How To Have Your Baby While On A Budget

How To Have A Baby On A Budget

We cannot move at the moment without the media screaming about the global financial crisis and how hard things are for all of us. However unavoidably, a long-drawn-out news day comes along, and the media begin tallying up exactly how many hundreds of thousands of dollars it’s going to cost us to raise our children.. But how much does it actually cost to have a baby?

It’s totally up to you

Babies need only cost what you can afford to pay, or what you imagination can come up with.. If you want a new nursery in your home think about ways to lower the costs involved - beg and borrow.

As with most things in life, there is a big difference relating to wants and requirements. Babies are essentially uncomplicated creatures and require little more than love, somewhere warm to live, food, someone to change them and a lot of love - that is the simple part.

Thus if you’re planning a baby, or even a new one, and your budget could do with a little bit of help, below some guidelines that may help ease the financial pressure of a baby..

Borrow, Beg but don't steal

You may perhaps have friends that have a baby that has outgrown the cot or bassinette it has been using, make use of it for the couple months that your baby will require it. Do any of your relatives have a spare cot? Perhaps even the cot you slept in as a baby? Always check that baby equipment is secure and complies with the Australian Standards, but using second-hand items makes immense economic and environmental sense - that is it will slash your carbon imprint. Save your money for a new cot mattress, a reasonable stroller and a new baby car seat.

Purchase only what you require and no more

It can be very tempting to dream away the pregnant months thinking of things you may perhaps need then spending time at the shops purchasing lots of gorgeous things that your baby will not ever actually use. If this is your first baby, try and restrain yourself to just getting plain things like singlets and jumpsuits. You may possibly be shocked with the total of hand-outs you will get for your baby. So often babies grow too fast to be dressed in all the outfits they are given, consequently it makes sense to limit yourself and then see what you really do need to buy.

Swap parties & toy libraries

Inquire with your friends who have had babies what baby clothing, products or items they recommend and what they never used. Trade parties are a really great idea. If friends have babies that are slightly older or younger than yours, arrange to exchange clothes with each other. Go ‘shopping’ at a girlfriend’s house for your baby’s new sized wardrobe and return the favour. Swap or loan maternity clothes once you do not need them anymore. When your baby is older, keep toys clean and exciting by trading with each other once a month, or try a toy library which are increasing in recognition and are a brilliant idea.

Breastfeed

Breastfeeding is the most cost effective method to feed your baby. The health benefits are well-known, but from a financial view point, making your baby’s milk yourself is the ultimate as it’s completely free. Are you interested in learning more about breastfeeding? See more articles.

Cloth nappies wipes

Reusable nappies save money and the natural environment. Modern cloth nappies are a world away from old fashioned terry-towling squares that countless parents were subjected to when they were babies, made from renewable fabrics like bamboo. Now in hip colours and designs, they are more like disposables in fit and purpose.

Using cloth nappies and baby wipes for succeeding babies make it even cheaper. And hey, what’s one more load of washing every two or three days compared to buying a box of disposable nappies each week? But if cloth is not your thing, try using a cheaper disposable nappy in the day-time when you are changing baby regularly, and saving the more absorbent/expensive nappies for night-time use.

Cook or arrange your own baby food

It may well sound like difficult work, but it doesn’t need to be any more hassle than regular cooking. Cook up some extra vegetables with the family dinner, then puree or mash the vegetables as baby requires. Spoon them into an ice-cube tray, pop on the lid, and you have a week’s worth of baby food in your freezer!

If you have any bits and pieces left after you have served dinner for the family, spoon into a small container and freeze. Your baby can eat a range of family meals without any further exertion or cost on your behalf.

Get Dad to make some toys

Make your own toys. Little babies love to grab a red bag filled with noisy paper. Crumple up some newspaper and let them play with it. Fill a little Tupperware container with rice and tape shut to make a shaker. Fill a soft drink bottle with water and bits of coloured sponge and food colouring and watch them roll it around the floor for hours.


Make use of park - swing the days away

Go to your local park, play on the swings, dabble at the beach, read some books, have a picnic in your backyard. They are all free!