https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Tue, 12 May 2026 08:23:23 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/possible-to-have-a-baby-even-if-you-arent-rich#post-10429 Sun, 06 Nov 2011 14:54:56 +0000 sorrycharlie 10429@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>thank you guys! this was seriously just what I needed to hear today. :) it's reassuring to know that we aren't crazy for wanting to have a baby without all the super expensive extras! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/possible-to-have-a-baby-even-if-you-arent-rich#post-10402 Sun, 06 Nov 2011 13:35:29 +0000 looch 10402@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Make a budget and revise it every month! We do a fairly detailed one, which my husband updates with our actuals at the end of the month. It's got everything from the big ticket items to things like my haircut. We were able to see where the money was going and we had some honest discussions about it.</p> <p>I've written about this before, but we banked my entire salary for three years before I stopped working when our son was born. I gave up a 6 figure salary to stay at home, so we've cut out a lot of luxuries, but we still are able to go out a few times a month and buy whatever our son needs.</p> <p>Also, stay away from anything that is an "ultimate" layette or registry. You need very little to start out, and you can always buy used. </p> <p>I disagree a bit on the maternity clothes, I was desperate for a pair of maternity jeans when I hit 4 months. I didn't go nuts and buy designer, I went with Gap and they wore perfectly. I also invested in some great jersey maxi dresses from JCrew, I still wear them now with a cool cardi and boots. Again, you don't have to spend a ton.</p> <p>Lastly, have fun with the preparation. If something happens, it happens. Nothing is 100% these days! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/possible-to-have-a-baby-even-if-you-arent-rich#post-10379 Sun, 06 Nov 2011 11:34:17 +0000 Killer b 10379@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I totally responded to this on Weddingbee, so I won't dupe it here. Basically, my advice would be to check into your insurance coverage and get a good idea of what the medical costs would be. That's your main indicator of how expensive a baby will be. For the other expenses:</p> <p>Diapers - it's a tradition in this town for the fellas to get a "Diaper Party" while the ladies get the traditional shower. Basically it's a last hurrah where they all bring a six-pack and a case of diapers and just hang out. Best idea EVER.</p> <p>Clothes - Grandma's and Garage Sales. Enough said.</p> <p>Toys/Books - wait til they're old enough to care</p> <p>Bottles/Pumps/Formula - don't buy much, only a couple of items until you figure out what your baby likes. Then you can stock up</p> <p>Crib/Highchair/Swing/Etc. - Thrift store or Craigslist. There are so many "like new" or "grandma's house" cribs and toys out there that you can get like new stuff for way cheaper than store prices.</p> <p>Maternity Clothes - wait until you get big enough to actually wear them, then pick out a few staples to wear. Most of the shirts and stretchy pants/skirts you already own will work for a long time. I didn't start showing until 6 months, and even then didn't have to wear maternity items until about 7, and it was just for the shorts or pants that didn't work with the ol' hair-tie trick.</p> <p>Hope it helps! Just think, millions of people raise healthy, happy babies on low incomes. You don't have to break the bank to be good parents! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/possible-to-have-a-baby-even-if-you-arent-rich#post-10346 Sun, 06 Nov 2011 10:19:54 +0000 sorrycharlie 10346@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Thank you! We plan to cloth diaper and (hopefully!) breastfeed. I just created a budget a couple months ago, and we've been very very good with it. I'm actually quite frugal in general - but I always think what-if, what-if. I need to stop and just let life happen. I'm off to go read that blog now, thanks! :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/possible-to-have-a-baby-even-if-you-arent-rich#post-10343 Sun, 06 Nov 2011 10:16:07 +0000 mediagirl 10343@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@sorrycharlie - it's true. If you wait to have your first child until life is perfect, you'll never have one. That's why we finally decided to just start trying. I would say there are a few things you need to pay attention to:</p> <p>1. A budget. Make a budget and stick to it. Right now, start saving all of your extra money. Give yourself your small amount of play money each month but save as much as you possibly can for your medical bills, baby bills and the baby once he/she is born.</p> <p>2. Prepare. Nurse as long as possible so you don't have to buy formula. Stock up on formula coupons (start now) so you have those if you need to use formula. Don't go all Pinterest on your nursery. You don't NEED a lot of fancy things for the nursery, the baby doesn't either. A baby could sleep just fine in a pack n' play for a year or two? w/o a problem. I found some good tips from Thatwifeblog.com on being a frugal parent.</p> <p>Hope that helps some. We both have jobs but we still feel like we aren't as ready financially to have a baby as we should be. We're sticking to our budget and not buying stuff unless we have to right now. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/possible-to-have-a-baby-even-if-you-arent-rich#post-10334 Sun, 06 Nov 2011 09:59:12 +0000 sorrycharlie 10334@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>So the title of this isn't really literal - just all I could fit in the available space. I suppose my real question is, "Can you give me a positive story(ies)?"</p> <p>DH and I have decided to start TTC - but, I cannot shake this fear that DH will lose his job and we will end up struggling. I'm unemployed (and finishing up my Master's, last semester!) but had a job interview this week. The schedule they asked for did not work with my current classes and internship schedule so I could not take it - but the salary was dismal, little more than min. wage. The only jobs I can find in my field are for licensed MFTs (marriage &amp; family therapist) and it will take years to become licensed. </p> <p>BTW - it's my own crazy thoughts stressing me about his job, he has no indication he'd be losing his job, and is very valued by his company. I just tend to make things up to stress about. We are living quite okay now on his income alone.</p> <p>DH says that you never know what can happen, and if we wait to have our first baby until life is perfect and predictable we'll never have one. I've heard stories from everyone that, "if we can do it, you can too!" and that raising a baby does not have to involve designer furniture, cadillac strollers, etc. </p> <p>Please give me hope that we can do it! </p>