Having a baby Old Style???

moneybunnybabe

Thanks peeps.x x I am writing a list as I go from your tips.

I am not sure I will need a car seat as I am planning to sell my car after the baby is born and shall rely on my feet and a robust pushchair.
My doctors, shops and sister all live in walking distance so that will save me on petrol/tax/insurance etc.
I use it now for work, but will buy another little banger when I eventually go back.

X x

KT1985

I am 19 weeks today, and we are trying really hard to be as os as possible:

We have accepted everything we have been given, so have quite a lot of kit. Also, charity shops are great for bits and pieces- one here had a mamas and papas pram/pushchair for £20 a couple of weeks ago!

Reusable wipes- I have bought some flowery kitchen cloths (j cloth type material but a bit thicker) and chopped them up into about 100 pieces and then have 2 clear pencil cases that I plan to use to carry them in when they are wet. I ahve trialled washing them and they are fine- i put them in a separate laundry bag though so they don't cling to the nappies.

I will make wipes solution with a camomile tea bag

I have just yesterday made some fitted nappies using old towels, a flannel, a microfibre cloth and some cheap fleece. Cost per fitted (approx, not thinking of elastic, thread and electricity) is about £1.00. Just need a sewing machine, and then you can buy wraps to go over the top. Ebay is great for stuff like that.

I have also made my own wrap sling for carrying baby when I shop.

Can't think of much else, but hope this helps

Bitsy_Beans

My best bet is try Freecycle (or Freegal as my local group is now known). Even if its just for second hand clothes for baby etc.
You don't need lots of gadgets and if you can successfully breastfeed then that will definately save you money!
Try popping along to NCT Nearly New Sales - you can pick up some excellent bargains there. Google their website and go to Events in your area I think and you'll find the details of the Nearly New Sales there.
A pushchair is a must, makes life so much easier although I did have a sling in the early days.
Stuff like baby baths etc - I found them a pain, use the sink and eventually we used a bath support in the large bath.
Sorry to hear about your OH xx

KT1985

You will need a car seat if you are going in a car at all- our hospital won't let us out without one if you are driving/taxi/lift home. You should be able to borrow one from someone you know though.

moneybunnybabe

Thank you. x x I am hoping to borrow my sisters for the journey home.

ubamother

Just to note, I was a single parent for 11 years with my daughter who is now in her 20s, and I was 17 when I had her. I worked full-time from when she was one and she is now a management bod, with a very good degree under her belt, a happy healthy attitude to work, home, money, her community etc. etc. Do not be panicked by statistics, trends, figures etc. - they only apply to you if you let them. Start learning about benefits, esp. single parent ones, right now when you have the time.

mluton

We went silly on the upcoming to the birth of our little one and lots have gone to waste, but as above you dont really need much on a daily basis in the early days.

The boobs and nappy comment is great.

£20 a week sees us okay for formula and nappies, plenty of offers around weekly at supermarkets. 15 weeks a daddy now.

Molly41

£100-£300

Hi,
Its very common for fathers to run a mile when a baby is on the way - either in their mind or actually do it. He may well change his attitude nearer the time and at least you can have a good relationship for the sake of your babe. Well it happened to me and Im a midwife by trade so will try and share a few things I learnt along the way. Firstly well done on breastfeeding. Get lots of support and help in the early days and concentrate solely on that until you both get the hang of that. It will save you loads of money and ultimately is best for you and your baby. Secondly I agree that really you dont needs loads of baby stuff. The basics and get most of it secondhand from NCT sales etc and charity shops. I always hankered after a good pram but when I eventually got one (with my third) it was too big and i couldn't get it down so went back to my basic one. Test drive your pram. You will need a carseat but they often come as a package. Make sure you get all your benefits - 190 health in pregnancy, healthystart vouchers and surestart grant - 500 if you are eligible.

Lots of luck,
Molly

moneybunnybabe

It's kind of comforting to know that people I can talk to have been through it too...so a big thank you. x x

I think I shall check the internet for pram reviews and then try them out before I buy. I would like something that isn't too hefty as I will be using it a lot - on and off transport etc.

Penelope_Penguin

moneybunnybabe wrote: »

It's kind of comforting to know that people I can talk to have been through it too...so a big thank you. x x

I think I shall check the internet for pram reviews and then try them out before I buy. I would like something that isn't too hefty as I will be using it a lot - on and off transport etc.

Take a look at this thread - Having a baby OS I'll merge this thread to that one later, to keep ideas together.

Since that thread started, we've got the Families Board - you'll find loads of individual threads over there.

Check out the Benefits board, too - there's child benefit, Tax credits, maternity benefits, and possibly income support.

If you have any probs with your current employer, you may want to have a look at the Employment board, too!

Good luck :A I'll keep my counsel on my view of your ex :rolleyes:

Penny. x