This always seems like a passionate topic, as it should be. We should
be passionate about the rearing of our children. We "couldn't afford
it" either. I had just graduated from college, with tremendous student
loans and my husband was still in college. He got a part-time job and I
began hitting the library, researching for hours on at-home work. I
found something that met all of my criteria and jumped into it. Really,
I had no choice: we needed income, but my baby needed his mom. I
worked at home between 10pm and 3am and was up with Caleb at 7:00am.
This lasted for months. Now I happen to own a store, carrying my
products, and my 2 year-old "helps" me. It's frustrating at times, and
it is HARD work, but nothing could be more rewarding. To me, it would
be the easy way out to get a "job". You can always find an answer with
persistence, hard work and Faith. Good luck! (Try a book called "The
Best Home Businesses of the 90's" - excellent)
--Heidi F.
(4/5/97)
This always seems like a passionate topic, as it should be. We should
be passionate about the rearing of our children. We "couldn't afford
it" either. I had just graduated from college, with tremendous student
loans and my husband was still in college. He got a part-time job and I
began hitting the library, researching for hours on at-home work. I
found something that met all of my criteria and jumped into it. Really,
I had no choice: we needed income, but my baby needed his mom. I
worked at home between 10pm and 3am and was up with Caleb at 7:00am.
This lasted for months. Now I happen to own a store, carrying my
products, and my 2 year-old "helps" me. It's frustrating at times, and
it is HARD work, but nothing could be more rewarding. To me, it would
be the easy way out to get a "job". You can always find an answer with
persistence, hard work and Faith. Good luck! (Try a book called "The
Best Home Businesses of the 90's" - excellent)
--Heidi F.
(4/5/97)
I enjoyed reading the tips for keeping kids rooms neat. I have 2 boys (10&4) and their rooms are small. I have a large laundry room. I took the dressers out of their rooms and put them in the laundry room. Now when I fold their clothes they go right in the drawer. The dirty clothes go in the hamper in the bathroom. Rooms free of clothes. My ten year old is in the habit of getting his clothes ready for school the night before. I love to get rid of the middle man. What do think of having two dishwashers? One for clean and one for dirty.
Kathy T
(4/5/97)
About 5 years ago Hurricane Andrew blew our house away. After this the housing situation in Miami became a real problem. Although the insurance company paid for alternative living expenses, the rentals were gone in a matter of days. So we ended up living with my sister in law. Well after about 2 days of this I thought I was going to die. She is the cleanest most organized person I have ever met.
Prior to this I was allowing our 4 children to basically ransack our house. I didn't think I was that way until after this experience. In addition, I did react to her organization at first but then I began to see how much time and effort she was saving by her little "rules." So now I have applied these rules to our house and I have found that my children are not offended by this at all. In fact, they appreciate the fresh open feeling of our home.
I presently have five children ages 10, 8, 6, 4, and 2. I believe that most of the time our home is clean and orderly. These are the little tips I've learned:
1. No shoes in the house. I have my children take off their shoes at the door and then put them back on when they leave. I purchased some cheap slip on shoes for them to have to play in the neighborhood with. I have to vacuum about once a day. When we didn't apply this rule, we had dirt spots embedded in the carpet and we were constantly fighting to keep up with the mess.
2. No food goes outside the table area in the dining room. Nothing ruins the house and makes it stink faster than food in the hands of a child. It also attracts bugs. We clean the kitchen area every time we eat by vacuuming or sweeping up the crumbs. That way they aren't tracked into the rest of the house. I must say our living room carpet still looks very good. Recently we had a mouse problem from the new construction around us. It was a snap to kill all these mice because we knew there was nothing to attract them outside the kitchen area.
3. Toys: get rid of them.
It dawned on me this last Christmas that if we bought our children just 3 new toys that would be
15 new toys in our house! My head is swimming just to think of it. I would rather get them one thing
that is nice than 5 things that we will throw out in a few months and that will cause me great aggravation.
We bought them school supplies this year (because we homeschool) such as crayons, colored pencils and
paints. We also bought them books and some educational computer programs. Clothes are great too and
they really appreciate getting new clothes. Sometimes you can find something real nice at a thrift store
that is brand new.
These are just a few ideas.
I "had to work" when my first born was born. Not only that but I had to go to graduate school to keep
my job. There wasn't a day that went by that I didn't want to be home with my baby but I felt I had to keep
working to live in our house (very small, very cheap --as cheap as a 1 bedroom apartment). While I was
working, my son was in the care of someone who knew my folks, was friends with my neighbors, attended
church with me and shared friends with my parents and I. We thought we had picked a great person to
watch our son. He was abused as a baby in her home. When we found out, I still HAD to work so we
found someone else (luckily someone wonderful and right next door to great grandma so that she could
check up once in a while) but I worked to come home. We sold my car (when I think back I was really
working for a car payment and the babysitter and when son #2 came along I was home for good. I didn't
have a car for 4 years but we made do.
My first son still bears scars (emotional ones) from what happened to him at the first sitters house and
he's 11 now. My thoughts are that we thought we were SURE we had found someone wonderful and
hadn't. How can any parent be sure? I'd rather raise my own children. I think I would have put off having
children until I COULD stay home if I had been smarter.
