Comments on: How much we’ve spent on our baby so far

By: Lisa

Lisa — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 10:13:47 +0000

Wow! That’s a lot of money. I breastfed till my son was 1 year old, no water , juice & only other things a few times. I never bought baby food. I used a baby food grinder. You can get for $10-$15 new or maybe even $5 or less used or try Freecycle.I used cloth diapers. I bought 3 dozen from K- mart & some plastic pants & washed them in the tub everyday, as we didn’t have a washer & dried them on a rack in the hallway. I bought no new clothes ,only things at yard sales. The crib was used from someone who wanted to get rid of it & the mattress was $8 at a yard sale.The only thing I spent basically was my time with my son & I’m very glad I did. The car seat was from yard sale too & baby swing, but really don’t need those things. I had a baby front way carrier that he used lots.He’s 18 now & I homeschooled him all way through & he’s working & doing good. The only advice I can give you is to develop a good relationship with your child by spending lots of time with him. I used to read to him when he was 2-5 about 3or 4 hours a day. enjoy your child ! They grow up too quick. God bless your family,lisa

By: LizzieK8

LizzieK8 — Sat, 20 Dec 2008 13:52:24 +0000

Breastfeeding saves an enormous amount of money in formula, bottles, energy to heat bottles, etc. Twenty years ago it was said if a baby was exclusively breastfed, at the end of one year, the money saved would be enough to purchase a major appliance.

Cloth diapers are inexpensive and eco friendly, too. Diaper service is great for the first couple months till you get the routine down. And they include extra diapers for spit ups, etc.

Remember that all the cute stuff is for you. Babies don’t care one way or another. As long as you are near by, they are happy.

We had family bed so no crib, crib sheets, extra blankets (invest in receiving blankets), etc. Most clothes were from the local La Leche League rummage sale and hand me downs from older kids.

The most important thing any parent can give their baby is their love, time and attention.

LizzieK8’s last blog post..Book Challenges

By: TGIF Round Up: Final Countdown Edition — Living Well on Less

TGIF Round Up: Final Countdown Edition — Living Well on Less — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 13:06:43 +0000

[...] to Save has an incredibly helpful and comprehensive list for parents to be of what she’s spent on her baby so far (he’ll be born any day now!). While you’re there, make sure you read her simple [...]

By: Michelle

Michelle — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 04:14:11 +0000

You know, with the first baby we were blessed with showers and gifts….so I think we are actually spending more on the second baby. (#1 was a girl, and everything was pink, #2 is a boy)

We borrowed a TON of items from friends/took hand me downs–it’s all so fleeting, and who has the space to store it all??

Your list is really comprehensive!

Michelle’s last blog post..Read Kiddo Read

By: Kacie

Kacie — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 21:53:49 +0000

I do intend to get more sheets, but only after the ones I have have been through the wash a few times. I want to make sure they hold up, since I’ve read that some baby sheets shrink more than others or fall apart.

Once I know the kind I have are fine, I’ll get more of the same and hope for the best!

By: Tasha

Tasha — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 02:06:42 +0000

Just one comment – buy more sheets! You could go through 3 in a day, sometimes even more!

By: Promises Fulfilled

Promises Fulfilled — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 22:52:19 +0000

I did not keep a list of how much we spent, but most was given to us either as gifts or hand-me downs.

I totally agree with another commenter – you really cannot have enough clothes for a newborn. Somedays, I was so surprised as to how many times I had to change my son – once I felt that I changed him 5 times in a matter of about 15 minutes! He kept spitting up – so then I started to put bibs on him all of the times (except sleeping) – both of my boys spit up a lot, not all babies do. It was nice to not have to worry about the laundry every other day or every few days – especially when I was so tired!

Great job with your spread sheets!

Promises Fulfilled’s last blog post..Noah’s Ark Craft

By: donna

donna — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 16:12:29 +0000

Just keep in mind that most of this stuff gets used by more than one baby so that will bring your costs down considerably.

I am actually impressed, because most first time parents go way overboard and by every nic nac under the sun. They soon discover most things are not necessary. It will vary from mom to mom, but what is so necessary to have to one mom will have been a waste of money to another.

Baby’s are different too–I have had one that loved anything musical then I found my second son could care less about musical stuff. Just continue to take it slow and if possible borrow before you buy…then you will know if it is something you really would use and is worth the money.

By: Stacy

Stacy — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 14:36:24 +0000

I think we’ve spent about the same amount, just in different areas. Since we had so many showers we were very blessed! And I spent in other areas (swing, glider, cloth diapers) but was able to get some awesome deals. A lot of people told me I HAD to have a swing and from previous babysitting experience, I agreed. So I found one on craigslist for $25 (retail price $140!). I wanted to be prepared and have one rather than go out and pay full price. If we don’t use it I’m sure I can sell it for around that price.
Our hospital/medical costs are going to be higher though, ugh, but we’ve prepared for that. Hopefully it won’t be too bad! The more “interventions” I can avoid the better! That will help my stingy soul as I’m in labor. :)
Everything looks great! I’m sure if you figure out something you have to have afterward you’ll be able to pop out and get it.

By: Armen Shirvanian

Armen Shirvanian — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 05:03:10 +0000

The detailed cost information shown here goes far to let readers know the general range of pricing for taking care of a child on the way. The savings made on re-using the materials is quite large, and is a reason why a second child would not have as much of a price-tag attached. Armen Shirvanian's last blog post..Much Of What You See Is Engineered