The Bare Bones Baby Budget

This article is directed specifically at those people who are expecting a child and have little to no way of paying for the baby.

Whether there was a surprise pregnancy, an unexpected lay off, a partner who left the picture or if you simply wonder how in the world you are going to be able to spring for a crib and diapers when buying a bus pass is difficult then this article is for you.

Sleeping arrangements:

There are actually a few possible sleeping arrangements that cost next to nothing.

~Co-sleeping: bring the baby to sleep in your bed with you. It is a good idea to prevent them from rolling off the bed by placing them close to a wall with someone on the other side of them. Clear away pillows and excess blankets.

~A dresser drawer: for an infant, a dresser drawer is a perfectly acceptable place to sleep. A few things to keep in mind: remove the drawer from the dresser and place it in a safe place where it can’t fall and pets or siblings cannot interfere with the helpless sleeping child. Cut up and glue old materials such as sweatshirts, quilts, and robes and secure them to the edges so they act as bumper pads. Make sure there are no loose ends that baby can become entangled in.

Diapers:

Used cloth diapers are your best bet. They can be found on Ebay.com, in newspaper classifieds ads and other parenting resources. Homemade wipes are another wise financial choice. Here’s how to make them:

Homemade Baby Wipes:

Basic and Easy Homemade Baby Wipes

1/2 roll of paper towels (cut in half to make short rolls)
1/8-1/4 c. baby shampoo
1/8-1/4 c. baby oil
2 cups lukewarm water
1 plastic container that the rolls fit in

Cut roll in half and remove center cardboard. In baby wipe container, mix liquid ingredients. and place half of roll in container. Place on lid and tip upside down. To use, pull out from center.

Herbal Baby Wipes Recipe - use basic instructions for creating "roll" as shown above

1 1/2 - 2 cups distilled water
1/4 cup Aloe Vera gel
1 TBS Calendula oil
2 tsp. Baby Shampoo
2-3 drops tea tree oil
2-3 drops lavender oil

Sweet Smelling Homemade Natural Baby Powder

1/2 pound cornstarch
1/4 teaspoon lavender essential oil

Place cornstarch in a self-sealing plastic bag and add the essential oil drop by drop. Tightly close the bag and shake it to distribute the oil, breaking up any clumps through the bag.

Let stand 4 days to distribute the essential oil. Use with every diaper change, or as needed. Potato starch or arrowroot powder can be used instead of cornstarch.

Spice or salt shakers with large perforations in their lids make good powder containers.  Make extra and give away as a baby shower gift!

Clothes:

Hand-me-downs are free and therefore the best deal available besides gifts. Yard sales are the best bet for great deals on clothes. Generally speaking paying more then 25 cents for a dress or $1.50 for a snowsuit is unheard of. During the pregnancy spread the word to family and friends in a gentle mention that although a gorgeous Gucci outfit that will last the baby a month would be wonderful, you are really in need of sleepers and onesies. The great thing about being a baby is that it is okay to go outside in pajamas. The baby is not fashion conscience. All it wants is to be loved, feed and clean.

Car seats:

A car seat is mandatory if you own a car and want to take the baby in it. If you are finding it difficult to purchase a car seat then talk to your doctor about it. The majority of hospitals have a program that gives a large discount on car seats. Some hospitals in major cities actually give away car seats to people in need. It never hurts to ask.

Strollers:

There is no getting around it. Strollers cost a pretty penny even if buying second hand. When the baby is still light enough it would be very happy to be in a sling. A second hand sling or a borrowed sling could be a frugal option. When the baby does get older and needs a stroller an umbrella stroller can do the trick. They cost about $5 used.

Food:

Breastfeeding is by far the most economical way to feed an infant. If breastfeeding is not an option ask your pediatrician about generic powder formula.  

Make your own baby food; not only is it cheaper, it's more tasty, nutritious and it's the real thing!

Rocking Chair:

Think used lawn furniture: It might not look the best, but we are talking bare bones baby budget here and at 3am when baby has been crying for 2 hours straight it would be nice to sit and rock somewhere. Fall yard sales are best to find a good solid lawn chair rocker. Usually, they go for $25 new, so expect to pay around $5-$7 at a yard sale.

Bibs:

Shop in the “salvage” piles in the thrift shops. These are the big containers that have ripped/stained clothing with a big sign saying: 10 items for $1. Look for stained baby shirts or sweatshirts and buy 10. When you get home cut off the sleeves, cut around the vertical sides and now you have a pull over bib! Watch the baby’s soft spot when pulling the bib over the head.

Music and Books:

This is all taken care of with a library card. The library has tons of books, music and videos for the baby. Start visiting the children's section of the library while pregnant. Babies in the womb love to be read to.

Changing Table:

Use the floor or a bed. Whatever works, as long as it is clean, safe and can get the job done.

Bath Time:

For an infant, a sponge bath on the floor with towels is perfect. When they can sit, then moving them to the kitchen sink or bringing them into the bath/shower with you are also fine alternatives to buying a baby bath tub.

High Chair:

A baby does not need a high chair. Eating on the lap of a parent is fine. You can always purchase a second hand high chair at a yard sale or other thrift shop! For older children, used booster seats are a great option. Those sell at second hand stores for around $10 and at yard sales for around $2!

Frugal Fanatic Tip:

Being a new parent is overwhelming in the best of circumstances. Adding financial worries and pressures into the mix does not help to ease the new parent tension and anxiety. It is important to have a positive financial mindset. For instance, having an infant sleep in a drawer is a responsible thing to do if that means staying out of debt.

Going into debt over baby items is fine if it is NECESSARY such as for cloth diapers, clothes, food, shelter, etc. Once a family decides to go into debt for non-essential items that actually puts the burden of a liability on the family.

The interest paid on debt takes away directly from the ability to build a little nest egg. In essence, it takes away financial security from the family. This is important for those who are living paycheck to paycheck. When you make frugal choices for your child you are making positive steps towards their future.

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