First baby on the way, tips welcome!

SwipernoSwiping

:beer:
Congratulations.
If you want to know precisely what you will get call Tax Credits and ask, they'll give you a rough idea.
CAB will also look at all your incomings and tell you what else you might get.
With DD, my ex took a payment holiday on the mortgage - and we really felt it when we had to start paying again. This time round (due november) Hubby and I rent we've done a SOA and are fairly secure in our finances even though I will not likely return to full time before baby is 4. part time around 2 or 3.

For other money saving baby tips - use freecycle/freegle = excellent freebies & carboots to buy bits from. I have pretty much kitted out my baby on £150, as I am having to buy everything over again - we sold the last lot off! That price includes pram, bedding, cot, moses basket, play gym, toys, and soooo much more that will only confuse you if I start rattling on about them. Most baby things are only used for 3-6 months before they are out grown.

Have a think about cloth nappies. Do not think terry squares! Think- http://www.totsbots.com/ ... You stand to save about a grand compared to disposables.

When the other half/missus/lady of your life starts baby shopping, PLEASE ignore the massive list of stuff to buy at the back of the mothercare/babiesrus etc magazines. You don't need half of that!
Oh and check out babycentre.co.uk, they have birth group forums so you can share horror stories, niggles and worries with others that are expecting the same time as you - this way you don't feel so "Is it just me"
Kiddicare is by far the best online site for baby bits - usually MUCH cheaper than in store.

ironman1

Thanks for all the replies. We will obviously find out more regarding tax credits and things like that, maybe after the three month scan, we have only told some family members and close friends so far... It doesn't seem real at the moment! Although it is exciting looking at furniture and clothes. Really can't wait.

I know we will cope. So many single mothers do so hopefully we will be fine

Bacchus_061

It is a great time and try to enjoy every minute with your gf whilst 'little bundle of joy' is still caged in!


Congrats to you both:T

ironman1

Thanks, I think the first few weeks are a worry for first timer, well for us anyway! Just want the scan to come round and to tell everyone. So excited, really looking forward to early next year! Already trying to save as much as possible while we can:beer:

LilacPixie

Statutory maternity pay is 39 weeks so your partner will have an income no matter how small for 9 months . SMP is abiut £117 a week.

jackomdj

As previous posters have said babies do not have to be expensive!

Look on freecycle for things, also e-bay & NCT sales to pay a bit for things....e-bay you can usually get big bundles of clothes for very little money. Let people know that you will not turn down free things!

We bought wipes, nappies (not too many really small ones though), bath stuff (shampoo, wash etc) when it was reduced. Even now we often have a stash where I have bought it cheap.

Are you able to start saving some of your income ready for when your money goes down? It will make it easier as you will be used to it & it will mean you have a little stash to help you along.

Good luck with the new baby.

ironman1

How does the statutory pay work exactly? As I said we will find it all out soon but does that mean she will continue to get some sort of money after the six months 'runs out'?

I'm a bit worried her work will have the 'ump because she only started their a few months ago!

Bacchus_061

ironman1 wrote: »

How does the statutory pay work exactly? As I said we will find it all out soon but does that mean she will continue to get some sort of money after the six months 'runs out'?

I'm a bit worried her work will have the 'ump because she only started their a few months ago!

It depends how long she has worked for the firm?

I believe usually only the first 6 six are full pay. They will keep her job open for longer but not fully paid

ironman1

We will find out next week when she tells them. They should be ok with it, six months of pay is as much as we could want anyway, she's only been there for a while and what with businesses struggling we just don't want them getting annoyed with her having alot of time off!

The six months would be great, but I wan't her to have a year off (as does she), paid or not. Just really want her to spend as much time as possible with the baby.

LilacPixie

Here is a link to the official guidance on SMP http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/MoneyTaxAndBenefits/BenefitsTaxCreditsAndOtherSupport/Expectingorbringingupchildren/DG_10018741