Planning It Out

[Gmork]

Hello :)
Brand new here, please be nice!

My boyfriend and I are attempting to plan out our future. We'd like to have a baby in the next couple of years and are just doing some research right now; we're not mega close to anyone with children so don't really know the ins and outs!
I did used to work in a nursery and we have a bunch of dogs though ha

Is there anything in particular you'd wish you'd have known before starting out?
Any good general reading to recommend?
How expensive were your first babies?
Or just anything else you can think of!

We're not stupid people and could (hopefully..) figure out how to not destroy a child, but latest studies, ways of thinking and such always seem to change

Thanks!

Forgot budgeting too!
Linked into third point; what sort of things would be on your MUST HAVE list and how much ideally would you set aside for a baby budget?

Such an open question I don't think most people would know where to start.

If you ask something more specific e.g. "how much on average do you spend on a baby in the first year of their life" or "where can you buy the best babygrows" or "are sleepyhead pods worth it" then people will be able to give you a clearer answer

Your biggest expense is reduction in earning capacity if you reduce or stop work, or childcare costs if you continue working.

Work out now what you need to be bringing in to cover the non-negotiables (bills, housing, food), how much you would have coming in on mat leave/returning to work, and then have a go at living within that budget.

You should be able to save a big chunk towards your future - and if you can't manage you'll know you need to make changes before ttc.