Kids Ain't Cheap

But They Sure Are Worth It

Where to Get Free Cloth Diapers for Low-Income Families

| Leave a Comment

Free Cloth Diapers for Low-Income Families

For families on a tight budget, the blessing of a baby also comes with difficult choices. If they don’t have enough money for the basics, do they choose between diapers for the baby or food for themselves? Some parents have to stretch the diapers in unsanitary ways. They may change their child’s diaper less frequently than they would like or air out the diaper to use again. Parents shouldn’t have to make those difficult decisions. Thankfully, several organizations offer free cloth diapers for low-income families.

Where to Find Free Cloth Diapers

Several organizations offer free cloth diapers, though some do charge a nominal fee for shipping. If you find a diaper bank near you, you can avoid the fee by picking up the diapers directly from the organization.

The Cloth Option

The Cloth Option is a company that will give you enough cloth diapers to diaper your baby for at least a day. Then, you’ll need to wash them for the next day’s use. Newborns will receive 20 diapers, infants 15, toddlers 10. When you’ve potty-trained your child, give the cloth diapers back and get the next size.

To receive the free diapers, you must first fill out an application and provide proof of residency and the baby’s birth or your pregnancy.

Share the Love

Free Cloth Diapers for Low Income Families
Photo by Padmavathi Ashok Kumar on Unsplash

Share the Love was started in 2012 by a mom, Jennifer Labit, who had only $30 a week plus WIC benefits to both feed her family and buy diapers for her newborn. Thankfully, a friend gifted her with a diaper subscription and then cloth diapers so she could properly care for her baby.

After you apply to Share the Love’s program and are approved, you will receive 15 cloth diapers. You must return these by the time your baby turns three years old. Share the Love has locations in nearly all 50 states.

GroVia Gives

GroVia Gives lends a set of 16 bamboo cloth diaper inserts and four covers for a family to borrow. The diapers should fit a child between 10 to 35 pounds. Parents interested in this program must first fill out an application and show proof of being on WIC and having a child. They also must pay a $40 lending fee, which is partially used for the cost of shipping the diapers.

When you have potty trained your child, send the diapers back. They then receive $20 to spend on the GroVia.com website.

Ask for Cloth Diapers as a Shower Present

When you fill out your baby registry for your baby shower, make sure to add cloth diaper supplies. You may get enough at your shower to allow you to diaper your baby for free throughout his baby and toddlerhood. If you want the diapers to last through multiple children, which they can if you take good care of them, choose gender-neutral patterns.

Final Thoughts

If your money is stretched and you’re choosing between food and diapers, apply to one of these diaper banks. They can give free cloth diapers for low-income families. Then, your money can be used in other needed ways and your baby doesn’t have to suffer from infrequent changes.

Read More

How to Save Hundreds on Diapers

Free Diapers for Low-Income Families

How to Save Money on Diapers

How to Afford Raising a Child with Special Needs

| Leave a Comment

Afford Raising a Special Needs Child

When you have a special needs child, you are faced with a double financial whammy.  Of course, there is the added expense for therapy, medication, counseling, tutoring, etc.  These expenses alone can put a family into debt as they try to provide for their child.  However, there’s another cost that is rarely discussed.  Because caring for a special needs child can be time consuming, often one parent has to quit their job or reduce their hours to part-time.  Now, there are not only added expenses, but a loss of income.  How can one afford raising a child with special needs?

Thankfully, there is assistance available, if you know where to look.

Get a Diagnosis

The first thing you must do is get a diagnosis.  For instance, if your child has autism, she likely can’t receive any therapy until she is officially diagnosed by a qualified professional.

You will need to talk to your pediatrician to see how to go about getting a diagnosis.  There are a number of experts who diagnosis special needs children, depending on what special need you think your child has.

How to Afford Raising a Child with Special Needs

Afford Raising a Special Needs Child
Photo by Nathan Anderson on Unsplash

Once you have the diagnosis, you can begin to pursue therapy, if need be, and funding sources.  There are a number of places you should look.

See What Your Insurance Covers

Once you have the diagnosis, the next step is to see what your insurance covers.  All three of my children have special needs.  While my husband’s insurance didn’t cover speech therapy (some insurances do, but ours didn’t), it did cover applied behavioral analysis (ABA) therapy for our children with autism.

