Planning-Having a baby on a budget

[Keira1387]

This board has turned me into an avid planner. While I am NOT currently expecting, we are starting to have conversations about it. I now plan for everything and decided I would like to plan for a baby as best as I can possibly can. For the moms out there what are something things you did in preparation? For example would it be a good idea to keep my eyes open for a unisex crib? Or is that crazy? Thanks for any insight.

 

[adventure_woman]

One thing I am doing with baby #2 that I didn't do with baby #1 is cloth diaper. I figure I save about $100/mth on diapers (and I was buying on sale with coupons). I love it, it is really easy and the laundry isn't bad.

I also am a bargain shopper. I shop garage sales, and mom to mom sales all the time. While there are some things I NEVER buy used (ie carseats), other stuff is totally fine (ie clothing, toys, etc).

Check out your insurance and what is covered, deductible, etc. That can sometimes be a BIG change (adding a child on....with my first, our insurance went from like $50/mth to $600/mth!! )

 

[4HppyCamprs]

Well....Because of my history I am hesitant to recommend buying stuff for a baby that is not here yet (or at least conceived ) If you want to do planning/budgeting I would set money aside in a account..10.00 here or there...I would also find out from other moms what they thought was a total waste...I can help there
1. Swing- Both sons did not like the full size swing but liked the travel swing.
2. Baby Bedding-the only thing you can actually put in the crib is the sheets. If you use a bumper the plain breathable bumpers are best.
3.Stuffed Animals- more than a couple and they are dust collectors.
4. Wipes warmer/bottle warmer- creates a nightmare when you are not near a outlet babies do fine with room temperature
5. Crib- was a waste for us.....Thank goodness it is a convertible and they can use it as a regular bed LOL
6. Travel system stroller- it was bulky and didnt fit in my trunk with groceries..expensive learning lesson!

Happy Planning!!!

 

[ah1126]

I used to work in a few children's clothing stores and started picking up a stash of clothing. I would give things away when I needed a baby gift, but now use what I can for my own baby. I will put something on my baby and tell her that I bought it for her 8 years ago!

If you do want to buy any clothing I would suggest things like onesies and sleepers. For most things I think I would wait to buy until you are expecting. (Unless you find a deal you just can't pass up! ) I had planned on buying a crib, but got given one and offers for 2 others.

Just remember that once you find out you are expecting, you still have months to plan and buy!

 

[Keira1387]

One thing I am doing with baby #2 that I didn't do with baby #1 is cloth diaper. I figure I save about $100/mth on diapers (and I was buying on sale with coupons). I love it, it is really easy and the laundry isn't bad.

I also am a bargain shopper. I shop garage sales, and mom to mom sales all the time. While there are some things I NEVER buy used (ie carseats), other stuff is totally fine (ie clothing, toys, etc).

Check out your insurance and what is covered, deductible, etc. That can sometimes be a BIG change (adding a child on....with my first, our insurance went from like $50/mth to $600/mth!! )

Thank you so much! I wasn't sure if people would just think I'm crazy! I know it's a huge life change and just want to prepare.

Ouch on the insurance! I will be sure to check that!

 

[msmayor]

This board has turned me into an avid planner. While I am NOT currently expecting, we are starting to have conversations about it. I now plan for everything and decided I would like to plan for a baby as best as I can possibly can. For the moms out there what are something things you did in preparation? For example would it be a good idea to keep my eyes open for a unisex crib? Or is that crazy? Thanks for any insight.

You mean look out now so you can buy it and put it away? I wouldn't.

While it may be "budget-wise" to find and stash bargains, I don't think buying baby furniture and baby "stuff" is smart until you KNOW you will need it.

Speaking as someone who struggled with fertility issues for over three years before finally getting pregnant, having a crib in the house would have been a cruel reminder of the hardships we faced getting to parenthood. Even once we found out we were expecting, we kept it quiet and bought nothing until we could really 'believe' it was going to happen.

