what's happening without being directly involved. However, constant supervision can make children nervous and cause them to become anxious. Hovering also makes it difficult for children to interact with each other - so give them s p a c e!

8. Make Sure Your Child Dresses Appropriately

Style aside, children should wear clothes that keep them safe if they fall down or hit something. Avoid loose clothes that could snag on playground equipment, tree branches, or fences.

Make sure your kids wear proper footwear when they go to playgrounds. They should wear shoes that fit correctly and provide adequate support. If your child walks barefoot, ensure their feet aren't cold or wet. Also, don't let your child wear flip-flops or sandals because that footwear doesn't offer much protection against any playground injury.

9. Avoid “Stranger Danger” by Teaching Your Kids a Password

It's every parent's worst nightmare: your child is playing at the park when a stranger approaches and tries to lure them away. When teaching your child about "stranger danger," it is also essential to empower them with the tools they need to stay safe.

One way to do this is by teaching them a password. If a stranger comes up to them and says the wrong password, they'll know not to go with them. Of course, you'll also want to choose a memorable password but not too easy to guess, like using a childhood memory or an inside joke. That way, it will be easy for your child to remember but difficult for a stranger to guess. And if you're ever in doubt, ask your child what the password is. It's a simple but effective way to help keep them safe.

10. Speak Up if Another Kid Pushes or Hits

It can be tough to know what to do when you see your child getting pushed or hit by another kid on the playground. But it's essential to speak up and take action. Here are a few tips on how to handle the situation:

These simple playground safety tips can help ensure that everyone has a great time without significant mishaps. So round up some of your child's friends and head to the nearest playground for some good old-fashioned fun!

10 Practical Playground Tips for Parents

Going to an amusement park or large gathering with your family can be a fun experience, but it's important to be prepared for any unexpected situation.

Before you hit the park, take a photo of your family together to ensure a quick and safe reunion in case anyone gets separated.

With a recent and detailed description of what your family members were wearing, you'll be able to provide essential information to a search party. Not only that, but you'll have a great photo for your memory book!

Before you enter an amusement park or large gathering with your family, take a photo together.

Ask them their stories, especially related to the family. Once they die, that information does too.

Interview your parents and grandparents.

Lots of cultures around the world live with their parents and even grandparents well into their lives. The "establishment" would rather see you go into debt and struggle so that the familial unit is broken apart. You will be able to save money, improve your family ties, and not worry about having awful random roommates.

Considering a nursing home for a loved one? Ask the nearest EMS or fire station for their feedback on it.

More Family Tips

Budgeting for a Family: Tips for New Parents

10 Practical Playground Tips for Parents

Protect Your Family with a Pre-Amusement Park Photo

Interview Your Parents and Grandparents

Resist falling for the cultural stigma of living at home being a negative thing.

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