First Year Costs?

[California Dreamin']

I thinks it's always great to take the chance of going somewhere different is the chance arrives.
If you do come I'd try to come for as long as you can and maybe go to a couple if different places

Absolutely. I have lots of penpals in England.

 

[latebloomer]

Remember two things: 1. You don't need everything all at once and 2. Babies grow amazingly fast. Don't go overboard on things you don't really need or might use for only a short time. They outgrow clothes very fast. Some newborns never fit into "newborn" sizes but go straight to 3-month size. Get whatever you can second-hand or borrowed, except for a car seat. Get that new. If you opt for a crib, make sure it's up to current standards and is in good condition. I never used a changing table, though it would have been nice. I usually put my son on a big towel on the floor. No matter how much they wiggle, they can't fall off the floor. Basic necessities: place to sleep, diapers, a way to feed the baby, and a way to wash everything. Babies tend to be messy.