Better to just save money and then experience the joy of making those purchases when the timing is right.

 

[VAfamily1998]

Breastfeeding can save a TON of money over formula!

 

[dzorn]

This board has turned me into an avid planner. While I am NOT currently expecting, we are starting to have conversations about it. I now plan for everything and decided I would like to plan for a baby as best as I can possibly can. For the moms out there what are something things you did in preparation? For example would it be a good idea to keep my eyes open for a unisex crib? Or is that crazy? Thanks for any insight.

I would try and get a budget together of the every day expense: diapers, wipes, taking time off work if applicable and start putting that money away monthly for the large jump in the expenses you know are coming. The extra money can be used for unexpected expenses when the time comes.

If you are planning on having more than one child I would definitely to the major purchases in unisex, though I would not pick anything up until you are actually expecting.

Denise in MI

 

[Derby4me]

My suggestion is to not purchase baby stuff but to get yourself in better position financially. When we found out I was pregnant, we used my pay checks to pay off our cars, pay down our mortgage so we no longer had to pay PMI and bump up our savings so we had a good 9 months of emergency funds. Our GOAL was for me to be a stay at home Mom but I would have done the same thing even if it wasn't.

You will probably get LOTS of baby gifts and hand me downs. I was amazed at how generous people were and kids things are pretty easy to find at garage sales and on craigs list. I agree that there are some things I would never purchase used (car seats, even a crib I think you should know the history) but most stuff you can get for a fraction of the price used...or free from friends.

Also, I suggest looking at the cost of the things you will need once the baby comes, diapers, forumla (even if you plan on breast feeding because you never know), DAYCARE (OUCH! When we used it, it cost more than our mortgage!) I'm due in 2 weeks with my second and I've found kids can be really affordable if you are practical. Congrats on the discussion of having a baby and props to you for planning ahead and doing your research!

 

[ah1126]

An idea I saw on here when I was expecting was to buy gift cards to the stores you shop at when you had some extra money. Then after the baby is born you have the gift cards to buy what you need!

 

[dreamin_disney]

Well....Because of my history I am hesitant to recommend buying stuff for a baby that is not here yet (or at least conceived ) If you want to do planning/budgeting I would set money aside in a account..10.00 here or there...I would also find out from other moms what they thought was a total waste...I can help there
1. Swing- Both sons did not like the full size swing but liked the travel swing.
2. Baby Bedding-the only thing you can actually put in the crib is the sheets. If you use a bumper the plain breathable bumpers are best.
3.Stuffed Animals- more than a couple and they are dust collectors.
4. Wipes warmer/bottle warmer- creates a nightmare when you are not near a outlet babies do fine with room temperature
5. Crib- was a waste for us.....Thank goodness it is a convertible and they can use it as a regular bed LOL
6. Travel system stroller- it was bulky and didnt fit in my trunk with groceries..expensive learning lesson!

Happy Planning!!!

If I';m blessed to get pregnant I will have a plan. My dd11 wasnt planned. We didnt start buying things until after our baby shower. I had my shower I think 2months before my due date. Things we didnt get we bought ourselves.We got lots of clothes and 3 bath tubs and some stuff like a soother, play pen, swing, high chair so it was a big help

I've never felt comfortable buying things way inadvance. Well with my 2nd pregnancy We did buy one or two lil things with dh's fav baseball team but I had a miscarriage (few years ago).
Next pregnancy hopefully 2011 if I'm blessed (fertility issues) I will start a baby fund and put money away every chance i get. With that money will be for baby furniture, diapers and formula.

DD11 still has her 3 n 1 crib. BEst money spent-lol! It was her crib, toddler bed and now a full size bed. We got it on Sale for $350 then the rails for full size was extra so total $500. My work gave me $200 for a breast pump but I didnt make any mild so i used that towards the crib.

Breastfeeding can save a TON of money over formula!

if your body make the milk, I wasnt able to produce any but I tried. I will save money for formula.

