The easiest way to save money

If anyone asks me, what's the easiest way to save money, i would say, it's to automate savings and investment! It's a money saving hack everyone with a payroll account should do.

Based on my experience, i'm just too lazy to keep a separate account for my savings. What i did back then was to manually deposit my saving to a separate bank account (with a different bank, i should add) with a passbook. I used a passbook account separate from my payroll ATM because I simply don't trust myself not to touch what remains in my atm account.

However doing the actual task of  depositing every payday seemed tedious. The bank is literally steps away from my office, yet i'm  too lazy to go there in person to deposit my fund. Sometimes the lines at the teller are just too long or i just can't spare a few minutes because i'm way too busy at work. (Yes, i know, there are too many excuses.)

Then i tried opening a separate savings account which i can access via online banking.

Yes, at first, it worked because i no longer have to personally go to the bank to deposit. But i just find it too hard to just leave the money there especially at "petsa de peligro" days - those few days just before the next paycheck, if you know what I mean.

I tried to discipline myself and be responsible, but it was just too easy to transfer money from my designated savings account to my payroll  via online.

This left me  with zilch amount of savings by the end of the month!

So i thought of some other way for me to easily tuck away my money and yet  it would take an effort  to withdraw.

In comes the "hidden" wonders of automatic banking.

Image from consumerfinance.gov

Did you know that some banks allow you to "automatically" save and  directly invest a portion of your salary regularly?

Money Wisdom from my Mother

Kung maigsi ang kumot, matutong mamaluktot. As kids, this was our family's mantra. Yeah, we were not born rich and we had our share of "poverty" moments but i am amazed at how my mother worked her magic and stretched our family budget.  I used to hate how "kuripot" my mother was. But having a kuripot mom, well money wise, i'd say now, put me and my two others sibling through college, so i'm so thankful for that now.

I really to hope to be like my mom and be able to support my son until he graduates. In our country, it is in deed a feat to put through a child through college but the hubby and i are doing our very best to go on our way just to give our son the best.

A bank account for your little one

Finally, after months of meaning to do so, i was able to open a deposit account for my son. The husband and i have long been planning to open a deposit account for him. We plan to park his aguinaldo (Christmas cash gifts) here. Well, until the amount is big enough, we'll store it here then transfer to a higher yielding investment. Para dito namin sya ituturo kapag hinanap nya ung mga kinita nyang aguinaldo. hehehe 
Read more...

SAVE or SPLURGE: A new mom's guide to saving (Part 3)

Raising a child can really be costly, don't you agree? But practical parents always find baby products and gear that give the best bang for their precious bucks!

Here's the third installment of my series on buying guide for your baby and/or toddler.

SAVE or SPLURGE: A new mom's guide to saving (Part 2)

Making the most out of the baby products we buy is the key here.  I didn't realize items for my little guy can cost even more than our one month's worth of grocery!

So parents should always  read up and check out the pros and cons before actually buying. It also pays "where" you get the items. I've noticed that baby products are more pricey in the malls, compared to online shops or bazaars. There are also select items in second hand stores and thrift shops, if you have an eye for bargain hunting.

Here are 5 more baby products and gears plus some  tips before getting them.

Baby bottles

• I suggest to SPLURGE on baby bottles! We use them primarily used as breast milk  storage because my son stopped feeding from synthetic nipples at 8 months.  He drank his milk from cup or through a big syringe without the needle. We invested in bottles made with hard and thicker plastic, so they don't expand or contract when exposed to high heat when i sterilize them.


• You can also get bottles that are convertible. Some brands have a line of sealing discs, spouts and handles which fit the screws of the feeding bottles.  Get the a spout to convert it into a cup. Or just get a sealing disc to make it a storage bottle.


• If  breastfeeding, choose small bottles -  those  with 4 to 5 oz capacity. Breastfed babies feed more frequently but in small quantities.


• Actually, it does not matter what brand you choose, but always choose BPA free bottles or plastic utensils for your baby. Bisphenol A  (BPA) is a chemical used in making plastics. Too much exposure to this may cause developmental defects in newborns, according to some studies done on animals. Based on La Leche Leagues's Breastfeeding Answer Book, plastics with the recycling symbol # 1,2,4 or 5 and/or PP are BPA free. Look for this symbol at the bottom of the bottle.

Baby rocker

• It's a tossup between SAVE and  SPLURGE  on this one. Actually we did not use  a rocker then, but we bought one.  The problem is we bought it late so we did not maximize its use. P was "malikot" and more mobile and resisted being put in the rocker.  I suggest to buy it as early as possible so your baby can use it longer.