Depending on the quality of your insurance, you may be surprised to find that it covers more than you would have expected.

Talk to Other Parents

If you’re in contact with other parents of special needs kids, make sure to talk to them.  They can give you tips for where to find resources, whether they be federal or state aid or grants.

You can find other special needs parents at support groups and in places like Facebook groups.  If you homeschool, you may find special needs parents in your homeschool groups because a surprising number of kids who are homeschooled have special needs.

The more people you can talk to the better because each parent has a different story and different places where they’re getting help and support.

Apply for Social Security Income (SSI)

Another option is to apply for social security income.  Based on your family income and your child’s disability, you may qualify for SSI.  You will need to fill out some forms and make an appointment at your local social security office.  There, you will have an interview about your finances and your child’s disability.

Of note, if your child qualifies for SSI, you will also be able to cover your child through Medicaid.

If you don’t have private insurance but make too much to qualify for Medicaid, look into getting insurance through the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP).

Open an ABLE Account

Afford Raising a Special Needs Child
Photo by Sharon McCutcheon on Unsplash

An ABLE account allows you to save money in a special account just for your special needs child’s medical and living expenses.  You or other relatives like grandparents can deposit up to $15,000 a year.  This tax-advantaged savings account does not tax the income earned by the account.

Another advantage of this account is that if your child qualifies for governmental assistance, such as SSI or Medicaid, the money in their ABLE account does not disqualify them for services on a financial basis.  Meanwhile, the money in the ABLE account can be used for their education, food, housing, support services, and an array of other needs.

Find What You’re Eligible for With Your State

Another fabulous tool to use is Benefits Finder.  This tool asks you to input some information about your child and his disability.  It can then help you see what benefits your child may be able to receive and what agencies to contact to pursue these options.

Determine If Your State Supports School Choice

Many special needs children simply don’t get the support and intervention that they need through the public school.  If your state supports school choice, you may be able to apply for funding to help provide your child with the education they need, whether that be through homeschooling and using tutors and therapists or through a private school, which would otherwise be unaffordable.

I’m in the state of Arizona, and they offer Empowerment Scholarship Accounts (ESA).  I have one child who has both dyslexia and a speech issue, so we applied and qualified for the ESA scholarship.  Through those funds, I was able to get my child a private dyslexia tutor and a private speech therapist.  Paying for these things out of pocket would have cost my family $800 a month, which is not sustainable.  Thanks to the scholarship, I could afford to pay for that.  My child has now graduated successfully from both therapies.

Indiana is planning to launch a similar program, and Mississippi has several scholarships available for students with special needs.  You can find out if your state offers a similar program by going to the Ed Choice website.

Final Thoughts

Raising a special needs child can be exhausting, but it’s also rewarding.  However, the financial costs of getting your child the help he needs can be financially draining.  One special needs parent I spoke with when we first learned of our children’s disability said she and her husband ended up filing for bankruptcy because there were so many interventions she had to pay out of pocket.

There are resources available so that seeking help for your special needs child doesn’t have to decimate your finances.   With these resources, you should hopefully find ways to afford raising a special needs child.

Read More

7 Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Buy Your Kid a Car

How to Help Your Teen Create Healthy Sleep Habits

Sensory Integration Strategies for Children with Autism

7 Common Types of Behavioral Disorders in Children Every Parent Should Know

Frugal Camping: Use What You Have!

| Leave a Comment

 

Frugal Camping

Some of the best memories of my childhood are when my parents, brother, and I would drive a few hours north and spend about four days camping with our extended family. I have over 30 cousins, so there was plenty of fun to be had. We went swimming, scared each other at night, and even saw a bear roaming the campsite one night. Taking a camping trip can be a frugal way to have a summer vacation and get away from all the stresses of modern life.

Camping Basics

Camping is something that can be as simple or as elaborate as you want. Planning a weekend camping trip with your family should definitely be kept simple. Don’t overcomplicate things when kids are involved.

When I talk to my non-camping friends, a lot of them are turned off by the volume of stuff required to do it. However, camping doesn’t have to be that way. By opting to stay at an established campground for a small fee (versus trekking into the woods yourself and popping a tent),  you’ll save a lot on both things you need and time.

