The joy of having a newborn may be short-lived if expenses and finances aren’t kept in check to raise them.

Footing medical bills, buying nappies, clothes, formula milk and ultimately paying school fees, buying data, cellphones and gadgets are among things modern-age parents need to consider when they want a child.

However, Sandra Grobler, who is raising four children aged 12, seven, five and three with her husband Michael, said all the financial stress can be avoided, if proper planning is done in time.

As soon as you find out that you’re pregnant, start your financial planning,” Sandra said.

She advised prospective parents to buy basic items months in advance.

“Basic needs like nappies, clothing and formula milk (that is if you’re not breastfeeding) can be bought in advance when you can afford it. Don’t wait until the baby shower, all those items will just bring extra relief.”

She added that if the formula milk is not the best for the baby, then one has to look for a different brand, or if the nappies aren’t the proper size, then new ones have to provided.

She also cautioned to plan and budget for unexpected expenses, such as if the baby would be born prematurely, they would spend longer time in hospital. One also doesn’t know what medical professional would be needed if there is some sort of complication with the baby.

Depending on affordability, the ideal thing to do is to open a designated account for all the expenses of your child.

Sandra said in a normal situation, costs become less after infancy, and expenses for children aged between three and five are generally less.

At this stage they are potty-trained and usually weaned off, so these expenses are cut. However, when they start school, they’ll need uniforms, school fees and if they have any extra-mural activities like art or dance, they will have to be paid for, and even aftercare,” Sandra said.

She admitted that costs she incurred in 2008 when she had her first child were less compared to today.

“I remember the formula milk was between R120 and R150, today its costs R350, which only lasts a week. So today one can spend about R700 on both nappies and formula milk.

“Children need more things as they grow up. When they’re in their teens, they want more money, data, entertainment, cellphones and gadgets; it just becomes a whole different ball game,” Sandra added.

Sandra said the costs of raising a child accumulate as they grow, which can be a major contributor to why people think twice about having children.