• Always check to weight limit of the rocker, that can give you an idea how much longer you baby can use it.Look for straps to make sure baby is securely placed on it.


• The biggest come-on (for me) when we got this one is that it has music and lights - which should have come secondary to the rocker's structural design.

[caption id="attachment_2357" align="aligncenter" width="300"] We bought this rocker when baby was around 7 months, only to realize he's about to reach the weight limit![/caption]

Safety gate 

• A safety gate is a must to prevent your toddler from getting to hazardous places like the kitchen or stairs.  SAVE on this by checking online stores or second hand stores or thrift shops. Believe me, once they start walking they'll  try to get to these  areas when you're  not looking! They usually start walking around 9 to 13 months.


• Make sure that the safety gate is easy to install but at the same time sturdy.  Make sure they fit right on your doorway so it won't fall down when your child swings on it. Believe me, he will! 

[caption id="attachment_2424" align="aligncenter" width="225"] We bought a safety gate like this for P1,000 in a thrift store along McArthur Highway in Valenzuela. Source of photo: ebay[/caption]

 High chair

• You can SAVE on a high chair if you check out thrift stores. (As you may notice by now, we are a fond of bargain hunting!) 


• You can get a high chair when the baby starts to sit on his own, that's around 6 months for our baby.

[caption id="attachment_2423" align="aligncenter" width="300"] We got this high chair from a thrift shop along Del Monte Ave in QC for only P800.00. This converts into a swing by pushing down the back panel. When baby was younger, he would actually sleep on this.[/caption]

• Look for a high chair with a heavy and wide base. This adds to the stability of the chair. Sturdy highchairs won't topple down when your child reaches out to grab on something.


• Straps are a must for high chairs so you're secure as he sits on this. I once sat may baby down, and being to small, he almost slipped down because i forgot to strap him.

Baby shoes

• SAVE  your bucks rather than spend it on too many baby shoes! Baby feet grow so fast! At 12 months, i think we got  about 12 shoes for P din! He just kept on outgrowing them.


• I can't emphasize enough how important it is to get the right size for your kid. Always have some allowance, but not too large for his feet.

Every family's need is unique so take time to check if you really need to get these items. Do diligent research before buying big ticket items like a rocker or a  high chair.  Avoid buying on a whim or else you won't have time to analyze the product's features.

Shopping for baby is always happy time for me! It even get happier when you know that your every purchase is worth it.

Also worth reading:

• A new mom's guide to saving (Part1) 

***

Saving Up for Baby's College Fund

Providing the best possible future for one's child is every parent's dream.  This is high up there in my life list of to do's! So much of giving him the best future depends on whether he goes and finishes college.  Putting a child through college is such an achievement and i really admire parents who did just this for their children. I have such high respect for parents who prioritize the education of their child and i do hope that when our time to spend on education comes, we can and will be able to afford it!

[caption id="attachment_2080" align="aligncenter" width="214"] Putting a child through college is a life feat we're willing to face head on! Source of photo: alabama.gov[/caption]

So this early, i have started to stash part of my meager salary to start saving for baby's college fund! Starting to save for the future (for me, that's 15 years years from now), will give me more headroom to gather my nerves in facing the daunting task of investing in education.

I've also contacted Leah Angela Limon-Mendania, a financial advisor, to guide me in financing this life goal!  According to her saving for baby's education can never be too early. "With tuition fees increasing every year coupled with the rising cost of goods and services, nothing could be wiser but to keep up and start saving", Leah explains.   She also  shared are some  helpful points to guide us in drafting a  savings plan solely for your child's college:

Start as early as you can.

The earlier you start saving, the less will be the amount you need to save regularly. For example, you need 500,000 for your baby's college education when he/she is about 19 years old. If you start saving while your child is still a baby, you need to save about Php 930 monthly. As opposed to when you start saving when your child is about 7, then you will need to save about Php 2,030 monthly.

Save as much and as regular as you can.

The more you save now, the more interest you will earn and the more money will be compounded through the years. For example, saving Php 500 monthly for 19 years will yield Php 268,572 if your investment earns 8% interest. While saving Php 1,000 monthly for 19 years will yield 537,144 at 8% interest.

Choose the appropriate investment vehicle to save your money in.

