How did you save for a baby?

[Jhonvomer]

I'm having a tough time saving up money! My baby isn't due untill Feb. but I want to be able to move out, finace my car and take care of my child. (along with the father) We both have $14 per hr. jobs, but it seem like saving isn't doing too much.

What are some helpful tips on saving $$$.

[aussiemidwife]

Welcome to the forum. Can you let me know what country you are living in as it will be helpful in providing suggestions to you.

Having a baby is a big life change and I understand that you must be finding it tough to do everything you need to do. Saving money is tricky. The best suggestion I have is to make a budget. Write down all your expenses and your income and see what is realistic regarding your finances.

I would avoid baby and nursery speciality stores - these have lots of lovely, but really expensive items. Search out second hand items on eBay or second hand stores. Better still people are happy to loan or give baby items. Here in Sydney we have a Yahoo group called freecycleSydneyNW - where people offer their goods (often baby goods) for free.

[Lucky120]

Yes it is a huge thing. I am in the same boat with you. We have one, but we have another on the way. I understand what you are going through. I work from home, so it is hard for me to even make anything half of the time. My husband brings home the money, but not too much you know. I tell you it is hard with bills and everything to save up money. We never really saved we just bought things when they needed it. Like every time we got paid or something like that. I would write down everything and see where you stand and what money you have left over. If there are some things you can live without I would do that as well if possible. Good luck to you.

[Kestrel]

Avoid buying new; look for 2nd hand on eBay and Facebook buy and sell groups in your local area; Gumtree... All I had when my daughter was born was an Ergo (that was new as I wanted organic), a homemade ring sling (check our Jan Andrea Online free instructions), a small box (read small!) of 2nd hand newborn clothes, a pile of 2nd hand terry nappies, a little potty (we did EC), a small box of newborn disposable nappies for emergency days when everything fell to pieces, a borrowed car baby capsule, a couple of baby blankets that were given to us, and a PUL-backed wet mat for the bed (we did intentional co-sleeping). I breastfed and I hired a pump when I needed one, from a lactation consultant but the Australian Breastfeeding Association ones are available in every state. No cot, no change table, no stroller or pram, no pile of new clothes, no expensive and fancy MCN's! I had an Amby hammock but sold it soon after as it didn't work out with my baby who slept better with me. Many of these things were parenting choices for me, but for anybody they could translate into low cost. I spent more hiring my homebirth midwife than anything else, the most expensive thing we bought was the organic Ergo new. I got a bouncer off freecycle for nothing.

[Jessica]

I agree that it can seem overwhelming to save for a baby. Yet, I think many people tend to overspend and buy unnecessary things. While each woman is different and will find that she likes different things, there are some things you don't necessarily need to buy right now. I agree to look for second hand items. You could find a few special outfits in the store, but it will really help if you find the majority of your items from a second hand store. If you have friends or family members with young children, you could always ask them if they have any clothing from when their babies were younger that you could have. Breastfeeding will not only save you money, but it is also beneficial for your baby and you.

If you plan to co-sleep, you don't really need a cot right now. This article provides great information about co-sleeping and how to do it safely. We never had a use for a changing table, as you can lay the baby down on a blanket and change him or her that way. A baby carrier or sling is very helpful, so you could opt for one of those versus an expensive pram. You don't need a high chair at first, as well. Cloth nappies will help you save money too, and you can find discounts on those or buy them second hand. I also suggest looking for a freecycle in your area to see if you can find anything that you need. Good luck and I wish you the best.

[mom2many]

I agree with Jessica, most people overspend especially with the first baby. Practically all you need is a few outfits, some cloth nappies, a car seat, and your breasts. In fact, if you worked on elimination communication and lived in a warm climate, then all you REALLY would need is breasts. Everything else is optional at this point.

Most baby stuff is only used for a brief period of time. There are tons of placing to find used stuff. With only one baby you should be able to get buy with a one bedroom place for some time into the future. You may even want to consider co-housing with another family, to increase the number of adults and reduce the responsibility of bills.

You can do this, don't let it stress you out. For most families it all seems to just fall in place once the baby arrives.

[stevie]

An effective way to budget for baby is not to buy early..Consider only the most important things that should be ready before the baby is born..The rest of the shopping can wait until the baby comes out..Do not buy unnecessary items like audio-visual brain builders that claim to make your child a genius over night.More tips you can get from How to save money on baby items... Whenever you need a little help paying for things, you can always get a payday loan. The loan will help particularly when you are dealing with the costs of having a baby. When you consider all the doctors’ appointments before and after you have the baby as well as the cost of paying for delivery, it adds up really quickly.

[aayans]

Useful discussion!