My husband says that my staying home makes life easier for him at work. He doesn't worry what is
happening to our children, who is teaching them and whose influence we have to worry about. He can
also go to work when they are sick with a clear mind knowing they are just fine with me. We homeschool
our children now and they are getting a great private education as well.
When you look at the studies out now that show how really formative those first years are, how can you
trust someone to care for your child the way that you would want them too? I also tried babysitting when I
came home. I can tell you that I have very strong mothering instincts but carrying for someone else's child
is not the same as caring for your own child. Mothers are irreplaceable.
--LM
When my children were little I had a problem with my oldest one season with a terrible case of the flu.
The poor child could not keep anything down. This was before Pedialyte and gatorade was not popular
then. (No I am not from the stone age. ha ha) Anyhow doctors then would recommend jello water. It was
good for them to get the gelatin and babies love it. I would take a teaspoon of jello and a teaspoon of sugar
to a bottle of cold water and shake. My children loved this so much that soon I was making jello drinks
instead of koolaid.
--Tina S.
Shawn writes:
Why would you have a baby, and then pass it on to someone else to raise? Please reconsider because
babies just aren't that expensive, and staying home with them is priceless. My oldest is now 24, and I
have no regrets for those years spent at home. I also have a young one, so am aware of current costs of
babies, AND the costs of college! It isn't as bad as the "experts" will lead you to believe. Find a way to
afford it, please. If you think too hard about it, you'll never feel you can do it, but you can! If you need
support, tune in to Dr. Laura on talk radio. She broadcasts from Los Angeles from 11:00 to 2:00, and is
national.
There are so many sources for used baby furniture, used toys, and used clothes, all at bargain prices. You
also don't need nearly as much as the magazine experts will lead you to believe. Their lists of "must
haves" are ridiculous! Another reason that I prefer used items (besides the obvious thriftiness) is that they
have lost the new fumes, which I have never wanted to expose a child to.
Instead of giving in before the baby arrives, I'd suggest thrifty living right now, and saving as much as you
can. Read The Tightwad Gazette books and others for ideas. The Beardstown Ladies have an excellent
book about money management and saving for your future. Whenever we were feeling low on money, I'd
write down every expenditure to the penny for a month or so. It was really helpful in finding where the
leaks were.
--Karen
Give poor Shawn a break! JP (father for a whole two weeks!) pretty much ripped into him when he
announced that he and his wife can't afford to stay home with their baby. I would like to add a more
balanced view, as someone who has two children (5 and 7) and has worked anywhere from zero to 16-,
20-, 24-, 32- to 40 hours a week.
First off, I want to say that, in a perfect world, I do believe it's great to raise your own kids if possible, but
there are some factors to consider. It's true that many people don't realize that with careful planning they
can afford to have one parent stay home, but sometimes both parents genuinely need to keep working. (By
the way, JP is in for a rude awakening—literally—if he thinks he can work nights and still be an effective
parent to a baby during the day. Not to mention his relationship with his wife, whom he'll never see!)
My suggestions for making the whole baby/parent thing work: Don't downplay the importance of finding
good daycare. It's one of the most critical parenting decisions you'll make. I've found that unlike most
things cost does not equal quality. I've had good cheap providers and bad expensive ones, and everything
in between. Many new parents feel that they don't know much about babies and are easily swayed by
providers who tell them how they should treat their child. You can learn from a good provider, but YOU
KNOW YOUR CHILD BEST! Go with your heart and your instincts, but don't try to save money in this
area—unless you find an inexpensive provider you really like. A good daycare provider is worth her (or
his) weight in GOLD.
To save money, don't buy every baby gadget that comes along. Aside from carseats and other safety
items, many are unnecessary. Also buy baby clothes at thrift stores or garage sales or swap with friends—
they outgrow them so fast anyway! Keep your expenses from increasing and you'll have won half the
battle. It seems like school is a long ways off, but these years fly by! Think of the big picture and
continue to make choices that move you closer to your goal of being able to stay home with your kids.
Being at home and available during your children's critical pre-teen years can be just as valuable as being
home with them when they are babies.
There are many pros and cons to working that you should consider: how it will affect your relationship to
your child, your spouse, your household budget. If your choice puts undue stress on your family life or
your marriage, you aren't doing your child any favors.
I recommend working part-time if you can swing it. I've done it and I'm really grateful that I've been
able to be around my kids so much and still continue with my career. It made it easier when we had
daycare problems (more flexibility), plus I've been able to know that I'm the primary caregiver. There
were times when I was literally making only $1 an hour while working, because of the costs of having two
kids in daycare, but I looked at it as an investment in my future. (Now that my kids are school age, I have
enough experience to work at a very flexible job and I'm marketable because I haven't fallen behind on
technology, etc. I'm the pr director for a nonprofit 20/hrs and week and do some graphic design work as
well).
There actually are some benefits to daycare: strong, self-assured children, for one. However, if you work
you have to be mature and realize that this means you may have to make some additional sacrifices for
your child—like spending your vacation days with your kids and not on some beach in Hawaii while
they're with the nanny.