In determining the appropriate financial product to invest in, think about your purpose. If your saving for something that you need within a year or two, then your only investing for the short-term so a financial product with guaranteed returns is more appropriate like a savings account. On the other hand, if you're saving for something you need in three or more years, then you may choose more aggressive financial products which will give higher but not guaranteed returns like unit investment trust funds, mutual funds and even variable universal life insurance.

Choose the right company where you will invest your money.

In choosing the right company, credit worthiness is a primary consideration. You may check a financial institution's credit rating online. The higher the rating a company has means they are more credit worthy and financially stable than those with lower ratings.

Choose a financial product which will give you higher returns.

The higher the interest rate that your money will earn, the less money you will need to save and the shorter the time frame will be towards achieving your goal. Each company's investment performance record is always available for the client's reference. However, please take note that this consideration is only secondary to choosing the right company.

Leah Angela Limon-Mendania is  a Certified Public Accountant by profession. She worked for an auditing firm for 4 years. She works as a financial advisor and shares her shares her knowledge and skills to educate Filipinos financially. Her passion for food and desserts in particular led her to put up her own  cakes and pastries business,  she's  now currently supplying to a concessionaire of a hotel in Manila. 

Here are Leah's contact details if you want to learn more about personal finance.

Email: lavlimon@yahoo.com

Mobile: 0917-8605059

Landline (duo): 975-4992

SAVE or SPLURGE? A New Mom’s Guide to Saving

Among my top goals for 2013 is to SAVE! Looking back at 2012,  I'm really shocked at how much we earned as a couple and where all that earnings went. Most of it went to our mad rush to the malls to buy clothes, toys and other baby stuff!

Over a period of one year, we’ve had some big purchases. Much later,  I’ve realized some items are worth splurging on, while some we could have definitely save on.

I think most new moms feel the need to BUY IT ALL for the baby.  But for families with a tight budget, being informed will help save a lot of bucks! This post is for those who want some info before buying such products.

Baby Food

[caption id="attachment_1574" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Instead of serving infant cereals, try preparing baby food made from local fruits and crops.[/caption]

• You may want to SAVE on baby food by making your own.


• Make home made foods for baby!  Each small jar of baby food can cost about P50.00. This amount can be costly, especially if you have an avid eater. Plus, serving homemade foods may help prevent a baby from becoming a picky eater.


• You can take some root crops, veggies and fruits from the family grocery. Just simmer and puree. Click here for some baby food recipes.

Breast Pump

[caption id="attachment_1575" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Expressing milk at work will be easier with a reliable breast pump.[/caption]

• SPLURGE on a good breast pump if you’re working and you intend to pump at work. A reliable breast pump will be your breastfeeding best friend!  A double electric pump will cut your pumping time in half.  Sure, you have to spend much more than a manual pump, but in the long run, your investment will pay off.


• Read this post on how to save on other breastfeeding supplies.

Nursing  Clothes

• Save on nursing clothes by using a plain shawl as cover up. I seldom bought breastfeeding blouses. I just used blouses with v necklines and those with front openings.


• One or two nursing bras will help you nurse in comfort. Before buying a nursing bra, keep in mind that your breasts will go back to their original size 3 to 6 months after giving birth.

Baby Walker

[caption id="attachment_1578" align="aligncenter" width="233"] Invest in a sturdy baby walker, your baby's safety depends on it.
(Source of Photo:cpsc.gov)[/caption]

• SPLURGE!  Using a baby walker seems to be a norm in most Filipino household when training baby to walk.  Splurge on this one because cheap baby walkers lack safety features. Read this post on what to look for when buying a walker.

Baby Clothes

[caption id="attachment_1576" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Unless you have enough bucks for a fashionista baby, you may want to save on baby clothes! (Source of Photo: nyc.gov)[/caption]

• You can definitely SAVE on baby clothes!  Avoid buying too many tie side shirts and pajamas – the kind that weeks-old babies use.  I got by with just 5 to 7 sets of these. Babies grow, at a much faster pace than  we think.


• It might be a good idea to choose the next bigger size when buying clothes for your little one. This way, baby can wear them longer!

So there, I do hope you get some insights before spending!

ALSO WORTH READING:

• SAVE or SPLURGE? A New Mom’s Guide to Saving (PART 2) 

***

Baby Toys for Every Age

Its the "BER" months, the start of Philippine’s very very long Christmas season. At may kasabihan tayo "Ang Pasko ay para sa mga bata." Kaya nga siguro sa gitna ng Christmas rush, damit at laruan ng mga bata ang ma-benta.

If you’re a parent looking for toys for babies  here are some points to consider.