Campgrounds offer bathrooms, water, and, when needed, electricity. It is 2021 after all, and most of us have a device or two that needs a recharge. Some larger campgrounds even have extra amenities like laundry, playgrounds, and pools which, when you have kids, can be a blessing.

What You Need to Buy

Frugal Camping
Photo by Tommy Lisbin on Unsplash

To plan your weekend away, you don’t need much. If you don’t already have access to one, you really only need to acquire a tent, possibly a tarp if you think you may need coverage for your site, and a cooler for your food.

You don’t really need sleeping bags or air mattresses; just layer a bunch of blankets and pillows on the bottom. Even though they can be nice, you don’t really need things like camping stoves. However, we do use our camping stove a lot when we camp. Yet we could manage just fine with a decent fire, a cast-iron skillet, and tin foil to cook all of our food.

Frugal Camping: Use What You Have

You can get away with using a lot of things you already have, which is what makes camping such an easy thing to do. Blankets, pillows, utensils, and cooking the food you already bought make camping a cheap option for family fun.

When we camp as a family, we bring food from home that’s easy to cook over a simple flame (you’d be amazed what you can create in a tin foil package) or bring food that’s prepped ahead and warmed up (think stew or chili). We usually replace our ice daily, and if we don’t have firewood from home, we buy it from the campground. (Another bonus to staying on the ground.)

Camping Brings Us Back to Basics

What I love about camping is the simplicity and, at the same time, the complexity of it all. We cook all of our food and then spend time washing and drying our dishes for the next meal since we don’t have access to a dishwasher and only have access to enough dishes for one meal at a time. Camping helps keep us grounded.

Final Thoughts

Camping is a great way to seriously relax. Yes, I bring my cell phone but I really only use it for picture taking and emergency calls. Social media is turned off- it’s almost sacrilegious to do in the wilderness. It is a great way to really connect with friends and family lazing around on a sunny afternoon or catching up while roasting marshmallows at night. (Again save the fancy metal roasting sticks and use a legit branch; the dirt won’t kill you!)

Do you camp with your family? How do you keep it simple?

Read More

Summertime Fun on the Cheap

How to Survive Camping with Young Children

A Frugal Life: How to Drastically Cut Expenses and Improve Your Finances

Amazing Traits of Successful ETF Traders

| Leave a Comment

Successful traders rarely face loss in Forex and frequently win the trades. But, they have worked hard to ensure their success in Forex. Being a newcomer, if you can develop the traits which are possessed by them, you might increase the number of winning streak. However, to develop these traits, you need to know about these and the ways of developing these.  [Read more…]

Is It Worth Buying Expensive Car Seats?

| Leave a Comment

Buying Expensive Car Seats

As a new parent, you’ll likely feel pressured to buy many things.  After all, loving parents want the best for their children and should be willing to pay for that, right?  While there are areas where you won’t want to go the cheapest route, there are other areas where you can save money.  One area where you don’t need to spend the most money is when buying car seats.  Buying expensive car seats isn’t necessary for your child’s safety, but there are other standards you’ll want to consider.

What to Consider Instead of Buying Expensive Car Seats

Rather than just looking at the price of the car seat when deciding which one to buy, you should instead consider several other factors.

Installation

The most important factor in protecting your child in case of a crash is installing the car seat properly.  Yet, many, many parents unknowingly install the car seat improperly.

If you live in the United States, you can go to any local fire station, and the fire fighter will check to make sure the car seat is properly installed.  If it’s not, the fire fighter can help you install it properly.

Safety

Before making your purchase, consider the safety record of the car seat you want to buy.  An excellent place to look is Consumer Report’s Car Seat ratings.  You’ll find that buying an expensive car seat isn’t necessary.  There are many cheaper car seats that offer your child all the safety he needs.

Length of Use

Some of the cheapest car seats have lower weight and height restrictions, which means you’ll need to buy the next size up more quickly.  Sometimes, buying a mid-price range car seat is actually more affordable than the cheapest brand because you’ll be able to use it longer.

What to Avoid When Buying Car Seats

Buying Expensive Car Seats
Photo by Clark Van Der Beken on Unsplash

Even if money is tight, please avoid buying used car seats.  Some people don’t know this, but car seats actually have an expiration date.  That date is typically six to ten years after the seats are manufactured.  Why an expiration on car seats?  The general idea is that the plastic and seat belts can degrade after years of exposure to the sun and heat.  Also, safety standards are constantly changing, so new car seats may offer your child more protection than used seats you buy from someone else.