I hope this helps. To work or not work is an individual decision, and as long as the parent is really
committed to doing the best for his or her child—and sees that the child is well-cared for—the rest of us
should support each other's decision.
Well, Gary, you were right. JP's comments have provoked a response. While I certainly agree that
staying at home with your kids is the best thing you can do for them, I think it's a little rash to say
unequivocally "there's no excuse not to". I can think of plenty of reasons that people can't. Also, I think
it is important to do what is best for you and your family, and if that is daycare, then so be it. (I have a
friend who swears she is a better mother as a result of daycare, because she would be miserable staying at
home all day. And she is a wonderful mother!!)
If one parent chooses to stay at home, I think the best thing to do, is to look for alternative income
sources. When my best friend had her first child, she really wanted to stay home with him. However,
they could not afford that, so she took in two other children to look after. Given that her wages from the
job she gave up were not particularly high, the savings in traveling to and from work, work clothes,
lunches, day care, etc., along with the income from babysitting two other little ones, meant that they were
actually BETTER off than had she returned to her office job.
If that isn't your cup of tea, then how about an evening part-time job for the parent who is staying at
home during the day? This can be tough on the marriage in that you don't get to spend as much time
together as you may like, but you are able to stay at home with your children and have a little extra
income coming in.
By the way, just so JP doesn't think I'm picking on him, I think its really great that he is the one staying
at home with his new son. It will be a time that he will remember fondly for the rest of his life.
I found the best way to organize kids' rooms or playrooms is shelves and
bins. We had a small house in the city and found putting floor to
ceiling shelves in our entry way was very good use of the space. We are
big readers and own hundreds of books. The books were stored on upper
shelves, so upon entering the house a guest would see books at adult eye
level.
Lower shelves were perfect height for the kids to be able to access them
easily and not have the excuse that they could not reach a shelf to put
things away. I sorted toys into piles by classification, such as happy
meal toys, Barbie, action figures, blocks, Legos, etc. This gave me an
idea as to the size of plastic bin that was needed for each 'category'.
I shopped sales and dollar stores for what I thought would work well.
Some containers were open on the top and others had lids. The kids and
I made index cards representing what would go in each bin. There was a
picture as well as the word written out to help the kids learn how to
spell it. We then used wide, clear tape to cover the entire card and
attach it to the container.
I'm not gonna claim that the kids always put everything away since we
all know kids are kids, but this really helped. An added advantage was
there was no need for them to go digging through a toy box when they
wanted a special toy. They knew just where to go get it. This worked
remarkably well from the time they were babies. We moved to a larger
house a few years ago, and the first thing I had hubby do was put the
same shelf set up right into our playroom. This is a system I swear by
and have helped others get their kids organized using the same system.
It can work with stacking bins if shelves are not available or laundry
baskets if you have a large closet or underbed space to store them out
of sight.
Personally, I wouldn't give any child under one anything with orange juice
in it as it can be highly allergenic. Also, and this may be just my
paranoia, but knowing that one should not give any food with honey in it to
a child under the age of one (risk of infant botulism), I am also avoiding
other syrupy foods such as maple syrup and Karo, etc. for my 10 month old.
Also I would like to point out the *best* child rehydration fluid is *free*
and frequently overlooked - human milk. Human milk is classified as a clear
beverage for medical purposes, it is more easily absorbed into the system
and more quickly digested than formula or solids. Many doctors do not
realize this and will recommend pedialyte to a child, when in reality
continuing to nurse the child (more frequently and for shorter durations) is
best in all but the most severe cases of vomiting or diarrhea.
I don't know where you live, but I live in Silicon Valley and there are
garage sales going on here from March to October. What my husband and I
did was go to garage sales in the middle class neighborhoods (lower class
usually has junk and upper class usually want too much money). In this
area, most people have one, maybe two children and so the furniture is
still in good condition. We searched for months and were able to buy
just about everything that we needed at garage sales for a good price.
For example, we bought a gorgeous oak crib with a Serta mattress at a
garage sale for $80 (this would have cost $400-$500 in a retail store).
The lady selling it only had one child. She asked $100 for it, but we
talked her down to $80. We got an ash changing table (that looks like it
matches the crib) for only $25 at a garage sale (the people who owned it
used it for their grand kids, so it was in really good condition). They
asked $50 for it, but we talked them down. The list goes on and on.
Don't be afraid to bargain - it usually works! Also, realize that you
won't find something every week, but that if you keep at it, you will
find what you are looking for.
My first child, a son, is now almost a year old and my husband and I
bought our first piece of NEW furniture for him 2 months ago. Here are
my thoughts on the subject. First, don't be in a hurry to buy furniture
before the baby is born. Certainly, you will need a few basics. A
bassinett is much cheaper than a crib and our son slept in one til he
was about 3 months old. a family member who was done having children
gave us the bassinet. Let family and friends know you are on the
lookout for used furniture. Often those at the stage of raising
children rather than having them will be glad to see their stuff put to
good use. In some cases things can be borrowed and then given back if
the lenders decide to have another baby later. I have lent things in
this manner. By the time my son outgrew the bassinet Grandma had found
a great crib for $15.00 at a yard sale which Grandpa refinished (be sure
to check that crib slats are spaced to meet the new safety standards).
