My Pregnancy Money-Saving Diary

I have my first one due in mid-August and am planning on using reusable nappies too... but if you want to potentially save even more money then you could always consider Elimination Communication!

I just found out about it the other day. The idea got my interest because I visited China on holiday a few years ago and noticed that most babies there don't wear nappies - the mum just carries them around with a cloth held against their bare bottom to contain any accidents - and toddlers wear crotchless trousers so that it's easy for them to just squat if they need to. I was told that they start potty-training their kids at the age of one month and usually they're pretty much there by the time they're a year old! It seems that this is common practice in many Asian and African countries.

The reason it works, apparently, is that most infants (both human and animal) have a natural instinct to avoid soiling their nests, so by putting babies in nappies - especially disposable ones that wick away the wetness so the baby doesn't feel uncomfortable - we're actually training them contrary to their natural inclinations! By the age of 4-5 months they're nappy-trained, and then two years later we have to train them back in the opposite direction! The basic idea of EC is that you learn to read the signals that say the baby is about to "eliminate" (i.e. pee or poo), and quickly hold him/her over a suitable receptacle and make a sound that lets the baby know that it's OK to go ahead and do it. A few accidents are inevitable but the baby soon learns to hold on for a minute or two when necessary. It takes a fair amount of work and relies on a consistent approach (so probably not much good if, like me, you're planning on returning to work after a few months) but think of the money and laundry it could save you!

Loads more info and links here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elimination_communication

hi Juliepink,
thanks for your post.could you kindly name this shop in North London where you got your stuff for half price?? much appreciated

I read somewhere that some research had been done that said the environmental impact of reuseables and disposables was aboutthe same, after you factor in the water/energy/tumble drier used to wash them and the detergents used. I've used disposables with my daughter and I don't regret it, I have no time as it is and do so much laundry anyway! When I was pregnant I was determined to use reuseables but when it came to the crunch I went for the easy option, it was bad enough washing all her 4 changes of clothes a day without having nappies aswell. The only other plus of reuseables was the cost, but I've found that the estimated cost of keeping children in nappies extremely exagerated. After the initial sloppy poo onslaught, I found we were going through maximim 4 a day at 10p each and considering I hope to have her out of nappies by her 2nd birthday I make that less than £300, a lot less than some of the figures you here, they are either still in nappies at four, or they are buying very expensive nappies and changing them every five minutes. I'm not against anyone using reuseables, just like I wouldn't expect anyone to judge me for using disposables, but I don think it's important to be realistic about what you can achieve, for me it was a toss up between struggling and persevearing with breast feeding and using washables, both are so time consuming I don't think I could have done both. I'm glad I picked feeding. I have a friend who is sometimes waiting for the nappies to dry so she can change his nappy. crazy!

Also you could join

http://www.babysfirstdiary.com/

Welcome to Baby's First Diary – a complete record of your first year with your new baby.

We would like to find out all about the first year of your baby's life, and all the things you and your baby see, learn and do together. We will ask you to record a short weekly diary about your baby (to find out more about the diary and High Street Vouchers click here) and his or her development, and also to complete one questionnaire per month of this first year (to find out more about the questionnaires click here). In return, we are offering a personalised hard bound diary (for free!) detailing your first year with your baby.

Simply log in to your own secure web page each week and leave your thoughts and feelings, as well as any big milestones (first tooth, first word etc.) and at the end of the year Baby's First Diary will send you a professionally printed, fully bound copy of the diary.


My baby is only 8 months so haven't recieved a diary yet but will let you know !

Jo

Thanks for this thread and congratulations!

I had my baby boy in January this year and it has been much cheaper the second time round. My daughter was born when I had credit cards!! I bought the best I could then and kept everything. I bought all the big items and bedding etc in neutral colours.

I obviously couldn't re-use her clothes. I sold these on ebay and bought bundles of boys' clothes.

The only real expense I have is to buy a highchair. I bought a wooden two piece highchair that separates into a table and chair when my daughter was born. But, whatever I try I cannot get my little girl to donate her table, which she uses for eating, painting etc, to her little brother. So that wasn't the money saver I thought it would be.

My brother's girlfriend is expecting a baby in September. I've tried to convince him to buy second hand - but he doesn't want to. I told him that by the time she's 6 months old, he'll realise how expensive just clothes are and he'll be happy for anything! He thinks I'm joking. He'll learn!

Anyway, I'll keep reading this and if I come across any money saving I'll drop it in.

Don't forget that if you use baby wipes, then buy then when they're on BOGOF (even if you don't need them). Keep them stocked up!