Baby Budgeting

Congratulations you’ve just found out your expecting! But did you know that a baby in its first year can cost nearly £8000 then again apparently it can cost a tiny percentage of this. What makes the difference? Planning ahead apparently. Using a fabulous calculator like Everyday Loans Baby Calculator is a great way to figure out and see how much you have to spend and where the expense will be and where you can save. Something I wish had been around when I was pregnant with boys. We never did need the moses basket!

4 weeks old and barely fitting the moses basket!

Of course you will need essentials such as somewhere for the baby to sleep but both the boys were too but for the moses basket within a month and so we barely used it for the eldest and never for the youngest. That’s a good £100 saved straight off.  Second hand of course is great and a fabulous way to save money but always always but a new safe clean mattress. The cot will be fine with a good wipe down 

but the mattress is where you need to splash out.

Clothing – Hmm we spent a fair bit with eldest ensuring he had the nicest looking baby clothes from 0-3 months. None of which actually fitted him when he was born as he was a chunky gorgeous monster and went straight into 3+ plus. We had a ton of clothes as well given as gifts and I think this is a great way to save money too. Ask for gifts from friends that are practical such as any sizing over the first year – they will grow into it and other essentials. It might not be fun or particularly exciting but it’s a great way to keep the costs down.

Another great cost difference is buggies and car seats. The car seats are a must. The baby has to get home from the hospital somehow but do look at other options from a buggy. Both of mine ended up in a wrap or rucksack pretty much for the first 12 months. It meant I had my hands free moving around and the babies were much quieter being close to me and not down with all the car exhaust! It also means your husband can’t use the excuse a friend did that the buggy was at the wrong height for his arms!

You then of course have the great debate of disposable vs cloth nappies. Personally I think they figured out in the end to the same expense but it’s down to time with cloth nappies. I just didn’t have the time nor the inclination to use cloth nappies especially with my second when I already had my hands full.

There are some great ways to save online and budgeting ahead is a perfect way to make big savings!