Other items that were given to us - baby bath, bouncy chair, portable
crib, car seat, a rocker, a dresser(which I painted and still doubles as
a changing table), and lots of clothes. Other items I waited to buy
until yard sale season arrived. I got a bigger car seat for $20, a very
nice baby backpacker for $25 (minus a belt clip which I replaced), and a
walker for $15. The only thing I was unable to find used and to my
satisfaction was a high chair. Finally, several months ago I found a
High Chair/Booster Seat manufactured by a company called The First Years
(I love their stuff). It straps onto a standard straight-backed chair,
adjust both in depth and height, folds up to briefcase size for travel
or to put in the dish washer(and it IS dishwasher safe). I would guess
my son will be able to use it til he can handle a Big chair and it cost
me $16 at Target. I know someone else who paid $20 but either way it is
a steal. I highly recommend it.
Resist the urge to outfit that unborn child in your excitement and be
willing to go "Used". You'll save tons and junior will never know the
difference.
If you and your wife are planning to have more than one child, invest in a
high quality crib. Better to buy one very nice one than four ugly cheap ones
which are potential safety hazards. I thought I had scored when I bought a
Childcraft convertible (crib and dresser convert to youth bed later) during a
one hour half price sale ($300 instead of $600). That is, until my neighbor
bought the exact same item for $50 at a Best store's Scratch 'n Dent sale. It
has a sizeable chunk out of the corner of the dresser, but it was easily
repairable and sits against the wall anyway. Call and ask Best, Montgomery
Ward, Sears, etc when they have their SnD sale (usually yearly or
semi-annually). Also, let everybody you know know that you are looking - you
may be pleasantly surprised by a freebie!
Pass on a separate changing table. They take up space and you rarely use
them. If your wife wants a changing table, it's fairly simple to make one
which fits over the top of the baby's dresser. Pads are less than $10 or use
a decorative bunting. This way, as your child grows, you can remove the top
and leave the dresser intact. Or, without the pad, it becomes a lipped place
to store favorite toys.
As far as child care, if she cannot stay home, see if one of your bosses will
let you work a staggered shift. If you are leaving for work at 7, and she
leaves at 11, this means considerably fewer child care hours. Obviously,
having somebody in YOUR home is the best situation. When you advertise, do
not overlook those women who already have children. A woman who can bring her
child(ren) with her to watch yours is a good choice. Also, if you are able to
stagger hours, check with your local "active senior" center and advertise for
a surrogate grandma. The knowledge and experience of somebody who has raised
her own children and grandchildren cannot be equaled. Since a private
provider has to pay considerable taxes (it was over 40% when I did it a few
years ago) and you claim child care credit, she will probably be more
expensive than a center.
Rethink your wife working. Is there any way she can do part or all of her
work from home? Is her (or your) income enough to justify continuing with the
job? Does she have a job which has an on-site care center? Can she bring the
baby to work with her?
Congratulations on the happy news.
We have four children ages 9mon. 2, 6, and 7yrs first baby showers are
great for getting some of those smaller baby items but try and get the
babys granparents or family members or your close friends to throw them
to save you money and make thim fill involved with the up coming baby as
for the big stuff goes you would not believe how many family and
friends have
baby furniuter hiden in the attic or that extra room for who knows what
just ask to borrow and promise to take care of and return.Also the news
paper is the best place to shop you can find great deals for great
prices and sometimes
When you start saving and reusing those little bits of soap, you will
be surprised how fast they accumulate and by how much money you've been
throwing away!
For the couple with their first baby...GO TO THE SECOND HAND STORES!!!!!
Babies and small children out grow clothes bore they wear out. A thrift store near me sometimes has free baby items-cribs, changing tables, high chairs, and swings. If you can see the potential in a piece you can fix it up. I do suggest a new mattress with a cover just for sanitation but everything else can be scrubbed or refinished. When I was born I slept in my mom's dresser drawer until I didn't fit. By that time, my brother could be in a twin bed and I got the crib. The furniture is the most expensive thing to purchase. Choose now for cloth or disposable and let people know so they can give diapers for gifts (also very expensive).
Register your baby at the local store Target has a great plan then people can get what you want/need not what they think you want/need. Do not turn anything down. The child will grow. There is nothing wrong with wrapping a baby girl in a blue blanket or visa versa. Search garage sales for very cheap prices. One I went to recently was at a church "all you can stuff in a paper sack for a buck" you bet I folded and stuffed. I came away with lots of little t-shirts and pants. And some stuff for later. All for $1.00!!
I hope this helps.
First -- CONGRATULATIONS on your good news! How wonderful for you! There's just no blessing like the gift of new life! But concerning your request, I'd like to encourage you, Kristina, to not overspend before the baby is born.
Walking through a department store infant department can lead you to believe that you will NEED one of everything they sell. That's like believing that you NEED one of everything in any other category of product -- not true!
Babies, and especially new babies, are very easy to provide for. They don't care if their bed is a decorator fashion piece or a second-hand bassinet.
They would much prefer to be carried in your loving arms than in a padded, plastic infant seat. They love to be nursed and cuddled and their greatest entertainment is your attention -- and they don't need expensive entertainment centers or toys. (Even as toddlers, they are as happy with homemade "toys" -- a large empty cardboard box, your set of measuring cups, etc. -- as they are with expensive toys you might purchase.)
