A 'baby buffer' can help future costs
Typical parents-to-be have a ‘baby buffer’ of £2,547 in the bank to prepare for their new arrival, research has revealed.
Experts, who carried out a detailed study into the financial implications of bringing a baby into the family, found much of what is set aside goes on equipment such as buggies, cots and car seats.
The rest provides a cushion for the potential loss of mum’s earnings, if she was working before falling pregnant.
Simon Healy of Aldermore Bank, which conducted the survey of 2,000 parents, said:
“It is a wise move to start thinking about saving before you start to plan a family but it’s not always possible.
“The cost of having a baby can be a shock to the system, particularly the first time around. Not only do you have to consider the expense of baby equipment such as buggies, cots and all the other paraphernalia but you need to consider earning less whilst on maternity or paternity leave and even childcare costs if you are planning on going back to work.”
The study also revealed that one in two couples believe it is important to have savings in place before starting a family.
Simon added: “If children are on the horizon, it is a good idea to put something away every month or so. It all adds up and may help ease the financial burden when the new arrival makes an appearance.”
It was refreshing that rather than splurging the money on high-tech baby equipment, many respondents were simply wanting some...
The research also showed around 48 per cent of couples said they had a set figure they wanted to reach before they even started trying for a baby.
Unsurprisingly, 42 per cent stocked up on baby paraphernalia, which on average sets them back around £1,138.
The study also showed that a quarter of expectant parents even set up a savings account for the new baby, while a disciplined 29 per cent said all debts (excluding their mortgage) should be cleared before starting a family.
But a more realistic 39 per cent said although that was ideal, it was not always possible. The average couple aimed to save £3,061 as their ‘baby buffer’, so ended up £514 off target.
But more than one in twenty couples save an impressive £10,000 or more.
Of the 2,000 parents polled, all of whom have had children within the last five years, 27 per cent started to save money before they began trying to conceive.
A quarter of expectant mothers even saved in secret to have their very own baby buffer.
Of those, 42 per cent said they didn’t want to have to go ‘cap-in-hand’ to their other half whilst they were on a smaller salary than they were used to.
And 27 per cent said they wanted to be able to treat themselves to little luxuries like haircuts and beauty treatments without feeling guilty. While 21 per cent even said the baby buffer they saved in secret was something to fall back on, just in case of the unknown.
The research also revealed a surprising one in ten said every parent they know saved before their children were born. One third of couples were in agreement that they wanted to be financially secure before starting a family.
The other two thirds felt that being a good parent was not about how much money you had saved in the bank. Interestingly, a fifth of those polled admitted to splashing out on a new car before the impending birth of their child, citing the need for a family friendly vehicle, and
18 per cent had moved house before the baby had arrived, whilst over one in twenty put the money they saved towards a new extension.
A whopping 94 per cent of those polled said their own parents helped out financially with their newborn.
Simon said: “It’s great that grandparents are helping out with some of the expense that a new baby can bring.
“It was refreshing that rather than splurging the money on high-tech baby equipment, many respondents were simply wanting some money behind them as a safety net.”
Did you or will you save a 'baby buffer' before starting a family? Tell us your thoughts in the comments below or tweet us @FemaleFirst_UK
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