Actually there's really no strict rules on the type of toy for a baby of a certain age. It may depend on what baby can do on a particular age.  As a guide here's Baby Center's guide to babies'e development stages. Newborns may just be contented with rattles and mobile, since they just developing their sight and hearing. You may need to reassess then upgrade toys once he learns to sit or walk.  Napansin ko nga sa baby ko, 9 months na sya,  hinahagis na lang nya ung mga rattle nya, mukhang bored na at gusto na ng  mga toys like stacking cups and books.

NEWBORN TO SIX MONTHS

Mobiles and rattles will definitely be fun to a newborn to probably about 3  months. Since limited pa ang vision at hearing nila. At this stage, baby’s eyesight and hearing are developing. He'll spend hours and hours gazing and listening to crib mobile. They say black, red and white are most appealing to newborns so look for toys in these colors.

[caption id="attachment_1054" align="aligncenter" width="210"] From my baby, this crib mobile is my nephew's apple of the eye.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1056" align="aligncenter" width="300"] This black and white panda was P's best friend during his first two months.[/caption]

The rattle will provide exercise for hearing. Watch baby get curious and look for the source of the sound as you shake the rattle from different directions.

When baby learns to hold and grasp, this usually  starts around 2 months,  you might want to give him textured toys like blocks or books. Such will stimulate his sense of touch. Pulô's tita gave him Tiny Love First Book, which is double sided so it's teeming with fun activities. Guide his hands while touching a cloud on the activity book and say "This is soft!".

Another fun activity for babies at this age is looking human faces. You may place an unbreakable mirror in front of him. You'll see that he's starting to stare, may be even coo at the face in front of him.  You can add some learning by teaching him parts of his face.  Point to his nose and say "nose". Maybe he's not old enough to retain this but it's definitely a fun activity for newborns.

SIX MONTHS TO ONE YEAR

Starting around 6 months, babies may start to sit. Mine started sitting (with balance) around 7 months.  His view has now changed from just lying down to being able to sit up. You can offer him shape sorters, building blocks and stacking cups. What to Expect also suggests toys like shape sorter, nesting toys and busy boards around this month. These may develop his hand and eye coordination. Hindi pa kaya ni baby na pagpatung-patungin ang stacking cups nya pero natutuwa sya kapag pinapatumba nya ang tower!

[caption id="attachment_853" align="aligncenter" width="225"] Stackable cups can help improve hand-eye coordination.[/caption]

As early as three months, babies can actually see farther than those away from his straight line of sight, may even be aware of things inside the room. He may now  appreciate stuffed toys.  Just a note, never stock the stuffed toys in the crib with the baby in it. Baby's ventilation may be blocked.

[caption id="attachment_858" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Stuffed toys are versatible. My baby loves this gorilla. He had this when he was 6 months. Until now, Gori is still his friend.[/caption]

By the time he can stand with support, you can give him toy push carts or walkers. They can provide support as he takes his first steps. Just make sure such push toys have skids and are stable, so baby can lean on them safely as he moves forward. Never leave the baby who's just learning to stand and walk alone on a push toy.

A note on baby walkers

There's actually conflicting advices on using baby walkers. Read my post discussing this. My take is as long as you're using it with adult supervision and for a limited period per day, then it's ok.

Do not under estimate to joy babies can get from ordinary objects. Let him touch actual things rather than looking on just pictures or photos. Click here for my post on everyday objects which may work as baby's toys.

Most labels in the toy packaging usually indicate the appropriate aged for the toy.  Read this for more tips on choosing and taking care of the little one's toys.

Ok, have fun with baby!

***

Breastfeeding "Must Haves" You Probably Won’t Use

Among the perks of being pregnant was the shopping. I guess it's every pregnant mom's hope to have all the essentials ready before the big day. Husband and i had a lot fun buying baby clothes and toys.  I would often spend a lot time rearranging our purchases in the cabinet, happy that we've had some of his things prepared.

We also agreed to save to buy a double electric breast pump. My co-workers suggested that we invest on a high grade pump because it will be worth it.  It will save time, since both breasts are being pumped simultaneously. So we purchased a Medela Pump In Style Advance pump from an online seller. It was  about Php 13,000. Yes, it was the biggest single purchase we had, but i tell you, it's worth it in deed! 9 months on, i'm still satisfied with how easy to use it is.

So breast pump? Check! Then came other "breastfeeding essentials". As an unsuspecting preggy, i was hounded by salespersons at SM.  Well, i'll just say we really did spend a bit during those early days as new parents.