Newborns do not need a lot of clothes, either. Just keep them warm and dry and comfy and they are content. They don't care a whit about fashion, and aside from sleepwear and underwear, one or two practical, washable outfits are plenty. They grow quickly, too, so you won't want to waste a lot of money on "dress-up" clothes. Look around your town -- or ask other young mothers -- for a children's clothing resale shop. Babies outgrow clothes far more often than they wear them out, and you can usually find darling outfits in barely used condition for a fraction of their new price.
The only "gadget" that I would highly recommend for a new baby (in addition to the car seat you'll need) is a baby swing -- one which looks comfortable enough to sleep in. They're a lifesaver for those times when just nothing else will quiet a fussy baby. Pick out the kind you want and then put it on your "wish list" for Christmas!
Hope this helps.
Here are some $ saving baby tips for Kristina:
1. BREASTFEED!!!!! This can save money on formula costs, medical costs, clothing costs (breastmilk doesn't stain like formula does), and science is just now discovering some other indirect benefits of breastfeeding. For more info contact La Leche League in your area or feel free to e-mail me at roponogo@inetnow.com and I will be glad to share more.
2. cloth diapers - saves a heap! I also found that instead of buying them at Walmart or ordering from an expensive catalog, call the local diaper service and ask to buy their used diapers. The ones I have bought are usually in VERY good condition, maybe a faint stain or two, and are roughly .40 to .50 cents each, sometimes cheaper if I buy more. They also delivered them to my door!
3. Make your own baby food - or better yet, just mash up a little of whatever you guys are eating.
4. Don't go back to work! Unless you make a large salary or have super benefits, the costs of a career (ie clothes, lunch, daycare, commute) usually eat up most of your salary and you have very little, if any, left over. In a lot of cases you are better off staying home and enjoying your baby and cutting costs in other places to make up the difference.
5. Take all the hand-me-down clothes that are offered to you and don't be afraid to shop thrift stores and garage sales. This takes a little more time and wading through, but the difference between a onesie for $10 and a onesie for 25 cents is significant when you consider how many onesies you will actually need.
6. Don't worry about having all the latest toys. Our kids favorite toys have included cardboard boxes, wooden spoons, sticks and the cat. Some toys do have real value, but most kids are imaginative enough to make fun out of anything, especially if you do it with them.
These are just the things that come to mind right away. My husband and I are expecting our third baby in April. We have been married for 5 years, have yet to hit $30,000 a year and have managed to maintain 2 cars, 2 kids, 2 cats, 2 guinea pigs, and buy a big house (got some good tips there,too). We do have some debt that needs to be paid off, but by and large we live very frugally and rather enjoy it. We have found that kids are not nearly as expensive as we were led to believe, at least not before the age of 5. Hope this helps!
--Patricia O
Gary, a great source for helpful hints on lowering the costs of having a
baby is The Tightwad Gazette II, pages 34-37. I checked it out of the
public library. It has many helpful hints and suggestions. Many of them I
used myself when my children were little before the concept of frugal
became popular. I have four children, ages 9 to 18. I enjoy your
publication very much and can always use more tips and ideas.
--Sue
Hi,
When I had my first baby, I went by the book, listened to everything my pediatrician said and spent a fortune. I was wiser the next time around.
First of all, breastfeeding. This is great if you can do it, but if you can't you don't have to buy that commercial formula. What do you think mothers' did before it was invented in this century and they couldn't breastfeed? They made it themselves. Use evaporated milk, boiled water and Karo syrup. (See formula in "Dr. Spocks Baby and Child Care Book") As long as you are giving your babies their vitamins, you don't need the commercial formulas. Besides there was a big scandal back in the 50's about the commercial formulas not containing what they said and it popped up again not too long ago.
There has been a lot of discussion about this not being good for the kids but both my boys were brought up on the homemade stuff and they are about as healthy a pair as you could want. Also, I found that the homemade formula agreed with them better and they had almost no colic. If they had to have the commercial stuff, I could count on walking the floor. I started them on this the week they came home from the hospital, to supplement the breastfeeding and full time at 6 weeks.
Except for the baby cereals, my boys have hardly ever had any of the canned stuff. I would cook our regular table food (especially vegetables) without seasoning, take out their portion and season normally for us. I had a little hand grinder that was just right. One side effect of this, your homemade food tastes better and I find that as a result my boys are better vegetable eaters than most other kids.
Just those 2 things and cloth diapers saved me a lot of money. I also worked a full time job then, so its possible even if you don't have a lot of time.
--Lejeune
Dear Kristina,
The first money saving advice I will give you concerning a baby due January 1, is to pray for it to be a day or more early! The benefit will show up on your April 1997 tax return.
As for maternity clothes, several children's used-clothing stores have a "maternity" section. Most of these clothes have only been worn by other women for a few months, so they're "like-new" without the "new" price. Also, feel free to ask friends and family if they still have maternity clothes that you could borrow. I had my sister-in-law make my maternity jumpers for $10 each plus I bought the material at a discount fabric store.