If I'm blessed to have another child I will use coupons for formula, diapers and whatever else I can.

Knowing my MIL she will insist on giving me a baby shower so I will do things much differently.

I will put onesis sizes 0-3, 3-6, 6-9months
same thing with clothes and socks
Will add bottles, lotions, soaps

I will save money for the diapers because My dd was allergic to pampers brand but did fine with huggies so dont stalk up on diapers beacause you never know what your baby will like.

 

[Keira1387]

Well....Because of my history I am hesitant to recommend buying stuff for a baby that is not here yet (or at least conceived ) If you want to do planning/budgeting I would set money aside in a account..10.00 here or there...I would also find out from other moms what they thought was a total waste...I can help there
1. Swing- Both sons did not like the full size swing but liked the travel swing.
2. Baby Bedding-the only thing you can actually put in the crib is the sheets. If you use a bumper the plain breathable bumpers are best.
3.Stuffed Animals- more than a couple and they are dust collectors.
4. Wipes warmer/bottle warmer- creates a nightmare when you are not near a outlet babies do fine with room temperature
5. Crib- was a waste for us.....Thank goodness it is a convertible and they can use it as a regular bed LOL
6. Travel system stroller- it was bulky and didnt fit in my trunk with groceries..expensive learning lesson!

Happy Planning!!!

Thank you for the information on the sheets! I know that's something I would have gone overboard on. Now I will look for a nice set of sheets instead.

I used to work in a few children's clothing stores and started picking up a stash of clothing. I would give things away when I needed a baby gift, but now use what I can for my own baby. I will put something on my baby and tell her that I bought it for her 8 years ago!

If you do want to buy any clothing I would suggest things like onesies and sleepers. For most things I think I would wait to buy until you are expecting. (Unless you find a deal you just can't pass up! ) I had planned on buying a crib, but got given one and offers for 2 others.

Just remember that once you find out you are expecting, you still have months to plan and buy!

I currently work in a clothing store and do the same. When someone tells me there pregnant, I start buying shower gifts. I figured maybe some white basic onesies and things like that.

You mean look out now so you can buy it and put it away? I wouldn't.

While it may be "budget-wise" to find and stash bargains, I don't think buying baby furniture and baby "stuff" is smart until you KNOW you will need it.

Speaking as someone who struggled with fertility issues for over three years before finally getting pregnant, having a crib in the house would have been a cruel reminder of the hardships we faced getting to parenthood. Even once we found out we were expecting, we kept it quiet and bought nothing until we could really 'believe' it was going to happen.

Better to just save money and then experience the joy of making those purchases when the timing is right.

Very good point. I guess most people think it's easy to get pregnant until something like that happens. Congrats on overcoming that!

Breastfeeding can save a TON of money over formula!

That's the plan!

I would try and get a budget together of the every day expense: diapers, wipes, taking time off work if applicable and start putting that money away monthly for the large jump in the expenses you know are coming. The extra money can be used for unexpected expenses when the time comes.

If you are planning on having more than one child I would definitely to the major purchases in unisex, though I would not pick anything up until you are actually expecting.

Denise in MI

Budget spreadsheet is going to be next on my list!

My suggestion is to not purchase baby stuff but to get yourself in better position financially. When we found out I was pregnant, we used my pay checks to pay off our cars, pay down our mortgage so we no longer had to pay PMI and bump up our savings so we had a good 9 months of emergency funds. Our GOAL was for me to be a stay at home Mom but I would have done the same thing even if it wasn't.

You will probably get LOTS of baby gifts and hand me downs. I was amazed at how generous people were and kids things are pretty easy to find at garage sales and on craigs list. I agree that there are some things I would never purchase used (car seats, even a crib I think you should know the history) but most stuff you can get for a fraction of the price used...or free from friends.

