Deciding to start a family is one of the most important experiences in one’s life. Bringing children into the world is a big step and there should at least be a good amount of planning that goes into it. While planning makes things easier, no one can ever be truly prepared for parenting, as there are so many unknowns, ranging from your baby’s health to future needs and the unplanned expenses that may crop up later in life.

Still being proactive could actually make things run smoother. The following 5 useful tips can help you begin the process of bringing a precious child into the world;

1. Figure out how your careers will fit into your new roles as parents

Parenthood brings many changes, and having to look after a baby can have an impact on your job and career. Depending on how stressful your job is, now is the time to decide whether or not your current employment will allow you to fulfill your role as a parent. This is when you should decide if both parents will return to work or if one will stay home to provide take care of your child.

Some women decide at this stage, to take a break in their careers and others may decide that its time to consider the self employment route. It is not when the strain of parenting begins to take its toll that hasty decisions should be made.

2. Begin  to save and pay off outstanding debts

During the nine months leading up to your child’s birth, you should begin to set aside funds that will take care of upcoming expenses. If you plan to take any unpaid time off work, now it the time to save enough money to cover your period of lost income.

It is also a good time to consider paying off any debt that you may have incurred, as any extra income you may earn in future will be needed to cover childcare expenses.

Childcare will probably be one of the biggest expenses you’ll incur. Check out daycare providers in your neighbourhood before your child is born, so that you will have plently of time to find one that you feel comfortable with and that you can afford.

You should begin to look at your budget, to see how childcare costs will affect the bottom line. Any income you earn still has to cover rent, buy food, pay your other bills and any extra expenses your growing family requires.

3. If you don’t have health insurance, consider getting a plan

Most people in paid employment, will already have an HMO/Health Insurance plan that they subscribe to. Having health insurance, should save you a huge amount on childbirth costs depending on the plan subscribed to. If you do have health insurance, make sure you know exactly what’s covered as some plans do not include, pregnancy scans, blood tests etc.

Also babies are known to require multiple visits to a doctor in the first years of their lives. Not having to pay for these visits will be a lifesaver as funds that would have otherwise been spent, would now be diverted to other uses.

4. Create a shopping strategy

Sometimes, new parents can get carried away when shopping for a new baby. Most of the things they claim babies need, actually end up not being used at all. Now is the time to make a list of all the essentials that you need to get for your newborn. Once you have settled on your list, schedule your purchases based on your financial strength and need for the moment. You have 9 months, so there is no reason to empty out your account to buy everything at once. You can buy things gradually over, the last three or four months.

5. Know the leave policy at your job