What New Parents Often Forget? Baby’s Early Years & Financial Planning Tips

2025-08-06

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Bringing a baby into this world is one of the most memorable journeys you’ll ever take. From the moment you register the tiny heartbeat, life begins to change in many ways. You start imagining first smiles, soft cuddles, and sleepy midnight lullabies. It’s beautiful.

With all happiness, many parents also feel pressure: “Are we doing everything right?” While you're busy setting up the baby’s bed or learning how to wrap them in a blanket, it’s easy to forget some of the basic and important things in the early days of parenting. Don't worry. Here are some reminders that will make your parenting journey seamless and joyful.

Key Takeaways

A flexible routine gives toddlers a sense of comfort and helps parents manage the day better.
Staying on top of vaccinations and doctor visits supports your child’s healthy growth.
Sharing everyday parenting duties builds balance and stronger family connections.
Looking after your health and emotions is essential to caring well for your child.
Starting financial planning early makes it easier to handle future parenting costs.

Welcome the New Chapter with an Open Mind

The moment your baby arrives, your life becomes a roller coaster ride. Some days give a calm vibe, and others could feel overwhelming. That’s normal.

Parenting is a step-by-step learning process, and no one gets it perfect. Embrace this phase without putting pressure on yourself. Trust your instinct, give yourself and your partner permission to pause. Take breaks when needed, and know that support is always around if you choose to reach out.

Begin securing your future

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Set a Daily Routine for You and the Baby

Between the ages of 1 to 3, toddlers take big leaps. They learn new words, try to do things on their own, and become more curious by the day. With so much growth happening, a gentle daily routine can give your child the comfort and confidence they need to thrive, and family life feels more settled and calm.

Here’s how to build a routine that works:

Set a Daily Routine for You and the Baby

You don’t need to follow the clock strictly. Just having regular times for meals, naps, play, and bedtime makes family life feel more settled and calm. Here’s a simple routine that works well for many families. (This is a sample, adjust as per your preference.)

Time	Activity
8:00 – 8:30 a.m.	Wake Up and Morning Freshen-Up (brush, potty)
8:30 – 9:15 a.m.	Breakfast with Family
9:15 – 10:15 a.m.	Free Play / Unstructured Play (toys, puzzles)
10:15 – 11:00 a.m.	Outdoor Time / Walk / Terrace Play
11:00 – 12:00 p.m.	Planned Activity (art, music, errands)
12:00 – 12:30 p.m.	Lunch Time
12:30 – 1:00 p.m.	Wind-Down (story or lullaby)
1:00 – 3:00 p.m.	Nap Time / Quiet Rest
3:00 – 3:30 p.m.	Wake Up and Snack
3:30 – 4:30 p.m.	Light Play (blocks, dolls, cars)
4:30 – 5:30 p.m.	Educational Play / Reading / Learning Games
5:30 – 6:15 p.m.	Evening Walk / Park Play
6:15 – 7:00 p.m.	Bath Time and Change into Nightwear
7:00 – 8:00 p.m.	Dinner with Family
8:00 – 9:00 p.m.	Calm Play / Storytime / Rhymes
9:00 – 9:30 p.m.	Bedtime Routine (massage, cuddles, prayer)

Keep Health Check-Ups on Track

One of the most important responsibilities in the first 2 years is keeping up with your baby’s health needs. Regular paediatric visits, growth monitoring, and vaccinations help ensure your baby is growing well and stays protected against illnesses.

Make it a habit to maintain a calendar to track important health milestones like immunisation dates, weight checks, and follow-up appointments. If you’re in a nuclear family or managing without constant help, these reminders are useful.

Also, prepare a simple first-aid kit for your baby at home. Thermometers, baby-safe medications, nasal aspirators, and a contact list of your doctor or hospital can make a real difference in emergencies.

Share Responsibilities with Your Partner

Parenting is a journey best taken together. When you and your partner share daily tasks such as night feeds and doctor visits, it eases the load and strengthens your bond as a family. You don't need to split everything equally, but having open conversations about responsibilities helps create balance and reduce stress.