I recommend to everyone to pre-pay their doctor and hospital bills even if they have health insurance. This may save finance charges after your hospital stay, and financial stress and headaches are the last things you'll be wanting to deal with after childbirth.
As for the baby's room, once again ask friends and family if they have a crib, changing table, etc. stored in their attic and/or basement. You'll be amazed at what other things they will find that you can borrow once they start looking! Just remember: baby's are very small only a short while. They don't care if their room is decorated in Beatrix Potter or not. Before long, they'll be asking for Disney characters or Power Rangers or whatever else is "in" in a couple of years.
On to nurishment for the newborn. The cheapest and most nutritious food for the 0-12 mo old child is its mother's breast milk. If the thought of nursing in public embarasses you, breast pumps can be rented from hospitals very economically. If you must return to work before the child is weaned to cows milk, you can pump on your breaks and store the milk in a small cooler to take home with you at the end of the day.
In the clothes department, baby's grow at a phenomenol rate. My boys were 8 1/2 lbs. at birth and never did fit into "newborn" sleepers. By 2 months, they were in size 9 months, and at 6 months, they were in size 12 months, etc. My advice is to borrow from friends and family or wait to see what gifts you receive at baby showers. Once the baby arrives, you'll know what size and gender it is and you'll be able to shop at used-clothing stores if necessary. Garage sales are also a great place to buy good clothes at a cheap price.
When I must buy clothing for the kids, I only purchase every other size (for example 2T, 4T, 6 etc.). I don't mind them being in baggy clothes for a while once they've outgrown the previous size. In addition to friends and family, we also receive great hand-me-downs from older kids at the baby sitters.
We planned our second child to arrive in the same season as the first. Even though they are three years apart in age, their birthdays are only two weeks apart on the calendar. The clothes from our first son have been the same size and season needed for the second son (we were lucky they were both boys). The only clothing items I purchase from a department store for them are socks and underwear.
I wish you all the happiness in the world with your upcoming bundle of joy.
Get plenty of rest now, while you can. And, make sure the new baby doesn't get _all_ of your attention, your spouse will need some too!
--Shelley
My husband and I are the proud parents of a 9 month old girl. We are also struggeling to live on a beginning teacher's salary, pay off our student loans, save for a house and I have chosen to stay home. We have therefore become somewhat of experts on raising babies for less. I could write forever but my main advice is to evaluate your life and realistically determine what you need. For example we got a gift of a stroller and kept it thinking everyone needs a stroller right? Well for us the answer was wrong!
We don't go to malls or other places where a stroller seems necessary. We are more the take a hike type people. Therefore, a kelty kid backpack was what we really needed, so we bought one. There all all sorts of examples of things you don't really need but other people say you do or the t.v. ads say you do. Think about what you will really use.
Here are some tips on cleaning baby as well.
--Julie
As advice for Kristina and her husband: You can find pretty much anything you need for a new baby at thrift shops. Don't buy anything new unless you absolutely have to. Baby clothes are available for incredibly cheap at every secondhand store on earth and many were hardly even worn before being given away!
For the big-ticket items like carseat, stroller, crib, etc. put out the word to friends and family that they could chip in on them as a baby gift. I would be very careful puchasing a carseat or crib secondhand because the safety regulations change dramatically in a very short time and older ones may not be safe.
Don't bother with a changing table. Put a bath mat on any flat surface and put the diapers & wipes in a carry-bag that you can tote all around the house ...
you won't want to run upstairs to change a diaper if you're downstairs just because that's where the changing table is.
Use cloth diapers. I found "Nikky" brand velcro diaper covers at thrift shops for a couple of dollars apiece - you can put a regular flat diaper inside them and they're very easy to change & launder. This alone will save you a fortune. Nylon pants also work but I found the Nikkys a lot easier.
A wet washcloth works better than baby wipes. We use a squirt bottle with a mix of water & a little baby oil to moisten a square of cloth, then throw it in the diaper pail with the cloth diapers. When out & about, I carry damp cloths in a ziploc bag (with a separate larger ziploc for wet diapers & used cloths).
Cultivate friendships with people who have slightly older children. You'll get an infinite supply of hand-me-downs! You can trade babysitting or some other skill of yours in exchange.
Forget about baby food. Those little jars cost a fortune! You can mash cooked vegetables and ripe fruit with a fork when the time comes, or use a food processor. Freeze little portions in ice cube trays and store them in a ziploc bag in the freezer - you can thaw them in a microwave or under warm water.
Last but certainly not least, BREAST FEED! It's better for the baby and WAY cheaper than formula.
Enjoy your little bundle!
for Kristina, expecting her new baby:
Breastfeed and wash cloth diapers. Carry the baby in a snugli, then a Sarah's Ride and/or backpack. Your baby will be opimially nourished and securely attached. You will be more serene. All these elements save money and improve quality of life.
--VM
Congratulations! Two of my three babies were due on January 1. Most people said, "Wow, I hope you're hoping for the first baby of the new year." On this forum, you won't be surprised to learn we wanted the tax deduction instead! We ended up having one of each!