In addition, if you buy a used car seat, you have no way to know if that car seat survived a car crash.  If it did survive a crash, there may be small cracks in the plastic that you do not know about, which can make the seat less safe for your child should you be involved in an accident.

Final Thoughts

Car seats are necessary, but can be pricey.  However, don’t feel pressured into buying expensive car seats.  Instead, consider the car seat’s safety record and make sure to install the seat properly.  Finally, choosing seats that have higher weight and height limits may save you the most money over the time your child will need car seats.

Read More

Mommy to Be: 7 Tips for Buying Car Seat

Top Car Safety Features to Look for When Buying a New Car

The Best (and Worst!) Baby Shower Gifts

Free Chore Chart Template for Kids

| Leave a Comment

Chore Chart Template for Kids

My kids started helping with chores when they were about 18 months to 2 years of age.  My oldest got his own little broom that would recite, “sweeping, sweeping” as he swept.  He loved that broom, and he loved helping out.  Most toddlers are eager to do what the people around them are doing.  If you have a toddler and want to start working with them on chores or you want a more organized chore routine for your older kids, consider using one of these free chore chart templates for kids.

Why Assign Kids Chores?

Some parents don’t want their kids to do chores.  They argue that kids should just be kids.  However, there are many valid reasons why you should assign your children chores:

They Learn Valuable Life Skills

When I went to college, I couldn’t believe how many kids didn’t even know how to do their own laundry.  My son started doing his own laundry at 12, and my daughter started at 11.  The larger variety of chores you have your kids do, the better they will be able to successfully live on their own.

They Learn to Contribute

There are many things that need to be done to run a household successfully.  If you don’t expect your kids to contribute, they can grow accustomed to the idea of others doing things for them, which can lead to a sense of entitlement.  The family is the first place kids learn what it means to be part of a group and to help run that group.  This, too, will be a valuable lesson for their adult lives.

Should You Pay Kids for Chores?

Chore Chart Template for Kids
Photo by Anna Earl on Unsplash

This can be another devisive issue.  Some families don’t pay their kids money for chores because they want them to realize that they are part of a family and family members help one another.

Others, like my family, pay their kids for chores because they want kids to firmly make the connection between work and income.  You work, and you earn money.  You don’t work, and you’re broke.

Still others don’t pay cash but instead let their kids earn privileges like watching a show, or playing a video game, or staying up late based on the chores they do.

The choice is up to you and what your family decides will work best.

Free Chore Chart Template for Kids

There is no need for you to create your own chore chart template for kids when there are so many out there!  Here are a few of our favorites:

Healthy, Happy, Impactful has a chore chart template that gives blank lines to list up to eight chores beside squares for days of the week.  Just check off each day that the chore is completed.  There is also a box at the bottom for notes.

Plan for Awesome has a chore chart template for toddlers.  This one is unique in that rather than words, there are pictures so your littlest helpers can understand.  You can also use the pictures and words for the preschool and early elementary set.

Make any one of these chore charts last longer by laminating them or placing them in a plastic sleeve so you can use them week after week.

Final Thoughts

There’s no time like the present to start having your kids help with chores.  These free chore templates can help motivate them and help them find pride in their accomplishments.

Read More

Teach Your Child About Money: Free Savings Chart for Kids

Parenting Win: Teaching Money Skills to Your Kids

Free Apps that Help Kids Manage Their Pocket Money

Do I Need Flood Insurance and What Does It Cover?

| Leave a Comment

Floods are a leading cause of death and destruction. Globally, this natural disaster is responsible for more than $40 billion in damage each year. In the U.S., the total annual losses are close to $8 billion.

Some American cities are at greater risk of flooding than others. Jersey City and Union City (NJ), Miramar Beach (FL), Raleigh (CA), and The Woodlands (TX) are just a few to mention. Floods can occur at any time of the year in these areas, causing millions in damages.

[Read more…]

From Woof to Meow: The Best Pets for Kids at Any Age

| Leave a Comment

Having a pet in your home can teach your children about responsibility and caring for another creature. It also can set them up with compassion and maturity that will benefit them later in life. But which type of pet should you choose?

