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Strollerderby
Baby Planners: The Hottest, Newest Way to Throw Your Money Away
Recession? What recession? Apparently, not everybody is suffering financial setbacks these days. Some expectant parents are willing to pay a so-called “baby planner” $150 an hour fee to…help plan for the baby.
“You’ve heard of wedding planners, event planners and financial planners,” the Web site of ABC News in Philadelphia says. Apparently, baby planners are “the hottest thing for expectant moms who want to be fully prepared before that bundle of joy comes home.”
You know it’s a full blown trend since there’s even an International Baby Planner Association. In the past three years, around 60 to 70 baby concierge businesses have popped up around North America. According to the International Baby Planner Association, the average hourly rates run between $50 and $150. Packages can cost up to $1,000.
What exactly does baby planning entail? Shopping for baby gear, researching product recalls and recommending baby gear. Oh yes, and how could I forget all the work that needs to be done on decorating the nursery, planning a baby shower, and registering for baby gifts? A really devoted baby planner a.k.a. baby concierge might even help motivate mom to get in shape before the new baby arrives.
Is it just me or does this seem like yet another way of outsourcing parenting? Sure, there’s a lot to do to prepare for a baby, but parents learn soon enough that buying more stuff doesn’t necessarily mean you’re better prepared to handle parenthood.
Besides, what are friends and family for anyway? When I was expecting my first child, my best friend told me exactly what I did and didn’t need to buy and my family was happy to shower me with baby gear.
I know it can be overwhelming figuring out what to buy, but don’t be fooled into thinking you need a professional help. As long as you’ve got some diapers on hand, you’ll be just fine when the baby arrives. I promise that you will never use that diaper wipe warmer.
As Motherlode’s Lisa Belkin points out, you’d be better off saving the $150/hr. baby planning fee and using it towards a post-natal massage.
Would you ever considering hiring a baby planner?
Photo: flickr/funkyshapes
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0 Comments
Elyse commented on Jul 19 10 at 1:46 pmsweet, lord! but my, those booties are CUTE!
Snarky Mama commented on Jul 19 10 at 2:58 pmFor moms who want to be “fully prepared before that bundle of joy comes home.” Hahahahaha! That should come with a money back guarantee, ’cause mama, you’ll never be “fully prepared.”
Karyn Climans commented on Jul 19 10 at 3:49 pmComments Will they push the baby out for you? If yes, then they are worth the $150.00 per hour. If not, it’s a total waste of money.
Rebecca commented on Jul 19 10 at 3:56 pmDoesn’t letting someone else do all the research and shopping take all the fun out of getting prepared for baby?
JZ commented on Jul 19 10 at 4:41 pmI think we over prepare for babies at it is so this seems way over the top.
Dominique commented on Jul 19 10 at 5:53 pmWhen shopping for organic or eco-friendly products, I think someone who really knows the market and what products are really good and helpful might be money well spent.
Making Your Event Special commented on Jul 19 10 at 8:14 pmI do think that it is completely up to the couple. Some couples really do have tons going on in their lives so sometimes it is easier to get someone else to do certain things.
JZ commented on Jul 19 10 at 9:27 pmI’m not trying to sound nasty or anything but if you dont have time to prepare for the baby then how are you going to have time for the baby? Babies take up way more time than it does to shop for them.
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