How to survive on 1 income with a baby?

Del_Astra

podperson wrote: »

It depends on your OH's income. If he is on a low income then you may get a small amount of housing/council tax benefit. You may also be able to claim tax credits and you will get child benefit when the baby is born.
As mentioned above apart from the initial items to buy then when they're small they don't cost that much - especially if you can breastfeed. You can get a lot of things like clothes very cheap secondhand - used baby clothes are often in great condition as they grow so quickly at that age they often only wear things a few times.

Totally agree, also you will find family and friends enjoy buying clothes, its wonderful, especially the ones that ask "what do you need".

It is a big lifestyle change, as major as leaving home / getting married (living with someone).

Breastfeeding if possible will save you money and helps get mum back to her pre baby figure.

cottonhead

As others say it depends on your husbands income and dont forget you will get maternity pay to begin with as well. Then also child benefit and possibly tax credits too, depending on your household income. A newborn isnt that expensive really. Cheap clothes at the supermarket are great, food can be free if you breastfeed and gas / water / electric wont really change in a noticble way. Also like others say you wont go out much so that saves money.
The expense is the loss of wage. Do an income and expenditure and see what benefits you could get and then see. Also think if you went back to work what would childcare cost etc etc. You can work out future earninsg if you do go back on reduced hours by using this site

https://www.thesalarycalculator.co.uk

SqueekyMouse

Totally possible.

We're managing fine with a 14month baby and just my DH salary (which I believe is below the national average)

If you've been employed for over a year by your baby's due date, you'll get maternity pay from the government (either SMP or MA depending on your salary - google the current amounts, but I think SMP was about £420ish a month). You may also have maternity pay from your employer - check your contract or ask you HR dept.

You'll also get child benefit which is about £80 a month and you may be eligible for working and child tax credits, but that depends upon your household income

Babies are very cheep really. You should really buy a new carseat and a new matress. But you can get everything else second hand. Even when you want to buy new, things don't have to cost the earth. Avoid JoJoMamanBebe and mamas and papas and check out Ikea for nursery furniture/high chairs etc

ebay, gumtree,charity shops and car boot sales are brilliant places to look. Most of my DD's toys have come from car boot sales

Breastfeed - its free. I wouldn't bother buying a pump or bottles at all. There's no need, and if you decide you'd like to express you can get them when you want them

Investigate baby-led weaning when its time to introduce solids, its much cheaper than buying jars or making your own purees because your baby literally just has a bit from your plate

Babies don't need bath products. They are quite harsh on newborn skin and they don't get dirty until they start crawling through the garden. All you need is some no more tears shampoo.

Our expenses have reduced too. Because I don't work, I don't buy a £2 coffee everyday, or a £5 lunch! I don't need a work wardrobe, and live in jeans and tops. We also go out less to restaurants, cinemas, theaters etc

maman

Just called by to say how much I admire your sensible approach.

Blee88

Oh thank you all for your quick & useful responses! Its really helped us get an idea of finances & budget... I never thought it would be a happy possibility. Other half earns aprox 1800 per month at moment which is probably a good wage considering its double mine. Trying to focus on saving for a morgage deposit within the next year and maybe try then Thanks again for everyones wonderful advice!

animalhouse

Just dashing by but wishing you all the best. Having DS (aged 11 now) has been the greatest adventure and I'd heartily recommend kids!