Taking turns and being present for each other helps make everyday life more manageable. Small acts of support can bring more joy to both you and your baby.

Did You Know?

Childcare expenses typically rise by a minimum of 10% every year.

Source: Economic Times

Taking Care of Yourself Too

After childbirth, physical recovery, hormonal changes, and mental exhaustion are common. You have to create a healthy routine for yourself. Try squeezing in power naps during the day, ask for help without guilt, eat warm meals, or simply step out for fresh air when possible. Taking care of yourself is not optional, as it’s part of caring for your baby, too.

Start Thinking About the Future Early

The early years of parenting are the foundation for your child’s future. Nurturing him early helps in managing the uncertainties. Think about things like:

When would you prefer to send your child to preschool?
What kind of activities or hobbies would you like to explore with them?
Are there any known medical conditions in the family to be mindful of?
What kind of learning environment aligns with your values?

You do not need to have all the answers right away. But starting these conversations with your partner or noting down your thoughts can give you a greater sense of clarity and direction as your child grows.

Make a Simple Financial Plan

Planning your finances during your child’s early years can make everyday life feel much more manageable. Between the ages of 0 to 3, expenses can add up quickly, from healthcare and baby gear to daycare and learning toys. A little preparation now means fewer surprises later and more peace of mind. Let's take an example:

Megha and Ankit are new parents to a 1-year-old boy. They both work full-time and live in a metro city. Over time, they noticed their monthly budget shifting with new responsibilities. Here’s what their typical early-years expenses look like:

Expense Type	Estimated Cost
Monthly baby essentials (diapers, formula, etc.)	₹6,000 – ₹8,000
Vaccinations and doctor visits (yearly)	₹6,000 – 16,000
Daycare or nanny (if both parents work)	₹8,000 – ₹20,000/month
Emergency or health-related expenses	₹10,000 – ₹20,000/year

These are just the basics. Future costs like higher education and healthcare may come in later, but they are equally important to prepare for. To stay prepared for such costs and future milestones, Megha and Ankit have started investing in a child-focused financial plan.

Plans like the iSelect Guaranteed Future Plus from Canara HSBC Life Insurance offer guaranteed returns along with life cover, helping you secure your child’s future while easing the financial stress of parenting.

Final Thoughts

Parenthood is a journey of small, meaningful steps. While you may not have all the answers, planning can bring peace and stability. From daily routines to future goals, every choice counts. With a trusted partner like Canara HSBC Life Insurance, you can secure your child’s future while enjoying each moment today.

Glossary

Life Cover: Financial protection that secures your child’s future in case of an unexpected loss of a parent.
Guaranteed Returns Plan: A financial product that offers fixed future payouts along with life insurance.
Nap or Quiet Time: A daily rest period, typically in the early afternoon, is crucial for a toddler’s brain and body development.
Paediatric Visits: Regular doctor appointments for babies and toddlers to track growth, development, and give vaccinations.
Immunisation Schedule: A timeline of vaccines recommended in the early years to protect your child from serious illnesses.

FAQs

Start as early as you can, ideally during pregnancy or shortly after your baby’s birth, to prepare for rising expenses and future needs.

A daily routine provides stability, helps with sleep and learning, and makes transitions smoother by giving toddlers a sense of what to expect.

A baby-friendly first-aid kit should include a thermometer, a nasal aspirator, antiseptic wipes, baby-safe medications, bandages, and emergency contacts.

Talking openly and choosing tasks based on each other’s strengths can reduce stress and build teamwork in everyday care.

Such plans provide financial stability and life cover, helping you prepare for long-term goals like your child’s education or health needs.

Disclaimer - This article is issued in the general public interest and meant for general information purposes only. The views expressed in this blog are solely those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Canara HSBC Life Insurance Company Limited or any affiliated entity. We make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability, or availability with respect to the blog or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained in the blog for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk. You should consult with a qualified professional regarding your specific circumstances before taking any action based on the content provided herein.

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