By far the best advice I can give a new mother is to breastfeed. You can save enough on formula alone to buy a major home appliance. Breastfed babies "pay off" in other ways, too. Artificially fed babies visit the doctor four times more often than breastfed babies; and the hospital seven times more often. Ear infections are greatly reduced in breastfed babies, along with respiratory and intestinal illnesses. There are also long-term financial benefits like: less need for braces, lower incidence of breast cancer for mother, lower incidence of juvenile diabetes, and many many other proven advantages.
If you are planning on using cloth diapers (another cost-saver that isn't nearly as difficult as most people think), then a breastfed babies diapers will smell infinitely better.
Don't be afraid of rumors you hear about it being "too hard" or "didn't work out." Breastfeeding is really very easy if you know just a couple of things in advance. There are many books out there to help you (one I liked was _The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding_ by La Leche League International.) In addition, La Leche League (LLL) offers free meetings for pregnant and new mothers, free 24 hour phone counseling, and many inexpensive pamphlets on specific breastfeeding topics. They helped me a lot when I was pregnant with my first baby. LLL's web page is www.prairienet.org/llli/ phone number: 1-800-La Leche.
Congratulations Kristina, there's nothing like having your first baby.
Luckily, there are a lot of ways to save money with your baby. First, plan to breastfeed. It's free! And, it's the best nutrition for your baby.
You can contact your local La Leche League for answers to questions or support. They are a wealth of information and experience. If you can't find your local number in the phone book call 1-800-525-3243 to find out how to contact a local group. Also, check to see if your local hospital has a lactation consultant to assist you. You don't need to wait until after the baby arrives to contact these folks, talk to them before the baby comes for ideas and resources.
Now for diapers. Cloth will save you lots in the long run. Let friends know cloth diapers make great shower gifts and you'll save even more. My experience has been that my kids had problems with paper diapers and diaper rash and very little rash with cloth diapers. There's a whole write up on washing them, etc. in the "Tightwad Gazette." Additionally, they're more environmentally sound.
You can also make your own diaper wipes. I used an old terrycloth robe for mine. Simply cut out litte wash clothes and either zigzag the edges or use a surger if you have one. As long as you're washing diapers you might as well wash wipes too. Just throw them in the diaper bucket with the diapers. You'll have less trouble with irritation since you'll just be using water on your baby's bottom. If you live in a cold climate you can use warm water to wet them and your baby will be much happier. Just fill a thermos with hot water in the morning and you'll have warm water for wipes all day long.
The soap industry leads you to believe that you need special soap for babies. Not necessarily so. Every baby is different and yours might do just fine with your regular brand of soap; esp. if you use a dye and perfume free brand. Also, borax will kill germs in your wash. Before you go out and buy the expensive "baby' soaps, try your regular soap and see how your baby tolerates it. I have yet to need anything other than my regular brand.
As your baby grows you'll face the need to add solids to the breastfeeding.
Again, industry would have you believe you need lots of little jars of food for your little one. Making your own baby food is easy and less expensive. Fruits and vegetables can be steamed and then pureed in your blender. Use the steaming water to thin them if necessary. You can freeze them in ice cube trays for individual servings to be used later. Also, a food mill will allow you to grind up food at the table as your baby progresses. These can often be found at garage sales.
These are just a few of the basics. There's a lot of equipment made for babies these days but, as you can imagine, you can live without just about all of them. Don't be too quick to purchase unnecessary items. Be patient and wait to see if you really need them. Always try to see if you can come up with a less expensive alternative before making costly purchases.
Enjoy your new baby! Good luck1
A new baby is so exciting (and draining, and frustrating and -- yes -- expensive). I recommend highly that you breastfeed -- have you priced the formulas lately? I breast-fed both of mine -- in order to give them the "antibodies" and the benefit of the excellent nutritional habits I maintained while pregnant and breastfeeding. It is a serious cost savings -- but most of all it is so convenient -- you are never out with the baby when he/she is hungry and you have to drop everything and go home. You never have to lug around formula, bottles, etc. You don't have to sterilize, heat, cool or otherwize "tend" the food supply. You do have to put up with a bit of discomfort for the first couple of weeks (talk to your doctor about "conditioning" for breastfeeding and DO IT!!) I thought my doctor was kidding and nearly quit breastfeeding the first week -- but by week 3 it is all old hat.
Practice feeding with a cotton baby blanket draped around you at home and you will be able to feed in public without anyone being the wiser -- but it is a little tricky at first (use a mirror if you are nervous, until you are sure you have it down pat).
Use cloth diapers -- yes I am serious. I used cloth exclusively for my first born (who is now 8) and with my second son (who is now 6) I kept a package of disposables on hand for travel (they pack easier, hold more, and don't have to be packed up and carried back home after use). My first son had a delicate little bottom -- so the cloth was better for him (no reaction to all the chemicals in the "gel" in disposables). You go through more diapers and it is a bit expensive to get the 2-3 dozen diapers and rubber pants to get started -- but it pays off if you have a washer/dryer. They had "diaper covers" when I had my first son that were rubber on the inside & terry on the outside with velcro tabs which made cloth diapers as easy as disposable -- and got rid of diaper pins (which always made me nervous anyway). They are expensive -- but can be used with several changes before needing washed (barring one of those icky situations). Plan to do one load of diapers per day -- it is a fact of life -- but if you price disposables per use and the number needed per day -- not to mention the landfill concerns -- it is well worth the extra effort.