After some months post partum, I realized that some products, i don't really needed. In fact some products you won't really use! Some products, if not used correctly, could even sabotage your breastfeeding plans.

SM Baby Company lists down a checklist for breastfeeding mommies. Take a look below.

[caption id="attachment_886" align="aligncenter" width="300"] The breastfeeding essentials according to SM
Source: http://www.babycompany.com.ph[/caption]

Of the stuff listed above, i used  the breastpump, nursing pad, breastfeeding canopy (is that the nursing cover?), storage bottles and milk storage bags. They were in deed breastfeeding essentials! I did not use these products: nipple shield and nipple cream.

Below i's the explanation why you probably won't need such products.

Nipple shield

• It's a nipple-shaped rubber or silicone for women having nursing difficulty. It's being marketed for women with flat or inverted nipples.  You're supposed to wear it on your nipple when baby's feeding to aide baby in achieving that perfect latch.

[caption id="attachment_940" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Some moms put on the nipple shield so babies can get s good "grip" when feeding.[/caption]

• Contact nipple shield costs P855 per pair at Medela Moms. Chicco also has nipples shields, which costs P700 per pair in major malls.


• According to Dr. Sears, using  a shield can lead to a decrease in your milk production because the breasts may not receive the same stimulation a breastfeeding without it would.


• My sister had a rough start in breastfeeding because of her flat nipples. Her baby would turn his head away from her nipple because it was so flat he can hardly put it in his mouth. I was kinda wary to let her use a nipple shield so I did more research. Moms with flat nipples should focus on learning the proper latch and make sure that baby's mouth is open wide before bringing baby to the breast.


• Consult a lactation expert if you really want to use a nipple shield.  Kellymomstresses that it should be a last option and that is should be considered as a short-term solution.

Nipple cream

• It's a cream, usually lanolin based, which you put on your nipple. It's supposed to heal cracked or bruised nipples or to soften calloused ones.  Some cream products also aide in preparing the breasts for lactation, according to manufacturers.


• Lansinoh creams cost P500 while Purelan costs P600.

[caption id="attachment_941" align="aligncenter" width="436"] There's a wide variety of breast or nipple creams available.[/caption]

• Along with the Medela PISA was a sample of Purelan nipple cream. But i did not use it because i was afraid baby might ingest it. There's a big chance that baby can swallow any foreign matter you put on your breast.


• Although most literature in deed recommend using lanolin-cased nipple cream, you can get by not using one. On my first week of breast feeding my right nipple bled. It's probably due to excessive and intensive pumping.  I did not use any nipple cream to heal, I just expressed some milk and left it on the wound. Wetness tends to prolong infection so i  just let it air dry. After a few days the wound was gone and I managed to breast feed from that side again.


• Breast milk, because of its antibacterial properties can also heal wounds.  Just express some by hand and leave it on your nipple for a few minutes. Here are some more natural healing tips for your nipples.


• As for the claims that some breast gels prepare for lactation, this probably is not true. I got by without putting anything on them before my birth. I just cleaned my nipples with cotton balls wet with hot water and that's pretty much it.  To establish breastfeeding, you really to feed on demand and express milk when baby can't nurse yet.  For more tips for newbie nursing moms, click here.


• If you really think you need a nipple cream, read up of its pros and cons. Better yet, consult your doctor to be sure of its safety. Here's a rundown of the type of nipple creams for lactating mommies.

Breast is best. This can be said in your manner of breastfeeding, too. It's better to rid your breastfeeding style of any "performance enhancing" accessories. It's best if you learn how to have a good latch  so baby can get the milk he so deserves. In nursing your baby, breast is all you need!

Also worth reading:

• Breastfeeding essentials and tipid alternatives

***

Everyday Objects as Baby's Play Things

Stimulating senses is key in baby’s development.  Introducing age-appropriate toys is integral in nourishing his senses. Read this page to check on baby’s developmental stages.

Parents can encourage stimulation by introducing toys. But buying baby toys can drill a hole in our pocket! Believe me, hubby and I often go overboard when we stray in the mall’s baby toy section!  We’ve been tempted to buy a walker worth P3500 but luckily we haven’t given up to the urge. We’re still weighing in on the toy’s pros and cons.

Playing with baby need not be expensive!  There are ordinary things that could be useful tools in stimulating baby’s senses.