Also, I suggest looking at the cost of the things you will need once the baby comes, diapers, forumla (even if you plan on breast feeding because you never know), DAYCARE (OUCH! When we used it, it cost more than our mortgage!) I'm due in 2 weeks with my second and I've found kids can be really affordable if you are practical. Congrats on the discussion of having a baby and props to you for planning ahead and doing your research!

Thank you! That is unbelievable about daycare! As far as the planning, I know several people who are expecting and are jumping in with both feet not having a plan, while that might for them, it would not work for me!

An idea I saw on here when I was expecting was to buy gift cards to the stores you shop at when you had some extra money. Then after the baby is born you have the gift cards to buy what you need!

Great idea with the gift card!

If I';m blessed to get pregnant I will have a plan. My dd11 wasnt planned. We didnt start buying things until after our baby shower. I had my shower I think 2months before my due date. Things we didnt get we bought ourselves.We got lots of clothes and 3 bath tubs and some stuff like a soother, play pen, swing, high chair so it was a big help

I've never felt comfortable buying things way inadvance. Well with my 2nd pregnancy We did buy one or two lil things with dh's fav baseball team but I had a miscarriage (few years ago).
Next pregnancy hopefully 2011 if I'm blessed (fertility issues) I will start a baby fund and put money away every chance i get. With that money will be for baby furniture, diapers and formula.

DD11 still has her 3 n 1 crib. BEst money spent-lol! It was her crib, toddler bed and now a full size bed. We got it on Sale for $350 then the rails for full size was extra so total $500. My work gave me $200 for a breast pump but I didnt make any mild so i used that towards the crib.



if your body make the milk, I wasnt able to produce any but I tried. I will save money for formula.

If I'm blessed to have another child I will use coupons for formula, diapers and whatever else I can.

Knowing my MIL she will insist on giving me a baby shower so I will do things much differently.

I will put onesis sizes 0-3, 3-6, 6-9months
same thing with clothes and socks
Will add bottles, lotions, soaps

I will save money for the diapers because My dd was allergic to pampers brand but did fine with huggies so dont stalk up on diapers beacause you never know what your baby will like.

Will send prayers and pixie dust your way for a 2011 bundle of joy! Good point on the diapers, my plan was to buy them every month before I had the baby, but I think I will wait just incase.


Thank you ladies so much for all your help. We aren't planning on even telling our family until we have good news to share, so all your insight is very much appreciated!

 

[aprilgail2]

Breastfeeding can save a TON of money over formula!

Yea well you can't always bank on that----I thought I was going to go that route and it did not work....not only did it not work but the formula that she had to eventually get put on was the most expensive one that there is other than perscription formula!!

 

[WDWAurora]

I'm definitely in the don't buy until you've conceived camp, after 2.5 yrs of infertility despite starting the TTC game when I was 24. It happens to all ages. Anyway, your best bet is to do as another poster said and just work on all of your finances overall right now. It wouldn't hurt to stock up on gift cards to target or grocery stores. Don't buy anything because safety standards change and recalls happen constantly.

When you are pregnant, buy the current edition of the book Baby Bargains. It helps narrow down necessities and helps you with how to get deals and what brands are worth more.

 

[prncess674]

Thank you for the information on the sheets! I know that's something I would have gone overboard on. Now I will look for a nice set of sheets instead.

Babies can wet sheets like no ones business. Plan on having at least 8 or 10 fitted sheets. Also remember you will also need sheets for the pack and play.

Plan on changing a lot of sheets.

 

[sunlover13]

I wouldn't buy anything ahead of time. I would just set money aside. You will get a ton of clothes, diapers, and most of your necessities at your baby shower (assuming you are going to have one).

Don't go out and buy diapers b/c they outgrow them really fast, same thing with newborn clothing.

I just had a baby who is 4 weeks old. He outgrew newborn clothes already and is about to outgrow newborn diapers. He was 7lbs 10oz when born, came home at 7lbs 4oz. Some people have 9 lb babies who never fit in newborn clothes or diapers.

So, my point is not to stock up on smaller clothes or diapers.