In this article we will tell you the best pets for kids and why you should get one for your family. Read on to find out more.

[Read more…]

Fun and Affordable Winter Crafts for Kids

| Leave a Comment

Winter Crafts for Kids

Spring, summer and fall are great times for families. In most areas, the temperatures are ideal for being outdoors. But even though humans don’t hibernate, winter keeps us indoors. The winter can be harsher for parents with kids who constantly complain about having nothing to do. This is when you’ll need some fun winter crafts for kids (and bored adults).

Fun Winter Crafts for Kids

You may be tempted to take the kids on an expensive winter vacation. Why not save your money and get creative? Here are some fun crafts you can do to keep your kids occupied during those dreary, winter days.

Create Your Own Greeting Cards

You don’t need fancy machines and expensive paper to make cute cards. The shelves of craft stores are lined with stickers and other accessories you can use. Ten blank cards in a pack will cost you $4 to $5, and you can choose from a variety of styles and colors as well. Once you have chosen the base, head to the sticker and ribbon aisles and gather some accessories. This card was made using a burlap premade card and some stickers. For kids who like to use needle and thread, visit the cross-stitch section and purchase a book of designs. Then stitch and attach them to the premade cards. You can make a lot of cards in a few weeks!

Create a Cute Wreath for Your Door Using Tulle

Tulle wreaths are fun and so easy to do. You have a lot of color choices and it’s often on sale at craft stores like Hobby Lobby. All you need is a wreath form, scissors, and any embellishments you want to add. Cut the tulle into strips and tie it around the wreath, keeping the knot on the inside. Once the wreath form is covered, trim and fluff the tulle until it looks full and even. Then add embellishments. Here’s an example of an easy Christmas wreath.

Speaking of Christmas …

You can find hundreds of ideas for making Christmas ornaments on Pinterest. A cheap way is to go to the local dollar store and pick up some clear, plastic ornaments you can fill, something to fill them with and if you like, some stickers.

This ornament is filled with some foam pellets and embellished with stickers. All of the materials were purchased at a dollar store.

Personalize It With an Initial

You can find initials of all sizes in craft stores. Paint them or embellish them for a cute wall or door hanging.

This “S” was made by simply gluing glass gems found at the local dollar store. You can also add flowers and a ribbon for hanging to a premade initial.

Easy Wall Hangings Using a Canvas

Craft stores also have many sizes of canvases. Not everyone can paint, but most of us can glue. You can create a cute wall hanging by taking scrapbook paper and gluing it onto the canvas. To make the project super easy, use an 8 ½ X 11 canvas. The paper will fit perfectly. Once you have glued the paper onto the canvas, embellish it with letters, stickers, or whatever suits your personality.

Final Thoughts

While the months of January and February can be gloomy and dark, you can make the months more enjoyable with fun winter crafts for kids.  In no time, spring will be here and you’ll be back outdoors enjoying the temperate weather and sunshine.

What are some of your favorite crafts for kids? Share your ideas in the comments below!

Read More

Best Online Shopping Sites for Kids Clothes
How to Find the Best Car Seat for Your Child
Frugal Halloween Ideas

How Much Does Invisalign Cost? The Complete Guide

| Leave a Comment

The perfect smile. It’s something everyone lusts after, but to get it, some of us need an extra helping hand. Enter Invisalign: the undetectable alternative to braces.

Since hitting the market in 1997, Invisalign has become a household name. Over 9 million smiles have been transformed using their clear aligners, and as adult braces become increasingly popular, that number is set to rise.

So whether you want to fix an overbite, reduce crowding, or just have generally straighter teeth, there’s an Invisalign solution that can makeover your smile. This post answers common questions, such as “how much does Invisalign cost” and “why should I choose Invisalign” so that you’re clued up ahead of your consultation.

What is Invisalign?

Invisalign is a type of braces that uses custom-made clear aligners to move the position of your teeth. The aligners are made of a unique blend of plastic which is strong enough to move your teeth but comfortable enough for daily wear.

If you choose Invisalign, you’ll be sent a series of aligner trays that need to be worn in sequence. You change aligners roughly every one or two weeks so that your teeth can be shifted into place. Just make sure you wear them for at least 20 hours a day to see the best results!

