Budgeting for Baby

[Jennifer13]

Jennifer: Thanks for the welcome! ^_^ Wow, yeah, I wouldn't know what we'd do if DH was working for himself as well! I think it's been "nice" to hear that you end up managing. I know it would be nice for everything to be "perfect", but I'm thinking that you just need to work with what you've got. I hope I can convince DH that this is possible!

Looking back, we wouldn't change anything as to DD1's arrival timing. We look at friends who did wait until their budget/finances were in order (not all, but a couple) and they found that since they were a bit older while the house was there, the baby just wouldn't come.

The stress of TTC when older for them well and truly outweighed the stress we had from juggling our finances. And we are financially in a good place now, whereas they can't get the family (or size of family) they wanted so badly. (I should add, this was not friends who took longer to find their mate, or had other factors come into play, just those who put it off to have everything perfectly in place).

It's all relative, if having children is a priority for you, plan your life around that. Things will fall into place! Especially since you're considering this so carefully.

[Alexis83]

Aimz: Yep, got it! :-)

Jennifer13: Yeah, I guess I didn't mention the age factor. Aside from how I feel these days, I'm not sure I really want to wait that much longer to have kids, especially physically. (TMI? Sorry!) And you're right: who knows what will happen if you wait for much longer? I think things might be different for men (they seem to worry less about this?), but for me, I just feel like it's the right time for my body to be pregnant and everything, y'know? Which makes it more of a priority for me. Not sure about others, but I know DH seems to have a bit of trouble understanding this!

[lise]

DH and I both had good jobs before DS, and while I was still working we bought all the big ticket items, plus lots of smaller things, like clothes (we knew we were expecting a DS!). We also bought a new car which we're still paying off.

DH is an economist and LOVES a spreadsheet or two, and he calculated we could afford for me to have 12 months at home with DS, including a period of unpaid leave for me. Unfortunately (for the budget, not for me!) we were unable to find a childcare position for DS and I've had to stay home with him. Well it's been tough at times, we've had to postpone a few bills on occasion but we've always got food, DS is happy and that's all that matters.

Now, everyone has said babies cost as much or little as you want them too. Totally agree. And this comes from someone who bought the best of everything, I think I spent more on the pram than some people did on everything. Does DS care? Not at all, I should have saved my pennies! I've actually sold lots of the things we bought because we didn't ever use them So babies don't need the fanciest of prams, cots, toys etc, they just need food, shelter and a loving environment.

Wishing you the best of luck in your TTC journey.

[Loveinamist]

Was thinking further about this and if someone asked me what big ticket item to splash out on for a new baby I would say a kingsize bed for mum and dad! Many parents end up cosleeping or partially cosleeping and even if they don't you'll have toddlers climbing into bed with you one day! Best to have a big family friendly bed!