Beware of buying cribs, walkers, and car seats at thrift shops, yard sales or from friends -- I believe you can call your local health department for information on these -- to be sure they still measure up to current safety standards. No amount of money savings is worth life/limb risk. Also -- in case you haven't read about it, the safest place for an infant is in the middle of the back seat. Do not put a child in front of an airbag -- it can be fatal.
Yard sale for clothes. Go to thrift shops. Spread the word in your family and among your friends. Baby clothes are not "worn out" they are outgrown until about age 6 (at which point you cannot keep knees in jeans for more than 3 wears). The "recycled" baby clothes will look as good (except for formula stains- which can be easily noted in natual light -- so check out used baby clothes near a window in thrift/consignment shops) as the new ones, at a fraction of the cost. Also -- I recommend a few good mix & match outfits of the best quality you can find instead of many "cute" but lower quality items. You are going to be doing at least one and most likely two loads of clothes per day anyway (between you, your husband, the diapers and the new baby) so a dozen outfits that fit at any given time should be plenty. By the way -- always take two outfits for the baby on any outing (it never fails to amaze you how fate will treat you if you are a brand new mom out with a brand new baby an hour or so from home).
--Angela A
Congratulations to the couple expecting their first baby in January 1997: The best dollar stretcher you can do is to BREASTFEED your baby. Not only is it free, your baby will most likely be healthier and therefore save on medical bills, both as a baby and in the long run. If you breastfeed, you will not require any equipment or bottles or expensive formula.
La Leche League International has an extensive website containing the answers to many questions about breastfeeding and an internet help form which you can fill out to "speak" with a LLL Leader (breastfeeding counsellor) via the internet.
And you can find out where your local group meets. La Leche League is wonderful place for new parents to get support from each other.
Apart from breastfeeding, I haven't needed a crib, my babies shared my bed.
Baby walkers and jumpers (the ones that hang from a doorway are potentially dangerous). Baby proof you home when your little one become mobile and you'll not need a playpen. Large cardboard boxes are terrific fun for crawling and toddling babies and can be made into a play house. My children loved playing with my plastic containers, pots and pans and wooden spoons. You can make home made play dough and use your own cookie cutters. Make your own homemade baby foods by pureeing well steamed fruits and veges. If you have stairs, you might want to invest in a stairgate or make you own. Some sort of high chair might be helpful when you baby is older. I recommend one with a removable tray. As the child gets older, the chair, without the tray can be pushed up to the table, thus making the purchase of a booster seat unnecessary. In some areas, the Red Cross has Baby car seats on loan or for a small fee or deposit, thus making two car seat purchases unnecessary (infant car seats usually only hold babies up to about 15 or 20 pounds). A full size car seat will hold a child until they are about 3 or 4 (depending on the size of the child). Some full size car seats can recline and with a fabric insert and head bolster may be suitable for a newborn on up. Beware of buying second hand car seats. They may not be safe if they have been in a crash. Most other baby equipment can be cought second hand. A word on diapers: investing in a cloth diaper system will definately save money in the long run. Clothing and toys can also be purchased second hand, but no doubt you'll receive a lot of first clothes and toys as gifts. A good sling was invaluable to me for the first two years. The one I used was an over the shoulder style. If you are handy with sewing, you could make your own. The best thing about it was being able to breastfeed discretely in it. A basic stroller was another investment I used for many years. This is something else which may be purchased second hand.
I wish you all the very best with your new baby.
I Would like to:
--Vera
(3/12/97)
(3/12/97)
(3/12/97)
Also was looking for information on alternative forms of
child care - rather than the day care drop off scenario -
my wife wants to stay home with the baby but we can't
afford it - at least not right now.
Good luck, and happy
parenting!
--Mary Beth
--Joanne
--Stephanie
- Ellen S
--Koni
A Frugal New Mom
Regina P
--JG
you can even get abook at your libary and makethings like cribs yourself
if your daring .
As for childcare I worked with my first 2 children and paid my ant to
watch them but with my first child I was a daycare teacher and I had
free childcare were I worked but with four im a stay at home mom and
their is alot of us out their that do babysit for good prices , but I
would try asking family or friends first because the trust
that your child is safe would be their at a great price range but if you
do look into childcare at someones home be sure to spend time with the
persone and look hard at the surrondings and care of the other children
and the home and yes the price. To find this typ of care giver look at
your locale shoping center or church and sometimes even in your paper.
--Sheri
Good to the Last Sliver!
Jeannie W
Babies Shop Second Hand
Renada
Tips for A New Mom
--Nancy
(mother of 6)
Six Tips for Baby
Tightwad Gazette on Babies
Baby Savings
Just read the suggestions on saving money on babies. I thought I would add a couple of thoughts of my own. My kids are 22, 15 and 5.
Advice for New Mom
Baby Tips
Thrift Shop for This Baby
-TJ
New Baby
Breastfeeding and Cloth Diapers
--Leslie
A New Baby!
- Cindy
A New Baby!
La Leche League International
Baby Tips
--Eileen M
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