Putting $ aside is a great idea!

Also, if you plan on saving for your child's college education, you can actually start a 529 account now. We started one for our baby to be way before he was born. It can be started in your name and then switched over to the baby when he/she is born. However, this is all depending on your financial situation / priorities. If retirement is more of a priority, you may want to contribute to Roth IRA's first as those can be used for education as well.

Hope that helps! Good luck!

 

[4HppyCamprs]

Hiya Me chiming in again About buying Diapers in advance like others said put the money aside..in a account or gift certs but like I just told my sister in law who is expecting in April...Babies bodies do not all fit diapers the same...I tried ALL the diapers and the only ones that fit my boys and did not leak were pampers and luvs. Now I have friends that the only brands they could use were huggies and still others whose babies did better with other brands...You do not want to be stuck with a pile of diaper that leak on your baby...trust me!

 

[Ava]

Also agree with everyone who says don't start buying things until you are actually pregnant. Just start saving money, so when the time comes to buy you will have the money already put away.

As far as other tips -

Get the miscellaneous gear (swing, bouncer, play mat, excersaucer, jumper) used, or better yet just borrow from a friend. (Or put them on your registry & let other people buy them for you, lol.) All babies are different, and it can be a real budget buster to spend $50-$100 on something your baby might not even like.

Don't buy too many basics like blankets, bibs, onesies, sleepers, etc. You'll get a lot of those as gifts, especially if you have a baby shower.

One thing I do recommend is the Miracle Blanket. It lived up to it's name for us, haha.

I'd also suggest getting a Snap 'n Go frame to use the infant carseat as your stroller at the beginning. That way you don't have to wake a sleeping baby to transfer him from car to stroller.

ETA: Thought of something else - sign up for free samples of different brands of diapers. That way if the first brand you choose don't work well, you can try out others without buying an entire package. Also don't stock up on diapers too far in advance. We ended up with a bunch of newborn & size 1 Pampers but when DD was that small Huggies worked much better for her.

 

[carebee21]

I'm in the don't buy anything until it happens camp as well. You just never know how long it will take to get pregnant and I would hate to stare at a nursery every month wondering when it's going to happen.

However, as far as budgetting goes, I would definately look into your health insurance. Figure out how much your hospital deductibles are, co-pays and how much it costs to add a baby to your plan.

I would also check into any maternity and/or short-term disablity payments you may be entitled to. Find out how much you will get, for how long and figure out if you can live off of that amount. If you can't, budget extra money to make up the difference. I only got 8 weeks maternity leave at 60% of my pay and then 2 weeks full vacation. So we saved extra money so I could stay home with the baby until he was 6 months old. If we hadn't planned and saved, we wouldn't have been able to afford those extra 3 months.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

I would not buy anything until you are pregnant and into your second trimester. For now---save money. Figure a basic $100 a month into savings. It pinches your budget A teeny bit but then baby seamlessly rolls on in. Lol!
Then coupon your way to savings!

One thing to budget for is your maternity food budget to accomodate your on a whim appetite that is influenced by nausea, overwhelming hunger, and cravings. We always intended "to be good" in that regard, but I was suffering from severe mornin sickness for so long that what I ate was determines by what wouldn't make me sick at just hearing the name. And for a 2 month period, there was a very limited number of items that I could tolerate being cooked in the home. But prepped away from the home wasn't so bad.

You don't need every gadget. Promise!

We do the basics...
Swing, bouncy seat, crib, car seat, stroller, and a sling or wrap. We cloth diapers for our last two.

This baby is in 95% gently used clothing purchased from Once Upon a child and consignment sales. Google kids consignment sales for your area. They happen once or twice a year and can be a gold mine. But you must be familiar with what things cost normally and rank your list from most important to least important so that you can make the best out of your shopping trip.
I did get her a brand new coming home outfit (basic soft onesie style outfits. Though it took me forever to find something simple that would be special). The rest of her new clothes are the few items that folks gave us as gifts.