Here are of some ordinary objects that work as baby toys:

Baby’s hands

• Baby’s hands are also his first toys. His hands are most attractive to him in the first months as he  just realized that it is part of his body.  Baby’s vision at  1 month is still blurry so he is most attracted to objects near his sight, that includes his hands.


• As early as 1 month our pedia told us to remove baby's mittens. This is so that we can check if baby is able to move his fingers. Being able to do is integral in developing baby's fine motor skills. Just make sure you cut and buff his fingers regularly so he won't scratch his face.


• You are bound to hear “Close open! Close Open!” as your LSS. This is a good way to promote baby’s eye-hand coordination


• At about 6 months, baby learned to play with his hands and feet! At this stage din, kahit anong mahawakan ni baby, isinubo, so make sure to always sanitize baby’s hands and feet.

[caption id="attachment_215" align="aligncenter" width="225"] Favorite past time ni Baby ang paglalaro ng kanyang kamay.[/caption]

 Your hands

• Use his hands to tickle him and stimulate his sense of touch.


• My baby seems to be attracted to anything moving, especially near his eyes. He responds to the funny acrobatics his dad does with his hand. Daddy’s finger plays give baby quite a good laugh.


• Teach baby how to clap, count and point out his body parts.

 Baby’s Face and Your face

• At six months, baby recognizes many faces. He  laughs when you smile at him or when you make ridiculous faces.


• He learns to track persons from across the room. This can be a good time to play "Where's mommy?".  This game teaches him about the non-permanence of things to make both of you deal with separation anxiety better.

Mirror

• I’m surprised to find that baby finds his own face so amusing!Tuwing humaharap sya sa salamin at nakikita ang sarili niya, dahan-dahan pa syang ngumingiti!


• Just make sure you're giving him an unbreakable mirror if you intend to let baby touch it!

Cellular phone and other techie stuff

• The internet is a source anything and everything! My husband downloaded early learning apps on his Itouch.  Baby enjoys "playing these games" like "baby rattles" or "animal sounds". Some apps can be downloaded for free.


• Toy companies like Fisher Price also provides applications like baby games and apps that teach baby colors, animal sounds and numbers!


• Ipads and cellular phone hold tons of dirt  so be sure to always sanitize before letting baby touch them.

TV and Radio

• Expose baby to different sights and sounds.   For sure you've let baby watch Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, Jake and the Neverland Pirates, Bananas and Pajamas... the list goes on...


• Expose his ears to different voices and music on the radio.

Posters   

• As early as 5 months baby can distinguish bold colors so choose brightly colored posters. Baby will surely spend hours and hours just staring.


• Colorful posters ang kadalasang tinititigan ni Baby pagkagasing.  We bought number and shapes posters from National bookstore for about P50 each.

[caption id="attachment_214" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Tinadtad ni Daddy ng posters showing number, colors, shapes, animals and alphabet ang dingding ng kwarto.[/caption]

Plastic cups and plastic balls

• These can act as shape sorter.  Just show baby how to enjoy them. Show baby how a ball can fit into a plastic cup.


• Avoid giving him small pieces for risks of choking.  Always guide him in playing with these toys.

Wooden spoons and cardboard boxes

• These will encourage him to tap and bang these together, producing sounds and rhythm. Of course babies need adult supervision while handling these stuff.

Flashlights

• At night when almost all lights are off use a flash light to reflect shadows on the ceiling. Baby will stare at shadows and light reflected from the bed. A fancy toy which does almost the same thing can be sold for around P1,500.

Tickle baby's sense of smell by letting him smell the aroma of anything cooking at the kitchen. Or make him smell freshly cut fruits. Or expose him to the scent of mild colognes and soaps.

Let baby interact with other kids. At this age (7 months) i noticed that baby is much more curious and turns toward any source of "new"voices and sounds.   This will serve as foundation of his social skills.

Give him lots of objects to touch and grasp. This will develop his sense of touch. Instead of showing him a picture of an apple, why not let him touch and feel the skin of an actual apple? Let him touch a variety of things  to make him accustomed to different textures. These activities improve baby’s fine motor skills, which are required for him to be able to feed on his tie his shows or dress himself up.

Here's WTE's  list of other non toys that could be baby's playthings.

After seven months as newbie parents, we've discovered that buying for baby could be quite expensive!  Parents need to be practical to better allocate the family budget. Avoid buying on impulse so you won't regret that decision when you get home.  Have a list of pros and cons before buying any toy.

Expensive toys are useless if you don't find time to play with your baby. In the end, quality time spent will make your baby an intelligent and independent little one.

 ***