Share your tips on baby budgeting.
We can't turn around at the moment without the media screaming about the tough economic times we are having. But inevitably, a slow news day comes along, and they start tallying up exactly how many hundreds of thousands of dollars it's going to cost us to raise our children.
Little do they know, we didn't set out on this parenthood journey looking to become financially rich, and yes, it takes money to raise a family. But how much does it really cost?
It's totally up to you.
Having a baby costs as much as you want it to. If you want a new nursery wing on the house, a pram that costs as much as a small car and a mini-designer wardrobe, go for it. Spend your money and enjoy living the dream. Well, at least until the baby arrives!
As in everything in life, there is a difference between wants and needs. Young babies have very simple needs. They need warmth and shelter. They need milk. They need cuddles and love so they can thrive. As my Nanna likes to say, "The rest is just window-dressing."
So if you're planning a baby, or enjoying a new one, and your budget could do with a little bit of consolidation, here's some tips to help.
Beg and borrow.
If you have a friend whose baby has outgrown the bassinette, borrow it for the four months you're going to need it. Is there a cot in the family? Perhaps even the cot you slept in as a baby? Always check that equipment is safe and complies with the Australian Standards, but using second-hand items makes great financial and environmental sense. Save your money for a new cot mattress, a decent stroller and a new car-seat.
Buy only the basics.
It can be so tempting to while away those pregnant hours at the shops buying lots of lovely things that your baby won't ever actually use. If this is your first baby, try and limit yourself to just getting simple things like singlets, jumpsuits and bunnyrugs. You may be surprised with the amount of gifts you will receive for your baby. So often babies grow too fast to wear all the outfits they are given, so it makes sense to limit yourself and then see what you really do need to buy.
Swap parties & toy libraries
Ask babied-friends what items they recommend and what they never used. Swap parties. If friends have babies that are slightly older or younger than yours, arrange to swap clothes with each other. Go "shopping" at a girlfriend's house for your baby's new sized wardrobe and return the favour. Swap or lend maternity clothes once you don't need them anymore. When baby is older, keep toys fresh and stimulating by trading with each other once a month, or try a toy library.
Breastfeed!
Breastfeeding is the cheapest way 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 totally free!
Modern cloth nappies (MCNs) and wipes
Reusable nappies save money and the environment. Modern cloth nappies are worlds away from old fashioned terry squares, made from renewable fabrics like bamboo. Now in groovy colours and designs, they are more like disposables in fit and function.
Using cloth nappies and wipes for subsequent babies make it even cheaper. And hey, what's another load of washing every two or three days? But if cloth is not your thing, try using a cheaper disposable nappy in the day-time when you are changing baby frequently, and saving the more absorbent/expensive nappies for night-time use.
Multi-purpose products
Paw Paw cream. This multi-purpose ointment is great for everything. Nappy rash, scratches, bites and dribble chin. Using one product for everything saves time, money and space! Also, it's made from natural pawpaw so it's kind to the environment, too.
Make baby food
Make your own baby food. It sounds like hard work, but it doesn't have to be any more hassle than normal cooking. Cook up some extra veggies with the family meal, then puree or mash 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 leftovers left after you have served dinner for the family, spoon into a small container and freeze. Baby can eat a variety of family meals without any extra effort or cost on your behalf. Now that is being a yummy mummy!
Make your own toys
Make your own toys. Little babies love to grab an orange bag filled with cellophane. Scrunch up some newspaper and let them kick it. (Note- the newsprint looks really bad on their tiny, silky feet, but washes off easily).Fill a 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.
Get crafty
Want a designer look nursery? Get crafty! Choose a theme and go for it. Try your hand at making personalised canvases for your baby's bedroom wall. Take their footprint and turn it into an artwork. Embroider their name on a pillow. Sew some simple bunny rugs, sheets or even learn to knit. Retro, folk-inspired design is so in right now, that your first attempts will totally fit the naive look!
The best things in life are free.
Go to the local park, play on the swings, dabble at the beach, read some books, have a picnic in your backyard. Children gain so much pleasure from simply discovering their world, and sharing it with you. The Beatles were definitely onto something when they sang "Money can't buy me love". Invest your time with your little one, and what you get back will be more precious than gold.
If you have any more tips share them with Mums and mums-to-be in our pregnancy forum.