Why Choose Invisalign Over Traditional Braces?

Invisalign boasts many benefits over traditional and linear braces (which sit behind the teeth). Here is the main reason clients choose Invisalign:

Invisalign is Undectable

The aligners are undetectable so your braces won’t be obvious to your colleagues and friends. For young people in particular, the thought of getting braces can be nerve-wracking. Invisalign offers a tried and tested method of tooth correction that’s incredibly subtle, so there’s no need to feel self-conscious about your braces.

Easy to Remove

One of the most frustrating things about permanent braces is the daily struggle to clean your teeth or keep your braces clean whilst eating. Forget sneaking off to the bathroom during meals out; with Invisalign, you can remove your aligners to eat and then pop them back in afterward!

Fixes Complex Issues

Invisalign aligners fix more than uneven teeth. You can use them to fix issues like over and underbites and crowding. In particular, Invisalign overbite treatment is effective and may even be faster than using traditional braces.

How Much Does Invisalign Cost?

The amount you pay for Invisalign treatment varies based on your oral health and where you’re based. Typical factors that affect the cost of Invisalign are:

  • How much work needs to be done and how many aligners are needed to achieve your final result
  • Your location
  • Your dentist’s charges and their experience level
  • Whether your health insurance will contribute to your treatment

Invisalign’s website advertises that their treatment ranges from $3,000 to $7,000. That can seem like a big difference, but remember that they treat a whole host of conditions. No two problems are the same!

According to the Consumer Guide for Dentistry, the national average for Invisalign is $3,000–$5,000. This isn’t dissimilar to traditional braces, which cost between $2,000–$6,000 on average.

As with all medical and dental treatment, the final cost you pay will depend on your situation. Whether you choose traditional braces or aligners, extremely crooked teeth or heavy overbites will take more time to move into position than mildly, uneven teeth. So keep this in mind.

Aftercare Costs

When comparing Invisalign prices, don’t forget to include aftercare. Like traditional braces, most clients will need to wear a retainer to keep their pearly whites in tip-top condition. Retainers cost between $100 to $500 but the good news is they don’t need to be replaced like your aligners!

The majority of adults and children who get braces won’t need to repeat their treatment if they use their retainer correctly. So to save yourself and your finances in the future, don’t skip this step!

Payment Support

If you need braces but are worried about the price of Invisalign, there are several options available to you that can help make the payments more manageable:

Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program

If you’re considering Invisalign for your child or teen, they may qualify for financial aid to support the cost of their treatment. Usually, if your child’s need for orthodontic treatment hinders their overall health or development, the work can be completely or partially covered.

Ask your dentist for more information on the funding available in your state.

Payment Plans

It’s completely understandable if you can’t pay the cost of your entire treatment upfront. That’s why most dental practices offer structured monthly payment plans to help spread out your bill.

When you’re discussing your treatment options with your dentist, don’t forget to ask for the details of any payment plans their office offers. If they don’t, consider looking at private payment plans. Just watch out for hidden interest fees to make sure you don’t pay more in the long run.

Dental Schools

If the overall cost of Invisalign treatment is out of your budget, being treated by a dental student can be a great way to access all the benefits, without facing the costs.

Research dental schools in your area to see if any offer their services at a discount. You’ll still be in safe hands (a board-certified dentist is required to monitor all treatments) but you will need to be prepared for your treatment to take slightly longer.

Boost Your Smile and Your Confidence With Invisalign

When you’re worrying about your smile, you’re not yourself. Boost your confidence by taking the plunge, and booking your first Invisalign consultation! We promise you won’t look back.

If this post has helped you answer questions like “how much does Invisalign cost” and “why choose Invisalign,” take a look at the rest of our blog for more health tips and advice!

All content on Kids Ain’t Cheap is for entertainment purposes only. By reading this blog, you agree that Kids Ain’t Cheap is not responsible for any actions taken after reading this blog. For the full disclaimer, see our privacy policy.

Please note that Kids Ain’t Cheap has financial relationships with some of the merchants mentioned here. Kids Ain’t Cheap is funded by banner advertising, commission sales and search optimization consulting.

Copyright © 2006–2026 | District Media | All Rights Reserved | Privacy Policy